Before heading to Ottawa's top attractions, you might be worried about driving your big rig through the Canadian capital. Despite having a population of around 1 million people, Ottawa isn't very congested, and traffic is generally better than it is in other big cities like Toronto and Montreal. Ottawa also has an excellent public transport system and over 170 kilometres (105 miles) of bicycle lanes. The best places to park an RV rental in Ottawa are at the Rideau Carleton Raceway or a nearby Walmart.
You won't want to miss out on visiting the Rideau Canal during your stay in Ottawa. Ontario's only UNESCO World Heritage Site, Rideau Canal, is the oldest continuously operating canal in North America. During the summer, plan a bike ride along the canal or rent a kayak and take in the sights. In the winter, Rideau Canal is transformed into the world's largest natural ice-skating rink and is a must for any avid ice skater.
Visitors looking to see the best of Ottawa will also want to swing by Parliament Hill. The seat of Canada's government, Parliament Hill, features iconic Gothic Revival architecture and sits atop a hill overlooking the Ottawa River. You can book a tour of the parliament buildings where you'll get to admire beautiful paintings and learn about Canada's history. Several rooms have also been renovated to look as they did in the 19th century.
Itching to get outdoors? Ottawa has some superb parks just minutes from downtown. Walking distance from Parliament Hill, you’ll find Major's Hill Park. Covering 5 hectares (12 acres) along the Rideau Canal, Major's Hill Park is perfect for a quick escape from the busy city streets. The park features several picnic areas and is one of the best places to see the annual tulip bloom. Another great park to check out is Gatineau Park. Just a 10-minute drive across the river in Quebec, Gatineau Park covers over 350 square kilometres of stunning forests and offers some of the best bike paths and hiking trails in Canada.
