Your guide to Ottawa

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Halfway between Montreal and Toronto, the Canadian capital boasts artsy vibes, a flourishing food scene and a historic canal. Ottawa squeezes in a lot, from pub crawls and gallery hopping to Gothic architecture and sprawling green spaces. Beyond the compact city centre, explore hip neighbourhoods like Hintonburg and Westboro Village. Our guide to Ottawa covers it all.

Destination Ontario

Ottawa highlights

Take to the water

The Rideau Canal was created in the 19th century as a military defence. Today it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and a great way to travel during a summer trip to Ottawa. Explore it by canoe, kayak or paddle board. 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

Destination Ontario

Things to do in Ottawa

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 neighbourhood. 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 neighbourhood 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 visiting Ottawa

What is the coldest month in Ottawa?

Organise your Ottawa trip for January and you'll be there when the weather is at its coolest. -19ºC (-2ºF) is as cold as it gets.

How expensive is a trip to Ottawa?

The variety of experiences on offer makes a trip to 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.

When is the best time to visit Ottawa?

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 autumn offer floral spectaculars. A million tulips bloom across the city in May, and October brings extravagant autumnal colours.

What language is spoken in Ottawa?

During your city break in Ottawa, you'll hear the locals mostly speaking in English or French.

What currency is used in Ottawa?

The Canadian dollar (CAD) is the currency you'll use for general expenses and entertainment while in Ottawa.

How many days do you need in Ottawa?

Ottawa makes an ideal weekend break, but its art alone can keep you occupied on a longer trip to 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.

What is the rainiest month in Ottawa?

With an average rainfall of 110 millimetres, October is the rainiest month to visit Ottawa. When the skies open up, venture indoors and make the most of the city's galleries, shops, museums and more.

What is the hottest month in Ottawa?

With temperatures hitting a maximum of 27ºC (81ºF), July is the hottest month in Ottawa.

Is it safe to visit Ottawa?

Your stay in 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.

Is Ottawa a good place to visit?

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.