Ottawa – With Open Arms

Tour Times - Spring 2026

As the snow melts, Ottawa looks ahead to the vibrant spring season bursting with blooms, cultural activities and captivating experiences. Groups and FIT can explore 7 of Canada's 9 national museums in Ottawa, savour seasonal flavours and enjoy some of the country's most iconic festivals.

Discover Canada's stories at the Canadian Museum of History

Groups and FIT can't miss the Canadian Museum of History, one of Ottawa's 7 national museums and the largest and most visited museum in the country.

This museum is home to the world’s largest indoor collection of totem poles, the largest exhibition about Canadian history, and it highlights the achievements of Indigenous Peoples in the First Peoples Hall.

Designed by Indigenous architect Douglas Cardinal, the Museum celebrates the diverse histories, stories and cultures of Indigenous Peoples through displays and monumental works of art, while also exploring other personal stories that have shaped Canada until the present day.

Celebrate spring at the Canadian Tulip Festival

Each May in Ottawa, step into a floral paradise at the Canadian Tulip Festival, this year from May 8-18, 2026!

With over 300,000 tulips blooming at Commissioners Park alongside Dows Lake (and throughout the city), family fun, outdoor movies, a blacklight boardwalk and heritage displays, there’s something for every visitor.

Groups and FIT can enjoy self-guided legacy tours, creative workshops and a chance to learn about the historic friendship between Ottawa and the Netherlands.

More details for tour operators are available.

Extend the 2026 FIFA World Cup experience

While Toronto’s BMO Field will host six thrilling matches, including Canada’s first-ever men’s FIFA World Cup match on June 12, 2026, and a Round of 32 match on July 2, 2026, Ottawa provides the perfect complement for groups and FIT looking to extend their experience.

From cultural highlights to award-winning attractions, visitors can enjoy the best of Canada’s capital while soaking up the excitement of the World Cup.

Get inspired with these Ottawa itineraries:

Learn how to get from Toronto to Ottawa (and back).

Savour Ottawa's maple season

Ottawa’s maple season, running from late February through April, offers groups and FIT a taste of springtime tradition.

Guests can visit sugar bushes to see syrup-making up close, stroll or ride through forest trails and sample maple taffy and other seasonal favourites.

Ottawa's iconic winter festival, Winterlude

Winterlude, one of the most beloved seasonal festivals, transforms the National Capital Region into a winter wonderland every year.

While the 2026 edition recently wrapped, groups and FIT can plan for its return in February 2027.

The 2026 festival introduced several new programming highlights across its sites:

At Confederation Park, the Crystal Garden featured the Ice-Carving Exhibition, the Ryan Hill Ice-Carving Challenge, the Lantern Grove light experience and the OLG Sugar Shack Village, among other activations.
At Jacques-Cartier Park, evening entertainment included the Nomades du Parc Nordic Race, an illuminated Ferris wheel and Afterslide Evenings for teens and young adults with DJs, illuminated attractions and interactive features.