Ottawa in 2 Days for Seniors - National Gallery of Canada
A calm, accessible two-day tour of Ottawa in September (pleasant autumn weather). Prioritizes short walks, frequent rests, accessible entrances/elevators, and quiet dining. Uses short taxi or public transit hops to limit long walking legs.
Highlights
- National Gallery of Canada
- Parliament Hill & Major's Hill Park
- Canadian Museum of History (Gatineau)
- Canadian War Museum
- ByWard Market and Dows Lake
Itinerary
Day 1
Classic downtown Ottawa with top galleries, Parliament views, easy outdoor sitting spots, and relaxed dinners. Short taxi hops and benches every 15–30 minutes.
Morning: National Gallery of Canada — relaxed, accessible visit
Start at the National Gallery for large, climate-controlled galleries, frequent seating, and elevators. Take the accessible entrance and move at a gentle pace through the most recommended galleries (Canadian and Impressionist collections). The on-site café provides a calm place to rest mid-visit.
Tips from local experts:
- Use the accessible entrance on Sussex Drive; staff can provide a mobility map and benches are plentiful in galleries.
- Plan to sit every 20–30 minutes — the gallery has multiple seating alcoves and an accessible café (café seating is calmer mid-morning).
- Ask for a wheelchair or scooter rental in advance if walking long galleries is difficult; elevators connect all levels without stairs.
Lunch: Calm, classic meal at Fairmont Château Laurier (hotel dining)
Short taxi or slow walk to the Fairmont Château Laurier for a relaxed lunch in the hotel’s dining room (ask for Wilfrid's or hotel restaurant seating). The hotel has step-free access from the main entrance and an internal elevator to the restaurant level.
Tips from local experts:
- Request a table near the entrance/away from stairs when reserving; the hotel staff are used to accommodating mobility needs.
- There are accessible washrooms and a sitting area in the lobby if you need to rest before/after the meal.
- If mobility is an issue, enter via the hotel’s main (level) entrance and ask staff to escort you to the restaurant to avoid longer corridors.
Afternoon: Parliament Hill — Visitor Centre and grounds (gentle visit)
Visit Parliament Hill for outdoor views and the Visitor Centre. The Visitor Centre is fully accessible with elevators and level routes; enjoy short, seated shows and the accessible viewing areas of the grounds.
Tips from local experts:
- Use the Visitor Centre entrance (level access and elevators) rather than climbing the main steps; accessible washrooms are available inside.
- Take short stops on benches on the grounds — the paths around the Hill are paved and mostly level.
- If you’d like a guided tour, request an accessible tour or notify security at the Visitor Centre for closer drop-off to reduce walking distance.
Late afternoon break: Major's Hill Park — gentle rest and views
A short, flat stroll (or short taxi drop-off) to Major's Hill Park for shaded benches and views over the Ottawa River and Parliament—ideal for a 20–30 minute rest in calm surroundings.
Tips from local experts:
- Paths are paved and level; stick to benches close to the main pathways to avoid additional walking.
- Bring a light jacket for September evenings—the park has shade and some shelter but can be breezy near the river.
- If walking is tiring, ask a taxi to drop you at the park entrance near the Chateau Laurier to keep the walk very short.
Evening: ByWard Market — gentle stroll and early dinner at Beckta Dining & Wine
A calm stroll through ByWard Market's accessible sidewalks with many benches and sheltered areas. Then an early, reservation-based dinner at Beckta Dining & Wine — a quieter, high-quality restaurant with attentive service and step-free access on request.
Tips from local experts:
- Visit ByWard Market late afternoon when crowds are smaller; stick to the main streets (York/ByWard) which are wide and paved.
- Call ahead to Beckta to request a ground-floor table with minimal walking from the entrance and to confirm any mobility needs.
- Public washrooms and benches are available in the market area; bring a lightweight folding umbrella just in case of an autumn shower.
