20 Canadian Tourist Traps That Are Total Letdowns

19. Parliament Hill Light Show (ON): Meh with a Side of Maple

Every summer, tourists gather on Ottawa’s Parliament lawn for a “light and sound” show projected on government buildings. While well-intentioned, the production feels dated—full of overly sentimental storytelling and generic nationalism. It’s more school assembly than spectacle, and even the visuals don’t quite dazzle by today’s standards. Instead of waiting for a ten-minute projection in a crowd, explore the ByWard Market at night or take a sunset paddle down the Rideau Canal. For a richer take on Canadian history, visit the Canadian Museum of History across the river—it’s interactive, thoughtful, and air-conditioned.