Ottawa Travel Guide
Often neglected by international travellers in favour of provincial neighbour Toronto, Ottawa is the heart of Canadian politics and culture. As the country’s capital city, Ottawa is a boiling pot where Canadian culture both shines and mingles with international influences, promising unique local experiences and international celebrations.
Here we celebrate everything it means to be Canadian, from promoting local arts and entertainment to honouring the Canadian principles of diversity and acceptance through international influences. Whether touring the city’s historic monuments or joining in on local festivals, Ottawa is one of the most energized and exciting destinations in all of Ontario and belongs at the top of any Canadian bucket list.
In this Ottawa travel guide, I will give you the keys to planning the ultimate trip to the city, including the top sites to see, the best times of year to visit, and the top nearby hotels for basing your stay.
Facts & Info
- Size – 2,778 km2
- Population – 1.017 million
- Region/Province – Southeastern Ontario
- Time Zone – Eastern Standard Time (EST)
- Airports – Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)
- Nickname – Bytown
- Country – Canada
Ottawa Attractions
Parliament Hill
Tour the heart of Canadian politics along one of the most picturesque spots in the city.
Rideau Canal
Hike, bike, or kayak your way through the city along a National Historic Site of Canada.
ByWard Market
Explore historic architecture, sample mouthwatering cuisine, or shop locally in Ottawa's most iconic neighbourhood.
National Gallery of Canada
Admire Canadian and international masterpieces at one of the premier art galleries in North America.
Canadian War Museum
Uncover Canada's military history with more than 500,000 artifacts and travelling exhibitions.
Things To Do In Ottawa
- Cycle Along the Canal – Rent a bike and admire the serene natural beauty of one of Ontario’s natural wonders.
- Attend a Cultural Festival – Immerse with the local community at a neighbourhood food or music festival.
- Explore a Local Market – Browse through the wares of a flea or farmers market, or visit the artisans of ByWard Market
- Wander Down Bank Street – Sample your way through mouthwatering bars and restaurants along Ottawa’s central hub.
- Join a Walking Tour – Embark on a guided or self guided tour and take in all of Ottawa’s top sites on foot.
Where To Stay In Ottawa
- Sonder Rideau – Best for budget-travellers
- Le Germain Hotel – Best for boutique comfort
- Fairmont Chateau Laurier – Best for luxury travellers
- The Metcalfe – Best for a central location
- Ottawa Marriott Hotel –Best for families & scenic views.
Festivals & Events
Winterlude
Skate along the Rideau Canal while admiring stunning ice sculptures and live entertainment
Canadian Tulip Festival
Admire stunning tulip displays and enjoy cultural performances and family-friendly activities.
Canada Day
Celebrate the anniversary of the Canadian Confederation in the country's capital.
Ottawa Bluesfest
Sway along to the sweet tunes of the blues with cross-genre performances by the world’s top artists.
Ottawa International Animation Festival
Attend screenings, workshops, and industry panels celebrating the art of animation.
When To Visit Ottawa
- Summer – Summer is the best time to visit Ottawa for cultural festivals and enjoy outdoor patios. However, the season also brings with it the crowds of peak season and high temperatures that can make walking the city uncomfortable.
- Fall – Fall is one of the most beautiful times to visit Ottawa, with the sombering hues of the changing foliage accentuating the already breathtaking landscapes along Parliament Hill and Rideau Canal. It is the best time for enjoying an outdoor stroll and browsing local markets.
- Winter – Despite its freezing temperatures, winter can be an amazing time to visit Ottawa. Along with promising the seasonal beauty of white powdered snow, winter is also the only time of year when visitors can skate along the Rideau Canal while enjoying kiosks of hot chocolate and seasonal treats.
- Spring – Spring is another breathtaking time to visit Ottawa, free from the heavy crowding of the summer season. Millions of tulips bloom across the city every year, making it the most picturesque time to visit iconic landmarks and cycle along the canal.
Getting Here & Around
- Airports – Most visitors travelling by air arrive through Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport, which services flights from across Canada, the United States, Europe, the Caribbean, and South America.
- Trains – VIA Rail connects Ottawa to several major cities across southern Ontario and Quebec, making trains an easy domestic option for getting to the capital.
- Driving – Ottawa and its surrounding area is breathtakingly beautiful. As such, I find the drive to the city almost as exciting as exploring the city itself. Additionally, with the exception of the downtown area, traffic in Ottawa is generally fairly light, making travelling by car a great option for getting around.
- Taxis – Taxi and rideshare services are abundant in Ottawa. However, these private transportation options can become costly when overly relied on or when traversing further distances.
- Public Transportation – Public transportation is the best way to get around the city itself. OC Transpo buses and O-Train connect all major tourist areas and make getting to popular attractions affordable and accessible.
- Biking – There are several bike rental services in the city, which combined with the biking trail along the canal, makes cycling one of the most exciting ways to get around Ottawa.
- Walking – Ottawa was made to be walked. Most of its top attractions are concentrated along the Ottawa River, but even further landmarks can be reached within a 45 minute walk down Bank Street.
Ottawa Travel Tips
- OC Transpo App – Download the OC Transpo App for your key to the city’s public transportation network.
- Stay Near Downtown – Book accommodation near Parliament Hall to stay at the heart of the action.
- Dress in Layers – Weather conditions can vary in Ottawa. Accommodate for all fluctuations.
- Eat Local – Ottawa has some of the best culinary offerings in Canada. Sample your way through Bank Street for a mouthwatering experience.
- Visit Off-Peak Times – Ottawa can be packed during peak times. Visit popular attractions either early morning or late afternoon.
What To Pack
- Portable Charger – In a modern city, a phone charger is critical for getting around the city.
- Comfortable Shoes – From local markets to touring Parliament Hill, you are going to be on your feet a lot.
- Seasonal Clothing – The seasons vary greatly in Ontario. Pack clothing appropriate to the time of year.
- Reusable Water Bottle – Ontario has the best tap water in the world, with several refill areas in Ottawa.
- Camera – Ottawa is strikingly beautiful, rewarding superb photo ops and landmarks to photograph.
