Gay Ottawa Attractions

The Ottawa Art Gallery is a free public gallery in the heart of downtown, home to a growing collection of regional and Canadian art, including the Firestone Collection of Canadian Art.

Alongside exhibitions, the OAG offers regular programming, talks, and events focused on community, equity, and care. It’s a quiet but essential space for those looking to experience Ottawa through its artists, both past and present.

The Diefenbunker is a massive Cold War-era bunker turned museum, located 30 minutes outside downtown Ottawa in Carp. Built to house military officials during a nuclear emergency, the four-storey underground site now hosts immersive exhibits, events, and even escape rooms. Visitors descend 75 feet below ground to explore Canada’s Cold War legacy in a setting unlike anything above it.

ByWard Market is Ottawa’s busiest downtown district, known for its mix of open-air food stalls, street art, boutiques, and bars, including a few stylish gay spots.

Daytime draws shoppers with Canadian snacks like BeaverTails and maple-infused chocolate. At night, the crowd shifts to patios, pubs, and clubs, all packed into a few colourful blocks.

C’est Bon Ottawa offers cooking classes and food tours with a focus on local ingredients and culinary culture. Based in ByWard Market, the space includes two kitchens and a boutique, with hands-on experiences available in-person or online.

From market tours and youth workshops to private events and team-building sessions, it’s a well-run setup with a strong sense of place and flavour.

Fairy Cowboy Tours offers drag-led walking and biking tours that uncover the 2SLGBTQ+ history of Centretown Ottawa. Led by Morgan Mercury in cowboy boots and fairy wings, the tour weaves together protest, nightlife, and political history with stops at landmarks like Dundonald Park, the Lord Elgin Hotel, and the We Demand mural.

First developed as part of the Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity's 2024 youth summit, the tour blends storytelling, performances, and historical context into something both joyful and powerful.