The Best of Ottawa’s Architecture That Should Be on Every Designer’s Itinerary
Aside from being a writer, did you know I’m a bit of a tour guide myself? My trusty references: my friends whom I’ve had the pleasure of touring around the city!
I’m pretty confident they’ll say I’m the best tour guide around, although perhaps, they might be a tad bit biased – but let’s focus on the positive, alright?
Anyway, I have a friend who visited a few weeks ago with a sole request for me to take her to the top architectural sites in the city.
This would usually be an odd thing to ask for. However, it didn’t come off as a surprise, considering she’s a budding architect in her city, looking for inspiration for her first big project.
Hoping for her success, I went to work. And lo and behold, her project is now about to come to life, partly thanks to this list that has her big stamp of approval.
And who knows, maybe this is also what you need to reignite that creative spark!
1. Parliament Hill
Media credit: @tripshepherd
Website: https://www.parl.ca
Address: Wellington St
Contact details: +1 613-992-4793
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 8:30 AM to 6 PM
- Friday – 8:30 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – closed
Parliament Hill is one of the most popular destinations in Downtown Ottawa. It’s a Gothic revival-style building built in the late 1850s that paints the modern neighborhood with a historic charm.
It comprises three buildings, all of which are sure to captivate you.
While any passersby can enjoy this magnificent structure by just strolling along Wellington Street, you can also further immerse yourself in its beauty by hopping on the available tours on their website.
You can choose among 4 available tours, each catering to different parts of Parliament Hill.
2. ByWard Market Building
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/z31JmR1wB95jq9QC6
Address: 55 ByWard Market Square
Contact details: +1 613-244-4410
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM
ByWard Market is a downtown hotspot known for its extensive array of delicious dining options, bustling pubs, and charming shops. With a variety of fun things to do here, it’s well worth the visit!
Running since the late 1820s, it’s one of the oldest markets in all of Canada. That said, its current facade was designed in 1928.
Like Parliament Hill, ByWard Market adds to the old-world allure of downtown, making it a must-visit destination for those who want a glimpse of Ottawa in its earlier days.
This 2-storey building is characterized by its Classic Revival style architecture, brick facade, and gable roof.
3. Bytown Museum
Website: https://bytownmuseum.com
Address: 1 Canal Ln
Contact details: +1 613-234-4570
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday – closed
- Wednesday to Sunday – 10 AM to 4:30 PM
Considered Ottawa’s oldest building, Bytown Museum is a stone structure erected in 1917.
It’s a destination that can’t be ignored, especially by those who appreciate old architectural sites that have stood the test of time.
Aside from admiring it from the outside, visitors can also take a peek inside where they’ll be treated to beguiling tales on the evolution of Ottawa through photos and artifacts.
4. Fairmont Château Laurier
Website: https://www.fairmont.com/laurier-ottawa/
Address: 1 Rideau St
Contact details: +1 613-241-1414
Fairmont Château Laurier is a mesmerizing 4-star hotel in the city that has its way of making its guests feel like royalty.
While treating yourself to an extravagant one-night stay will make you fall in love with its gorgeous facade and striking interior, there are other ways to enjoy its French Renaissance roots with a twist of Neo-Gothic.
For instance, you can always try their many dining options, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of the hotel.
I highly recommend Afternoon Tea, especially if a sophisticated English dining experience sounds enticing to you.
5. Shaw Centre
Website: https://shaw-centre.com
Address: 55 Colonel By Drive
Contact details: +1 800-450-0077
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 4:30 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – closed
Shaw Centre is a hub for various conventions in the downtown area. Its facade was made popular because of its LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification, which means its sustainable efforts were recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council.
This includes the use of recyclable materials, as well as saving rainwater to flush the toilets in the building.
It also helps that it’s visually pleasing, of course! Trying to invoke an image of a tulip lying on its side, it’s a nod to one of the things Ottawa is known for.
It’s certainly a great location to visit especially if you’re conducting research on architecture and sustainability.
6. National Gallery of Canada
Website: https://www.gallery.ca
Address: 380 Sussex Dr
Contact details: +1 613-990-1985
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 9:30 AM to 5 PM
For art aficionados, the National Gallery of Canada is an unmissable destination where one can peruse Canadian and Indigenous art, as well as an exciting mix of contemporary, European, Asian, and American exhibitions.
Erected in 1988, it’s inspired by Postmodern Architecture, hence the heavy use of concrete, steel, and glass, creating an almost eclectic feel to it.
Moreover, its asymmetrical facade scratches a part of my brain that makes it satisfying to look at, making it one of the structures I personally admire.
7. The Canadian War Museum
Website: https://www.warmuseum.ca
Address: 1 Vimy Pl
Contact details: +1 800-555-5621
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday, and Friday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
- Thursday – 9 AM to 7 PM
The Canadian War Museum is an attraction that shouldn’t be left out if the conversation is about the best architectural gems in Ottawa.
Each corner is filled with meaningful curation meant to instill a sense of renewal, relief, and peace after a time of chaos.
With the use of slanted lines and inclines in the interior, it’s meant to make you feel uneasy and slightly disturbed, much like how you would naturally be when there’s bloodshed around you.
It’s a stunning piece of work, making it the perfect home to artifacts, photographs, stories, and the like from the war.
8. Laurier House
Media credit: @quirky.chloe
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xM3KiWNcuqn67BR9A
Address: 335 Laurier Ave E
Contact details: +1 613-992-8142
Operating hours:
- Monday, Thursday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
- Tuesday and Wednesday – closed
The Laurier House is a national historic site known for being home to two former Canadian prime ministers, namely Sir Wilfrid Laurier and William Lyon Mackenzie King.
It’s also popular for its striking architecture and interior design, attracting various visitors from all over the globe.
It evokes a Second Empire style with its iron-crested roofs, symmetrical design, and L-shaped structure.
The interior is also captivating, which is why visitors also love touring this historical house. But before you go, take note that there have been rumors of it being haunted!
9. Royal Canadian Mint
Media credit: @klarance.lea
Website: https://www.mint.ca/en/visit-the-mint/
Address: 320 Sussex Dr
Contact details: +1 613-993-0949
Operating hours:
- Monday – 9 AM to 5 PM
- Tuesday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
The Royal Canadian Mint houses a dazzling collection of gold and silver bars, collector coins, and special medallions for those who made remarkable contributions to the country.
You can even indulge yourself in a tour to see the process of how coins are made, as well as the skills needed to produce them.
Aside from its fascinating offerings, let’s not forget why it’s on the list, of course.
Its interesting structure evokes a Tudor-Revival style architecture, hence why it’s so reminiscent of a castle as if echoing the country’s monetary richness.
It has been around since 1905, making it one of the oldest surviving historical buildings in Ottawa.
10. Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica
Media credit: @josephwma
Website: http://www.notredameottawa.com
Address: 385 Sussex Dr
Contact details: +1 613-241-7496
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 9 AM to 7 PM
Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica is a remarkable architectural marvel highly recommended for those with a penchant for historical buildings and Neo-Gothic style.
The interior is made up of ornate sculptures, creating an almost otherworldly feel.
You’ll be specifically entranced by the sculpted wood at the side altars, boasting fine craftsmanship that creates an air of elegance and sacredness.
Fortunately, you don’t have to be a Roman Catholic to be able to visit its walls. In fact, some people visit just to appreciate the work of art that it is.
That being said, please observe silence at all times as a sign of respect.