Ottawa 200: Events and Experiences Not to Miss in 2026

In 2026, Ottawa celebrates 200 years since the founding of Bytown on September 26, 1826, later renamed Ottawa in 1855.

If you're visiting Ottawa for the first time (or the first time in a while), there are classic Ottawa experiences you won't want to miss. Immerse yourself in culture at one of Ottawa's seven national museums, spanning Canadian history, art, nature and so much more. Check out one of Ottawa's hundreds of festivals, like the Canadian Tulip Festival in May, or Canada Day celebrations on July 1st. Take a free tour of Parliament Hill, home to Canada’s federal government and so many significant historical moments.

Significant events and festivals to enjoy during Ottawa 200

Throughout the year, cultural organizations and community partners are presenting special programming inspired by Ottawa’s past, present and future.

O-Town Animated by Ottawa International Animation Festival

Film lovers can look forward to O-Town Animated by the Ottawa International Animation Festival. This globally renowned festival, held each fall, brings artists and audiences together in the downtown core – this year marks its 50^th anniversary. During Ottawa 200, the festival will present a Public Art Trail, featuring three original animated short films created from archival Bytown photos. This free downtown experience will connect cultural sites through animation and digital storytelling, offered in English and French.

What’s in a Frame? 200+ Years of Community Portraits

History takes centre stage at the Bytown Museum with Ottawa 200+ Portraits, Places, People. Located beside the Rideau Canal Locks — a short walk from major downtown hotels and the light rail — the museum offers an intimate look at the city’s earliest days and the individuals who shaped it. Starting in June, enjoy an immersive outdoor gallery, transforming storefronts and public spaces with large-scale archival images, animated projections and bilingual stories celebrating Ottawa’s communities.

Indigenous Histories in Motion at the Ottawa Art Gallery

Credit: Ottawa Tourism

From September 24 to 26, visitors can enjoy two public art installations by Kitigan Zibi Anishinābeg illustrator and animator Jay Odjick. Visitors can enjoy these installations at the National Arts Centre and the Ottawa Art Gallery (where admission is always free!).

Happy 200th Birthday, Ottawa! by Capital Pride

Every August, Ottawa celebrates Pride in honour of the first-ever protest in Canada advocating for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights. On August 29, Capital Pride promises a colourful showcase of drag talent featuring all six Ottawa queens from Canada’s Drag Race! The entire performance will be birthday-themed, celebrating Ottawa’s history through queer and trans artistic expression (presented in English and French).

NOICE! A Night of Inuit Excellence by Qamaniq Records

On July 11 and November 8, Qamaniq Records brings together Inuit musicians, storytellers and artists from the circumpolar Arctic to celebrate Inuit musical culture and its influence in Ottawa.

Requiems: Jim Logan, a career survey by S.A.W.

From May 1 to June 27, S.A.W. Gallery will present a major retrospective of Métis artist Jim Logan, bringing over 40 artworks from across Canada together. Admission to the gallery is always free!

Bytown 200 – A Musical Journey Through Ottawa’s History by Music and Beyond

Enjoy a 5-part concert series featuring classical music exploring different eras of Ottawa’s history, with bilingual narration! Happening July 4 – 17, 2026.

These are just a few of the many events, activities and celebrations to enjoy in 2026 for the celebration of Ottawa 200.

Outdoor experiences combining history and fresh air

Ottawa’s story is deeply connected to its waterways and natural landscapes. For travellers who love active exploration, Ottawa 200 is the perfect excuse to experience history outdoors.

Interzip Tours

Credit: Ottawa Tourism

Interzip Tours offers a truly unique perspective as the only interprovincial zipline in the world. Launching from Gatineau and landing in Ottawa, riders soar above the Ottawa River with sweeping views of Parliament Hill, the National Gallery and the historic skyline of the city. The Ottawa landing point is just a short walk from downtown, making it easy to add a thrill to your itinerary.

Turbo Tubing

For a splash of adventure, Turbo Tubing blends guided storytelling with whitewater fun. Part tour, part rafting experience, it highlights Ottawa’s waterways while sharing little-known facts about riverside landmarks. Departures are accessible from Bate Island, and public transit connections make planning straightforward for visitors without a vehicle.

Rideau Canal

Credit: Ottawa Tourism

Prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? Ottawa’s riverfront pathways and the Rideau Canal offer kilometres of scenic walking and cycling routes. Many interpretive panels along the way provide context about the canal’s construction and the communities that grew around it.

Dining and drinks in historic venues

Celebrating 200 years calls for raising a glass — ideally somewhere with its own story to tell.

Brigid’s Well

Brigid’s Well is a traditional Irish pub tucked beneath what was once Saint Brigid’s Church, completed in 1890. Located near most downtown hotels and accessible on foot or by bus, it’s a rare opportunity to enjoy hearty fare and live music in a heritage setting.

Beckta

For an elevated evening, Beckta offers fine dining inside Grant House, originally constructed in 1875 as a private residence. Located on Elgin Street, it’s within walking distance of many downtown hotels and performance venues — ideal for pairing with a show or festival.

ByWard Market

No culinary exploration of Ottawa would be complete without wandering through the ByWard Market. This historic district — which will celebrate its own 200th anniversary in 2027 — has been at the heart of the city’s food scene since the early days of Bytown. Inside the historic market building, you’ll find local vendors and diverse eateries serving international flavours, baked goods and produce during market season (May-October). Beyond the building, the greater district is packed with restaurants, cafés and patios that reflect Ottawa’s multicultural character. In a hidden square, Beyond the Pale offers craft beer and comfort fare in a lively setting that nods to the neighbourhood’s heritage.

Essential stops for history buffs

No Ottawa 200 itinerary would be complete without visits to the landmarks that anchor the city’s past.

Bytown Museum

Credit: Ottawa Tourism

The Bytown Museum, perched beside the Rideau Canal Locks, tells the story of Ottawa’s transformation from rough-and-tumble lumber town to national capital. Its central location makes it one of the most convenient and rewarding stops for train travellers.

Mackenzie King Estate

Credit: National Capital Commission

A short bus ride across the Ottawa River brings you to the Mackenzie King Estate in Gatineau Park. Once the country retreat of former prime minister William Lyon Mackenzie King, the estate features picturesque ruins, gardens and interpretive exhibits. It’s a peaceful way to connect with Canada’s political history while enjoying fresh air. Take the National Capital Commission’s shuttle, free of charge, through Gatineau Park.

John Felice Ceprano Rock Sculptures

Along the Kichi Zibi pathway near the Remic Rapids, keep an eye out for the rock sculptures by artist John Felice Ceprano. Since 1986, the artist has carefully balanced stones along the shoreline, creating a free and ever-changing public art experience. These delicate works enhance the park’s natural beauty and reward curious explorers wandering the pathways.

As Ottawa marks two centuries, the city invites you to celebrate not only its history, but also its living, evolving culture. With events clustered in accessible neighbourhoods, efficient public transit and a walkable downtown core, train travellers departing from Ottawa train station can experience the best of Ottawa 200 with ease. Whether you’re here for a festival, a thrill above the river or a quiet museum afternoon, 2026 is the perfect year to discover — or rediscover — Canada’s capital.