Ottawa
Canada’s picturesque capital: historic Rideau Canal, world-class national museums, and Parliament Hill.
Must-Visit Places in Ottawa
→Featured Experiences
→Attractions Map of Ottawa
Climate & Weather in Ottawa
Month-by-month average temperatures and conditions based on historical data to plan your perfect trip.
How Much Does a Trip to Ottawa Cost?
Realistic and transparent estimates based on genuine traveler expenses. Adjust your travel style, days, and travelers to calculate your budget:
Comfortable boutique hotel or well-located apartment.
Delicious meals at neighborhood bistros, cozy cafes, and local markets.
Economy car rental with fuel or public transportation transit passes.
Admission fees to national parks, top museums, and attractions.
Where to Stay in Ottawa
Our genuine picks and strategic bases selected for your trip:
⭐ HISTORIC CASTLE IN THE POLITICAL CENTREThe most famous castle in the Canadian capital, leaning over the Rideau Canal and Parliament.
🎨 BOUTIQUE DESIGN & DININGA contemporary boutique hotel in the heart of the historic market, with a rooftop lounge and panoramic views of Parliament.
✨ DISCREET MODERN COMFORTA boutique hotel with elegant, sophisticated rooms three blocks from Parliament on a tree-lined street.
How to Get Around Ottawa Easily
Find out whether renting a car is worth it, how public transit works, parking tips, fuel, and scenic routes.
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Is Ottawa Worth Visiting?
Who Will Love It
- The national capital with the country's best and most complete museums (National Gallery, Museum of History, War Museum).
- An extremely clean, safe, calm city with dozens of kilometres of tree-lined bike paths.
- In winter, the Rideau Canal freezes and becomes the world's largest natural skating rink.
- Easily cross the historic bridge on foot to visit Gatineau in the province of Quebec.
Who Might Skip It
- A much quieter, more bureaucratic nightlife compared with the buzz of Montreal and Toronto.
- Restoration works on the Parliament buildings that restrict access to some inner wings.
- Very harsh, freezing winters with temperatures often below -15°C.
Don't pay for expensive downtown parking or use a car to get around: central Ottawa is flat, compact and perfectly walkable or cyclable with the public bike share.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ottawa
Is a day trip from Montreal to Ottawa worth it?+
Yes! By train (Via Rail) or car it's only 2 hours each way. It's a very relaxed day trip to see the Parliament and ByWard Market in one day.
How many days should I stay in Ottawa?+
Two full days are ideal to visit Parliament, the Canadian Museum of History, walk along the Rideau Canal and stroll through ByWard Market.
How does skating on the Rideau Canal work in winter?+
When the ice reaches a safe thickness (usually between January and February), almost 8 km is opened free to the public, with BeaverTails and hot chocolate stands on the ice.
Is it easy to cross into Quebec from Ottawa?+
Yes, just walk across the Alexandra Bridge. On the other side you're already in Gatineau (Quebec), home to the monumental Canadian Museum of History with a spectacular view of Parliament.
What is the best time to visit Ottawa?+
In May during the famous Canadian Tulip Festival (when the city blooms with over 1 million tulips) or in the summer months from June to September.
Ottawa, Canada’s capital, sits in Ontario on the banks of the Ottawa River. The city is known for its political and cultural importance and is home to Parliament Hill, one of the country’s best-known landmarks, as well as institutions such as the Canadian Museum of History and the National Gallery of Canada.
In summer, visitors explore parks, take river cruises, and wander through the historic ByWard Market. In winter, the Rideau Canal freezes and becomes the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink. History, culture, and nature come together in a city that reflects Canada’s multicultural identity.
