It's hard to believe, but summer is halfway over! Don't worry; there's still plenty of time to enjoy the warm weather and sunshine. No matter your budget, there are plenty of incredible cheap things to do in Ottawa this summer.
To help you have the best summer ever, here are 23 cheap things you need to do in Ottawa before fall arrives:
Watch A Magical Casino Lac-Leamy Sound Of Lights Fireworks Show
When: August 10, 14, 17, 21, and 24
Price: General admission is $10 until July 31, then it's $12
Address: Canadian Museum of History, 100 Laurier St, Gatineau, Quebec
Why you need to go: You can watch the international fireworks competition that takes place over five nights!
Eat Some Drool-Worthy Ribs At Capital Ribfest
When: August 2 to 5, 2019
Price: Free admission
Address: Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario
Why you need to go: BBQ is the staple food of summer, so go enjoy some!
Go For A Swim At Morrison’s Quarry
When: All summer
Price: $10 a person
Address: Morrison's Quarry, Chelsea, Quebec
Why you need to go: This stunning swimming hole is the perfect spot to cool off this summer!
Soak Up The Sunshine At This Patio Next To A Waterfall
When: Daily from 11:00 a.m. til late
Price: Various prices
Address: Tavern On The Falls, 1 John St, Ottawa
Why you need to go: This amazing patio is right next to a waterfall!
Explore The Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival
When: August 29 to September 2
Price: Free admission on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday from 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.
Address: 988 Saint-louis Street, Gatineau, Quebec
Why you need to go: Go watch the morning hot air balloon lift-offs and join a free yoga class!
Try The Best Ice Cream Spots In Ottawa
Price: Various prices
Address: Multiple locations
Why you need to go: This ice cream bucket list will take you to the best ice cream spots in Ottawa.
Rent A Kayak Or Canoe At Dows Lake
When: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Price: $16 to $30 an hour
Address: 1001 Queen Elizabeth Drive, Ottawa
Why you need to go: Kayak or canoe the day away with your friends this summer.
Changing Of The Guard
When: Until August 24, starts at 9:45 a.m.
Price: Free
Address: Parliament Hill, 111 Wellington St, Ottawa
Why you need to go: The Changing Of The Guard ceremony is so impressive to watch!
Watch Movies Under The Stars At Capital Pop-Up Cinema
When: August 8, 10, 15, 16, 17, 23, and 24
Price: Free
Address: Various locations
Why you need to go: Have a movie night under the stars this summer!
See The Incredible Northern Lights Sound and Light Show
When: Every day in July at 10:00 p.m., every day in August at 9:30 p.m., September 1-8 at 9:00 p.m.
Price: Free
Address: Parliament Hill, 111 Wellington St, Ottawa
Why you need to go: Watch a stunning light show projected on Canada's parliament building!
Enjoy Huge Cocktails At Flapjack's Canadian Diner
When: Everyday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Price: A beach bucket cocktail is $12.99
Address: 354A Preston St, Ottawa
Why you need to go: Go for giant cocktails on the patio with your BFF!
Visit This Massive Field Of Sunflowers
When: The flowers typically bloom from late July to August
Price: Free
Address: Central Experimental Farm at Merivale and Baseline Road, Ottawa
Why you need to go: Take some gorgeous sunflower photos for your Instagram.
Visit A Road Covered With 300 Pinwheels
When: Seven days a week this summer
Price: Free
Address: Rue Aubry, Gatineau, Quebec
Why you need to go: You need to see this street covered with 700 pinwheels!
Visit Ottawa's Hidden Waterfall
When: All summer
Price: Free
Address:St Joseph Blvd, Ottawa
Why you need to go: Princess Lousie Falls is a hidden gem in Orleans that you need to discover.
Relax While Doing Yoga On The Hill
When: Every Wednesday until August 28
Price: Free
Address: Parliament Hill, 111 Wellington St, Ottawa
Why you need to go: Enjoy a free lunchtime yoga class!
Fly Over Ottawa In A Vintage Bi-Plane
When: Seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (weather permitting)
Price: Your first flight will cost $65 for each passenger, two people per flight*
Address: Canadian Museum of Space and Aviation, 11 Aviation Pkwy, Ottawa
Why you need to go: This is your chance to enjoy a private flight over Ottawa in a vintage open cockpit airplane!
Watch The International Busker Festival
When: August 2 to 5
Price: Free
Address: Sparks St between Kent and Elgin, Ottawa
Why you need to go: There will be four stages of buskers to dazzle you with their performances. You can also join the free circus workshops!
Take Part In Capital Pride
When: August 18 to 25
Price: Free
Address: Various locations
Why you need to go: There are tons of fun events like a block party, a picnic, and of course, the pride parade!
Go For A Hike In Gatineau Park
When: All summer
Price: Free
Address: 33 Chemin Scott, Chelsea, Quebec
Why you need to go: There are so many gorgeous hiking trails to lakes, beaches, waterfalls, and lookout points to explore.
Capital Fair
When: August 16 to 25
Price: Admission is $5
Address: 4837 Albion Rd, Ottawa
Why you need to go: Feel like a kid again by going on all the rides!
Spend A Day Relaxing At A Beach
When: All summer
Price: Free
Address: Various locations
Why you need to go: Summer wouldn't be complete without at least one day at the beach — or two or three.
Eat Delicious Food At A Food Truck Festival
When: August 10
Price: Free admission
Address: 3861 Old Richmond Road
Why you need to go: Go and try some yummy food from all the different food trucks!
Go Berry Picking
When: All summer
Price: Pay for what you pick
Address: 1865 O'Toole Rd, Ottawa
Why you need to go: You can go pick your own delicious raspberries and blueberries!
Now get out there and have fun!
*This article has been updated.