In Ottawa, people often associate fun with spending a good sum of cash. However, you can always find a way around the expensive part and still have the time of your life. Here are some free things to do in Ottawa:
READ MORE: 10 REASONS WHY YOU NEED OFFLINE APPS FOR TRAVEL
Free Things to Do in Ottawa – Stroll along Rideau Canal
Also called Rideau Waterway by some, you can see a lot of sights as you go along the winding course of Rideau Canal. You can do this through walking, biking or on your rollerblades. It’s also a great path for jogging.
a portion of Rideau Canal – photo by remundo under CC BY-SA 2.0
Free Things to Do in Ottawa – Find Entertainment at ByWard Market
ByWard Market buzzes with farmers’ market stalls, specialty food shops, colourful street art, hip stores, rustic taverns and stylish bars. It is also a venue for different events and performances that you can witness for free!
ByWard Market – photo by Michel Rathwell from Cornwall, Canada under CC-BY-2.0
Experience the Glowfair Festivities
Each year in June, 10 city blocks along Bank Street in downtown Ottawa take part in the incredible Glowfair Festival weekend. Revel in 2 days and 2 nights of block parties, live music, neon colours and glow in the dark pieces. The best part: everyone is welcome to join in the fun – admission is free!
Silent Disco at Glowfair – photo by Brian Dawson under CC0 1.0
Witness Canada Day Fireworks
There are several places in Ottawa where you can have great views of Canada Day fireworks. Parliament Hill is a constant favourite but if you find it too crowded, you can always head to Major’s Hill Park. You can also watch the fireworks from Confederation Park.
Canada Day Fireworks at Parliament Hill – photo by Rod Brazier under CC BY-ND 2.0
Take Part in Free Summer Yoga Classes
People flock to the Parliament Hill grounds in late spring and all through the summer to participate in free yoga classes. There are also free summer yoga classes at Lansdowne Park and Parkdale Park.
READ MORE: TORONTO TIME IN THE SUMMER: IT REALLY IS “YOURS TO DISCOVER”
summer yoga in the Parliament Hill grounds – photo by David D under CC BY 2.0
Watch Outdoor Movies at Dundonald Park
Each summer, Centretown Movies offers free outdoor movie screenings at Dundonald Park. With this, your Friday or Saturday night movie comes free!
Centretown Movies at Dundonald Park – photo by stephen boisvert under CC BY 2.0
Lounge in the Beach
Take some time out and lounge in one of the beaches in Ottawa. Britannia Beach is quite popular, while Mooney’s Bay Beach is a famous beach volleyball spot.
Ottawa’s Britannia Beach – photo by James R. Skinner under CC-BY-SA-2.5 
beach at Mooney’s Bay Park – photo by MichelCastagne at English Wikipedia under GNU Free Documentation License and CC BY-SA 3.0, 2.5, 2.0, 1.0
Explore Lansdowne Park
You can find historic spots, an exhibition hall, a sports stadium and entertainment facilities in this urban park that covers 40 acres. Or you can always just sit down and relax on its grassy grounds or benches and enjoy the surroundings.
TD Place at Lansdowne Park – photo by Itooksomepics under CC-BY-SA-4.0
Walk on the Mer Bleue Bog Trail
Take your camera with you and take a walk on the Mer Bleue Bog Trail. This looping boardwalk stretches a little over 1 kilometre and allows you to appreciate the views in this side of the Mer Bleue Conservation Area.
Mer Bleue Bog Trail – photo by cjuneau under CC-BY-2.0
Visit Museums with Free Admission
Some museums in Ottawa offer free admission during certain times and days of the week. Among these are Canadian Museum of Nature and National Gallery of Canada.
Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa – photo by Jeangagnon under CC-BY-SA-4.0 
National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa – photo by Tullia under CC-BY-SA-3.0