Day 2
A short cross-river morning to the Canadian Museum of History, a calm lunch in ByWard Market, a major museum visit to the Canadian War Museum, and a tranquil late-afternoon waterfront rest at Dows Lake.
Morning: Canadian Museum of History (Gatineau) — accessible galleries with calm pacing
Cross the Alexandra Bridge (short taxi or accessible bus) to the Canadian Museum of History. The museum is fully accessible with elevators, plenty of seating, and quiet galleries showcasing Indigenous and Canadian history. The building has climate control and calm cafés for rests.
Tips from local experts:
- Take a taxi across the bridge to minimize walking; the museum entrance is level and staff can provide mobility maps.
- Start with the main exhibition and use seating areas between galleries — benches and chairs are frequent in larger galleries.
- The museum café is a good mid-visit rest spot with accessible seating; accessible washrooms are on every level.
Transfer: Short taxi from museum back to downtown/ByWard Market
Short, comfortable taxi or accessible rideshare back to downtown Ottawa for lunch. Taxis are quicker and avoid long walks on bridges; allow time for waiting if you request an accessible vehicle.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the museum desk to call a taxi and request an accessible vehicle if stairs or long walks are a concern.
- Keep the transfer short (15–20 minutes including wait time) and sit near the door to minimize movements when getting in/out.
- Carry any purchased items in a small bag rather than heavy parcels to avoid extra strain on sidewalks/stairs.
Lunch: Chez Piggy in ByWard Market — comfortable, well-known local spot
Lunch at Chez Piggy in the ByWard Market neighbourhood. The restaurant is a local favourite with quieter midday service if you reserve; request accessible main-floor seating when booking.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a mid-day table and request seating on the main floor to avoid stairs; staff can usually accommodate mobility needs.
- Arrive slightly before your reservation to secure a comfortable route into the restaurant (sidewalks in ByWard Market can be busy later in the day).
- Bring a small portable cushion if you prefer firmer chair support; staff are happy to help with extra pillows or seat adjustments.
Afternoon: Canadian War Museum — paced visit to accessible exhibitions
Visit the Canadian War Museum with broad, level galleries and reliable seating. Elevators and accessible washrooms are available; choose 1–2 key galleries (e.g., First World War and personal stories) to keep a relaxed pace.
Tips from local experts:
- Plan to focus on two galleries and take the elevators between levels rather than stairs; seating is plentiful in exhibition spaces.
- The museum offers wheelchairs on request and has accessible rest areas; ask staff for an abbreviated route if fatigue is a concern.
- The museum café provides a calm place to rest after exhibits and has level access from the main lobby.
Late afternoon: Dows Lake Pavilion — gentle waterfront rest and short stroll
Short taxi to Dows Lake Pavilion for lakeside benches, accessible paved paths, and a calm atmosphere. Great spot to watch light boat traffic and autumn colors without long walks. Rest, have a light refreshment, and enjoy the scenery.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the taxi to drop you at the pavilion entrance to minimize walking on the boardwalk; paths are paved and level for easy movement.
- Sit on the sheltered patio if it’s windy — September can be cool near the water; the pavilion has accessible washrooms nearby.
- If you want to see more of the canal, stay on the paved multi-use path and keep to short segments — benches are available every 100–200 metres.
Early evening: Dinner at Milestones (Rideau Centre) — relaxed final meal
Finish with an early, calm dinner at Milestones in the Rideau Centre. The restaurant accepts reservations, has level access from the mall, and offers comfortable seating in a climate-controlled setting.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve an early table (5:30–6:00) for quieter service and easier parking or taxi drop-off.
- Enter via Rideau Centre’s level doors and take the elevator if needed; request a table away from the busiest mall entrances.
- If you prefer a shorter end to the day, request a compact menu or share plates to keep dining time comfortable.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 2 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Seniors |
| Transfers | 1 |
| Restaurants | 3 |
| Total Activities | 10 |
| Total Places | 10 |
| Activities Types | Attraction, Restaurant, Culture, Neighborhood, Transfer, Meal, Outdoor |
