Summer in Ottawa brings the city to life with open-air festivals, live music, refreshing treats and unforgettable cultural experiences under sunny skies. Groups and FIT can explore vibrant neighbourhoods, discover national attractions and enjoy a packed calendar of events that showcase the best of Canada’s capital. |
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In 2026, Ottawa marks the 200th anniversary of the founding of Bytown (September 26, 1826), a milestone celebrated across the city under the theme Celebrate Together.
Ottawa 200 will feature signature festivals, Indigenous- and community-led initiatives, a downtown block party and more — offering groups and FIT a dynamic range of experiences to build into itineraries. The year-long celebration reflects two centuries of growth while showcasing Ottawa’s creative energy and vibrant cultural landscape. Explore all Ottawa 200 events. |
Summer music and food festivals |
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The Student & Youth Travel Association (SYTA) Annual Conference gathers global professionals from the student and youth travel industry to connect and shape the future of the industry. In 2027, the Annual Conference takes place in Canada’s capital from August 13–16.
The event will provide valuable opportunities to build partnerships, discover new destinations and explore innovative programming ideas, while allowing delegate to experience firsthand what Ottawa has to offer for student groups.
Learn more about why students (and teachers!) love visiting Ottawa. |
Ottawa Tourism Travel Trade team connects with key markets |
Team Ottawa continues to strengthen relationships and showcase the city to key markets through local and international sales initiatives and industry engagements.
In March, Ottawa Tourism and Outaouais Tourism travelled to London, UK for a joint sales mission connecting Ottawa area partners with leading tour operators and travel agents. Supported by Air Canada as presenting sponsor, the mission highlighted the direct Ottawa–London route while building awareness of the region’s tourism offerings. The team also completed a Montreal and Quebec sales blitz and attended Rendez-vous Canada 2026 in Toronto this spring. With more FAM opportunities ahead and SYTA 2027 on the horizon, the Travel Trade team is keeping busy. |
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Vendor Village at the ByWard Market |
Located in the heart of Ottawa’s historic ByWard Market District, the Vendor Village is a vibrant outdoor destination featuring a curated collection of local artisans, makers and retailers.
Admission is free, making it an easy stop for visitors exploring the area. Open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, throughout the summer and fall, the Village offers the opportunity to discover unique products and meet local entrepreneurs.
Whether searching for handcrafted goods, local artwork or one-of-a-kind gifts, visitors will find an ever-changing selection of vendors and experiences in a welcoming open-air setting. Learn more. |
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OWL Rafting on the Ottawa River |
Experience the Ottawa River, one of Canada’s premier whitewater destinations, on a seamless one-day rafting adventure from the city.
OWL Rafting offers round-trip transportation from downtown Ottawa, making access easy for visitors. Choose from a family-friendly low-intensity whitewater rafting trip or a more adventurous medium-intensity experience, with expert guides and all logistics handled. |
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Moxy Ottawa Downtown to open in the ByWard Market |
Moxy Ottawa Downtown is opening soon in the heart of downtown, bringing a new accommodation option to Ottawa’s tourism landscape. The 224-room property combines modern design with social spaces, wellness amenities and convenient access to many of the city’s top attractions, shopping and dining experiences.
Located steps from the Rideau LRT Station, the Rideau Canal and the National Gallery of Canada, the hotel offers an ideal home base for groups and FIT travellers looking to explore Canada's capital.
Guests can enjoy 24/7 food and beverage offerings, coworking lounges, an indoor pool, sauna and fitness centre during their stay. |
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| Museum spotlight: Canada Science and Technology Museum |
When you bring a group to the Canada Science and Technology Museum, you step into a world where science and innovation come alive. From hands-on exhibitions that invite you to touch, test and explore, to amazing stories of Canadian ingenuity from coast to coast to coast, there is something for every curious mind.
The museum is especially popular with student groups, offering curriculum-connected programming that turns learning into an experience your group will talk about long after their visit. With welcoming, accessible spaces and a team ready to support tour operators, the museum makes it easy to plan a seamless, memorable visit for any group. Learn more.
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New tour bus parking payment |
Planning a motor coach visit to Ottawa? Effective immediately, all 24-hour Tour Bus Permits can now be purchased through the PayByPhone app. As part of the City of Ottawa's transition to digital parking payments, tour bus parking meters at short-term spaces are being phased out and replaced with PayByPhone-enabled meters. Tour operators are encouraged to download the app before arriving to make parking in the capital even easier.
For more information on motor coach parking and travel trade resources, visit Ottawa Tourism and the City of Ottawa websites. |
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Connect with the Travel Trade team on Facebook. |
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