Boring. Too quiet. Dull. Toronto’s lame brother. These are all terms I’ve heard linked to Ottawa since moving to Canada’s capital for school in 2023.
Though Ottawa may not have the same glitz as Toronto or the electricity of Montreal, it brings so much to the table that I’ve found myself missing it when I’m out of town. For me, Ottawa’s charm lies in the moments that are uniquely its own.
A quiet stroll around Parliament Hill, where the 19th-century architecture makes one feel like they’re stepping into a vintage postcard, and the beautiful National War Memorial, a setting that always radiates mixed feelings of sadness and pride.
Nights at the Elgin Street Diner, where the food somehow tastes better after a long day. Or gliding along the world’s largest skating rink, the Rideau Canal, on a brisk winter morning to get to class.
These experiences aren’t just memorable — they’re quintessentially Ottawa.
The city’s appeal isn’t loud or in your face. It’s subtle, understated and often overlooked. Ottawa thrives on balance and calm. It doesn’t try to compete with the fast-paced vibe of a 24/7 metropolis. Instead, it offers a space where culture and nature coexist.
You can spend a Ferris Bueller-inspired afternoon at the National Gallery of Canada, marveling at works of art. Or if you want a change of pace and some live entertainment, make the trip out to Kanata to see the Ottawa Senators. If you want to stay within the city, head to Lansdowne to catch the brand-new Ottawa Charge of the PWHL or the OHL’s 67’s. In the warmer months, you can even watch the Canadian Premier League’s Atlético Ottawa, or the CFL’s Redblacks.
Entertainment can also be found a stone’s throw away from Lansdowne at the century-old Mayfair Theatre, which plays both current films and classics. Head into the heart of downtown to find the Bytowne Cinema — a similarly storied theatre.
And if none of those catch your fancy, head over to the National Arts Centre, which hosts world-class performances. Want a break in nature? You’re never far from a hiking trail, a peaceful river or a quiet green space, like Gatineau Park just across the Ottawa River.
Ottawa’s charm lies in its duality. The grandeur of landmarks like the Château Laurier sits side-by-side with the modern energy of the ByWard Market, where local vendors, restaurants and nightlife create a vibe that’s anything but dull.
What’s often missed in critiques of Ottawa is that a city’s value isn’t defined by its volume. There’s something undeniably special about walking along the canal at sunset, where the light reflects off the water and off the passing joggers, cyclists and pedestrians.
Beyond its cultural offerings, Ottawa is a city shaped by its seasons, with each one offering fresh opportunities for connection and exploration. In the fall, the city is blanketed in vibrant shades of red, orange and gold, making a walk through the city’s quieter neighbourhoods feel like stepping into a painting.
Winter brings its own form of adventure, with residents embracing the snow through activities like skiing, snowshoeing, and of course, skating on the canal, with a BeaverTail to boot.
As spring arrives, the city begins to rev up, with tulips blooming across parks and streets. Soon after, summer is alive with festivals, patios and the hum of residents and visitors enjoying the warm Bytown weather.
Ottawa also has a sense of community that’s hard to overlook. Farmers’ markets in spots like Lansdowne or Westboro are local hubs for produce and other goods, and you’ll often find people chatting with vendors and catching up with neighbours.
The city’s smaller population and slower pace gives citizens an opportunity to make strong connections — and you’re more likely to run into someone you know on your daily routes than in Toronto, for example, which adds a nice personal touch to the hustle and bustle.
For those who take the time to explore, Ottawa offers something meaningful. Whether it’s exploring historical landmarks, skating along the canal, watching sports games or simply enjoying the tranquility of its parks and rivers, Ottawa provides a richness that’s often overlooked.
So, call Ottawa dull if you must. For those willing to look beyond the surface, it’s a city of surprising warmth, understated charm and countless opportunities to connect with both its history and its present.
That, to me, is far from boring.
Featured graphic by Sara Mizannojehdehi.
