Ottawa Tourism Highlights Visitor Experience and Destination Stewardship During Citywide Event
Ottawa’s heritage, architecture and tourism sector will take centre stage this weekend as Ottawa Tourism and the City of Ottawa prepare to host the 24th edition of Doors Open Ottawa, a long-running public event designed to provide residents and visitors with behind-the-scenes access to some of the capital’s most notable sites.
The free event, scheduled for Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7, 2026, will feature 65 participating locations across the city, offering visitors an opportunity to explore Ottawa’s cultural institutions, historic landmarks and architectural spaces. Organizers say the annual initiative continues to serve as a platform to showcase how the city has evolved into one of Canada’s leading tourism destinations.
Ottawa Tourism will participate in the event by opening the Ottawa Visitor Centre at 54 Elgin Street to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days. Tourism officials and staff will be on-site to discuss the economic and cultural benefits of tourism, while also promoting Ottawa’s visitor experiences and future tourism priorities.
The event is expected to attract both local residents and out-of-town visitors seeking a closer look at the city’s heritage and tourism infrastructure.
Visitor Centre to Highlight Tourism Priorities and Community Partnerships
As part of the citywide celebration, Ottawa Tourism representatives will welcome guests into the downtown visitor servicing space to provide information about the city’s tourism offerings, including major attractions, lesser-known destinations and upcoming initiatives tied to the organization’s long-term tourism strategy.
According to organizers, the event will also provide an opportunity to discuss ongoing work connected to Ottawa Tourism’s Destination Stewardship Plan, which focuses on sustainable tourism development and strengthening Ottawa’s position as a competitive travel destination.
The latest update to the stewardship plan includes initiatives related to Ottawa 200 celebrations, the Visit Ottawa Pass and the city’s growing portfolio of major events.
In a statement announcing the event, organizers said the weekend “showcases the city’s rich heritage, culture, and remarkable architecture.” The release added that the free public event “offers behind-the-scenes access to 65 sites open to the public, providing fresh story angles on how Ottawa has grown into Canada’s dynamic capital.”
To support visitor mobility throughout the city, attendees will also have access to the free Doors Open Shuttle service operating during the event weekend. The shuttle is intended to simplify travel between participating sites and improve accessibility for attendees exploring multiple locations.
Media Access and Tourism Industry Engagement
Ottawa Tourism said the event will also serve as an opportunity for media engagement, with tourism spokespeople available for scheduled interviews throughout the weekend.
On Saturday, June 6, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Jérôme Miousse, Director, Public Affairs at Ottawa Tourism, will be available to speak with media representatives. On Sunday, June 7, during the same time period, Catherine Callary, Vice President, Destination Development at Ottawa Tourism, will be available for interviews.
Organizers noted that media outlets are invited to visit the Ottawa Visitor Centre during operating hours to capture visuals and conduct interviews with Ottawa Tourism staff and representatives.
The event comes at a time when Canadian tourism organizations continue to emphasize destination development, visitor engagement and sustainable tourism practices as part of broader economic growth strategies.
Doors Open Ottawa Continues as Major Community Tourism Event
Doors Open Ottawa has become one of the city’s most recognized annual public events since its launch more than two decades ago. By opening access to spaces that are not always available to the public, the event has helped strengthen public awareness of Ottawa’s architectural history and civic identity.
The initiative also supports tourism promotion by encouraging residents and visitors to explore neighbourhoods, institutions and cultural sites across the city.
Ottawa Tourism said the Visitor Centre activation during the event reflects the organization’s continued efforts to connect directly with travellers and local communities while promoting Ottawa as a year-round destination.
The Ottawa Visitor Centre is located at 54 Elgin Street in downtown Ottawa and will remain open to visitors throughout the Doors Open Ottawa weekend from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.