25+ Fun Things to Do in Ottawa (Part 1), Ottawa, Canada

But Ottawa was suddenly on my radar when I discovered how many Hallmark Christmas movies are filmed there and in the surrounding area!

We’re talking afternoon tea in a castle, croffles (croissant/waffles), Hallmark filming locations, the world’s longest ice rink, and SO. MUCH. MORE.

If you too want to live out your real life Hallmark Christmas movie dreams (or just want a cool city to explore), I have all the information you need on things to do in Ottawa to plan your trip.

Ottawa is the capital city of Canada. There are about 1.4 million people living in the greater National Capital Region, with approximately 1 million living within the city of Ottawa itself.

Ottawa is in the southeastern corner of the Province of Ontario in Canada. It is 4 1/2 hours northeast of Toronto, and just north of the Thousand Islands in New York State.

It is also right on the line that divides the Province of Ontario from the Province of Quebec. In fact, the city of Ottawa is just across the river from the city of Gatineau, which is in Quebec.

The two cities are so close together, that they are basically the same city. It is easy to include things to do in Ottawa and things to do in Gatineau in the same trip, so this article will include some highlights from both provinces. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).