Ottawa trips and vacations
Halfway between Montreal and Toronto, the Canadian capital boasts artsy vibes, a flourishing food scene and a historic canal. Vacations to Ottawa can squeeze in a lot, from pub crawls and gallery-hopping to marveling at the city’s gothic buildings. Beyond the compact city center, explore hip neighborhoods like Hintonburg and Westboro Village. Ottawa’s sprawling green spaces help maintain the feel of a small town in a big city.
Ottawa vacation highlights
Ottawa
Destination Ontario
Take to the water
The Rideau Canal was created in the 19th century as a military defense. Today it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and a great way to travel during a summer vacation in Ottawa. Explore it by canoe, kayak or paddleboard. In winter, the canal transforms into a giant skating rink. Prefer to keep your feet dry? The paths along the Ottawa River offer scenic walking, cycling and rollerblading.
Grab a treat
Byward Market has been a bustling heart of commerce since it was built for the canal workers in 1826. Today its outdoor stalls and indoor boutiques stretch four blocks. Gourmet food is the big draw here, from pies from Quebec and award-winning cheeses to the deep-fried ‘BeaverTail’ pastries that originated here.
Where to stay
There are plenty of places to pass a quiet night in downtown’s business district, where the hotels encompass everything from industrial-chic and modern boutiques to the imposing Scottish facade of the Lord Elgin Hotel. For a livelier atmosphere, head across the canal. The offerings around Byward Market include the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, a grand railway hotel that feels like a castle both inside and out.
Ottawa: Know before you go
Language
English, French
Currency
Canadian dollar ($)
Time zone
UTC-6 (CST) and UTC-5 (CDT)
High season
June – August
Low season
January – February
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Photographer name
Things to do in Ottawa
Ottawa
Destination Ontario
Take in the culture
Ottawa houses some of Canada’s most prestigious museums, from political and natural history to space and aviation. One standout is the National Gallery of Canada, with its vast Indigenous art collection. Regional artists are celebrated at the Ottawa Art Gallery, as well as in the many private galleries in the Westboro neighborhood. For an outdoor experience, the French-language Vanier Museopark has its own maple forest.
Nightlife
Elgin Street attracts large crowds at its centrally located pubs and clubs. Craft beer is popular in the city’s traditional taverns in the Heart of Orleans district. You’ll also find wine cellars in former bank vaults and cocktail bars in rooftop lounges. To the south, The Glebe offers a laid-back neighborhood vibe with trivia nights and local live bands.
Places to eat
There’s a booming international food scene in this cosmopolitan city, including 200 shawarma restaurants and a heck of a lot of great pho. You can order dim sum any time of day in the city’s Chinatown and authentic gelato in Little Italy, not to mention a host of French-inspired cuisine. Hip wine bars offer small plate menus alongside their biodynamic and natural pours.
FAQs about Ottawa vacations
Organize your Ottawa trip for January and you'll be there when the weather is at its coolest. -2ºF is as cold as it gets.
The variety of experiences on offer makes a vacation in Ottawa suitable for almost every budget. Tours of Parliament Hill are free, and many museums offer free admission at specific times during the week. Ottawa’s also full of cheap eats, from tacos and poutine to Lebanese flatbreads.
This is a true year-round destination, from summer days boating on the river to midwinter skating on the canal. Flights and hotels to Ottawa tend to be cheaper between November and March, while spring and fall offer floral spectaculars. A million tulips bloom across the city in May, and October brings extravagant fall colors.
During your city break in Ottawa, you'll hear the locals mostly speaking in English or French.
The Canadian dollar (CAD) is the currency you'll use for general expenses and entertainment during your trip to Ottawa.
Ottawa makes an ideal weekend break, but its art alone can keep you occupied on a longer vacation in Ottawa. Allocate some extra days to take in its sister city across the river or to explore the beautiful scenery along the Rideau River in rural Manotick.
With an average rainfall of 4.4 inches, October is the rainiest month to go on an Ottawa vacation. When the skies open up, venture indoors and make the most of the city's galleries, shops, museums and more.
With temperatures hitting a maximum of 81ºF, July is the hottest month in Ottawa.
Your vacation to Ottawa should be an enjoyable experience, as the city is widely regarded as safe. Even so, you'll want to take some commonsense precautions. Remain alert in crowded spaces and ensure valuables like your credit cards and phone are secure. An anti-theft bag or money belt comes in handy no matter where you go.
With no shortage of things to do in Ottawa, this popular city knows how to keep the fun rolling. Kick off your sightseeing at sought-after attractions like Parliament Hill and Rideau Canal.
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