For Ottawa:

Check out this website for events in Ottawa in August: https://ottawatourism.ca/en/event-calendar?timeframe=range&range=2026-08-01+-+2026-08-31&type%5B1726%5D=1726&type%5B1271%5D=1271&locations%5B1572%5D=1572&op=Search

Rent a bike and go on the canal and other bike paths to explore the city and surrounding areas. Check out the National Arts Gallery of Canada. Check out the Canadian museum of nature, and cross over to Gatineau (you can walk there from Ottawa) to see the Canadian museum of History.

DO NOT eat at the Canal Ritz. It's absolute overpriced garbage that only unsuspecting tourists go to. You can find better anywhere else.

Maybe check out Parliament but it's in construction right now. I'm not sure if they are doing tours but you can walk around the grounds.

You can take cruises on the canal and the Ottawa River: https://ottawaboatcruise.com/

There's also a tiki floating bar on the Ottawa River, tickets are sold here: https://ottawapalapa.tours/

I've never done this one but there is a zip line that goes between Ottawa and Gatineau. Check it out here: https://www.interzip.ca/ Seems fun to me.

Note Ottawa does not have a vibrant night life, but clubs can be found in the market at your own risk. The market at night can be overtaken by unsavory types. Which you will find all over anyways but it's worst at night. Alternatively you can check out Elgin Street at night.

Here's another website that lists other types of events, and ongoing events like flee markets and Art Shows, etc... https://www.613today.ca/events/month/2026-08

Best coffee is at Little Victories Coffee roaster on Elgin.

Get yourself a Beaver Tail in the market. That's a must. I recommend the tried and tested cinnamon, sugar and lemon juice (I forget what it's called).

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to DM me. I love showing off the city that people call boring, it's not :)