Ottawa Flights And Sights

Flying To Ottawa With American Airlines

More Things To Do In Ottawa

It's easy to explore the capital of Canada with American Airlines flights to Ottawa. From visiting museums to enjoying its beautiful natural setting, there are many things to do in Ottawa for an enjoyable getaway. Get ready for an exciting experience with our picks for seeing the city.

As the Canadian capital, located in Ontario, there are plenty of activities in Ottawa that capture the country's spirit and heritage. Start by visiting Parliament Hill, set on a hilltop affording a great view of the city. It's the seat of the federal government and also the setting for national celebrations throughout the year. Guided tours are available for the public galleries and to the top of Peace Tower, which features an observation deck where you can enjoy 360-degree views of Ottawa. During the summer, you can also watch a morning changing of the guard ceremony on the front lawn of Parliament Hill.

The city is also known for its breadth of museums and galleries, and spending an afternoon on a museum crawl is one of our favorite things to do in Ottawa. The National Gallery of Canada is located near Parliament Hill, so it's a great place to begin. You can't miss it thanks to a giant bronze sculpture of a spider in front of the building created by Louise Bourgeois. Inside you'll be able to see an expansive collection of Canadian works, including pieces by Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven, along with international collections and exhibitions. Next door to the National Gallery is the Royal Canadian Mint, where you can take a guided tour and watch coins being made and even see what $1 million in gold looks like. At the Canadian Museum of Civilization, located across the Ottawa River from Parliament Hill, you'll be able to learn about the country's indigenous heritage. It features the world's largest indoor collection of totem poles and the First Peoples Hall is devoted to the cultural origins of Canada.

If you're interested in more adventurous activities in Ottawa, you're in luck. With the Ottawa River running through the city, there are many ways to enjoy its scenic natural beauty. Whitewater rafting, kayaking and wilderness tours are all fun options that will get your adrenaline pumping. On land, Ottawa has a great network of trails throughout the city for biking or walking, and you can go mountain biking in Gatineau Park. Of course, in the winter you can enjoy skiing with cross-country trails in the city and downhill trails about an hour's drive away.

It's a city full of fun discoveries, and the inviting atmosphere makes a visit fun and memorable. American Airlines has made it easy to fly to Ottawa with convenient flights and trip-planning information -- start planning your getaway today.