Ottawa drives seven million people to enjoy outdoor and indoor activities every year. Check out this post to get a list of the best indoor activities!

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Best Indoor Activities in Ottawa

Ottawa is the capital of Canada, located on the southern edge of Ontario. The city is famous for its architectural buildings, churches, downtown area, restaurants, diverse culture, and outdoor/indoor activities. Today’s article will list the best indoor activities in Ottawa, allowing you to spend quality time with your loved ones on rainy days. Read on!

Canadian Museum of History

Ottawa has a wealth of museums, allowing locals and tourists to learn the history of the nation’s capital and explore unique artworks. The Canadian Museum of History is the most visited place on rainy days because many tourists head to this place located across the river in Gatineau, making it one of the grandest buildings in Ottawa.

The museum is home to impressive collections of totem poles of the first nation, artifacts, objects, sculptures, and artwork. You can explore the best galleries and learn about Canadian history. There are plenty of things to do for kids. So, the Canadian Museum of History is a perfect place to spend the entire day with your family and create memories.

The Diefenbunker

The Diefenbunker is a unique indoor attraction in Ottawa, boasting the top-secret underground military bunker constructed in 1959. The bunker accommodated hundreds of famous people, including the prime minister during the nuclear war.

The Diefenbunker is a four-story building with a hospital, dental clinic, cafeteria, and decontamination showers. Locals and tourists can visit the place and explore it for free. There are numerous informative exhibits in different rooms. We recommend taking a guided tour to make the most out of this fascinating place.

Carleton County Gaol

Carleton County Gaol is the oldest prison in Ottawa. The facility was operational between 1862 and 1972. Afterward, the Canadian government converted the facility into a youth hostel. However, the original features of Carleton County Gaol still exist, allowing visitors to explore:

Echoey hallways
Old jail cells
Heavy wooden doors
Solitary confinement
Suicide bars

If you want to learn about Ottawa’s prison history, head to the Carleton County Gaol. Stay overnight at the hostel or take a guided tour to explore the jail. Don’t forget to take photos of this historic prison in Ottawa.

Canadian Parliament

Canadian Parliament is home to the federal government and a beautiful stop for tourists visiting Ottawa. The best thing about Parliament Hill is that you can enjoy the city’s stunning views from the inside. The building is perched above the scenic Ottawa river, showcasing the impressive neo-gothic exterior.

The building has undergone various renovations throughout the years. We recommend visiting the Center Block with a striking Peace Tower. You can’t enter the building without reservations. However, you can take a free guided tour to explore Parliament Hill, visit different rooms inside the building, and view the interior décor.

Nordik Spa

Although Ottawa is home to some of North America’s best spas and therapeutics facilities, nothing matches the reputation of Nordik Spa, a beautiful treatment facility that drives hundreds of people every day when it is raining or a little chilly out. Visiting this spa is an excellent opportunity for tourists to warm up in Ottawa and relish the natural and holistic treatments.

The Nordic Spa is a 15-minute drive from downtown. It is the largest and most reputable spas in North America, offering a mix of outdoor and indoor relaxation areas, including steam rooms, saunas, hot tubs, pools, and gardens.

In addition, the spa has dozens of massage rooms and facilities to enjoy traditional and modern therapeutic treatments. The Nordic Spa also has several restaurants offering diverse menus with delectable food items prepared from organic and fresh ingredients.

Final Words

Ottawa is one of the most visited cities in Canada, allowing families and people of all ages to find something to relish and create memories. Research shows that more than seven million people visit the Ottawa region, so tourism is the third-largest industry in the city, making it one of the wealthiest towns in Canada.

While you can find hundreds of indoor attractions in Ottawa, these places are matchless when it comes to uniqueness, leisure, and memorable experiences. Lastly, Ottawa is an all-inclusive tourist destination in all seasons. Until Next Time!