Ottawa
Discover the city's charm through iconic landmarks and hidden gems. This guide highlights must-visit attractions, offering a glimpse into the unique history and vibrant culture waiting to be explored...
View AllDiscover popular landmarks, vibrant local cuisine, cultural hubs, scenic parks, and hidden gems. Ideal for visitors seeking both famous sights and unique, lesser-known experiences...
View AllFrom bustling markets and high-end boutiques to quirky local shops, explore a variety of shopping destinations that cater to fashion, souvenirs, and unique finds...
View AllDiscover the city's best eateries, from cozy cafes and street food stalls to upscale restaurants, offering a range of local and international culinary delights...
View AllExplore budget-friendly stays, from cozy hostels to budget hotels and guesthouses, offering comfort, convenience, and great value in prime city locations without breaking the bank...
View AllSpring is the best time to visit Ottawa because of the low accommodation prices and rising temperatures, as well as the numerous fun-filled cultural festivals. The city is independent of summer tourists and an enjoyment to explore, with average highs ranging from the mid-30s to the mid-60s (depending on the month). Although winter slush persists a little, the city is free of summer tourists and a delight to discover.
The weather is ideal for sight-seeing, with temperatures in the mid-70s. Explore the museums, but also take time to meander along the canal, stroll through Parliament Hill, or simply take in the sights. However, expect to share Ottawa's normally tranquil sidewalks with a large number of other people. This could be problematic for bargain hunters: Because of the massive influx of tourists, hotel prices tend to rise, so you'll have to explore further into the outskirts for reasonable rates.
Autumn is a great season to visit Ottawa because of the pleasant weather (average temperatures in the upper 60s to low 40s) and lower hotel costs. However, the city's festival season runs through October, which means you'll be fighting for places on the sidewalk and in hotels with other revellers. Consider booking your room at least three weeks in advance.
Due to the obvious weather, winter is the lowest rated time to visit Ottawa. Temperatures rarely rise beyond 20 degrees, but that doesn't deter Canadians, and it shouldn't deter you either. Winter activities in Ottawa include ice skating on the Rideau Canal and events that keep locals and visitors warm. However, heavy layers and all the cold-weather requirements, such as a hat and gloves, should be packed just in case. In exchange for surviving the cold, you'll be greeted with low-cost lodging, with rooms ranging from $110 to $120 per night on average.
Between April and November, numerous businesses provide battery-powered private scooters, weather permitting. E-scooters may be leased via a smartphone app and are stationed throughout the city. Age limits, ride zones, and other conditions apply.
Taxi firms in Ottawa may now be scheduled in advance for effortless pick-ups and drop-offs, such as to and from the airport, using their smart applications, text message, or online choices.
In Canada's capital region, there are two city transit networks. On the Ontario side of the Ottawa River, OC Transpo provides buses and the O-Railway, Ottawa's light rail train. Fares and day passes can be bought with money on the bus, with credit card or cash at all O-Train stations, or at certain pharmacies, the CF Rideau Centre and grocery stores. On the Quebec side of the Ottawa River, the Société de Transport de l'Outaouais, or STO, operates. Passes and day tickets (Occasional Multi pass) can be bought with money at service points and recharge stations located in various pharmacies, malls, and convenience stores.
During your trip in Ottawa, sedans, luxurious limos, and SUVs are accessible for airport transfers and round-the-clock ground transportation.
Parliament was destroyed by fire in 1916. It all started with a wastepaper basket fire. It was an immediate inferno because the buildings were mostly made of wood in 1866. The only element that has remained is the Parliamentary Library. The amazing library and many significant manuscripts within were rescued thanks to a resourceful librarian who shut the iron fire door.
The iconic "Maman" sculpture is situated outside the National Gallery of Canada. It features a gigantic mother spider sheltering her 32 marble eggs and was sculpted by French artist Louise Bourgeois. It was made to represent motherhood. It is one of seven permanent duplicate sculptures located in locations throughout the world, including Tokyo and London.
The queue to get one of the flags removed from Parliament's Peace Tower is nearly 100 years long. Only one flag per home is allowed, and they are available to any Canadian citizen. On the government of Canada's website, you can purchase a position for one of the used flags. If you aren’t sure if you’ll be alive in 100 years, you can preserve one for a younger family member.
Outside the Parliament Buildings, the "Whispering Wall" sculpture is also worth seeing. It was created in 1914 to honour two Canadian statesmen, Robert Baldwin and Louis-Hippolyte Lafontaine. It's designed to represent the value of an open and honest democracy while also encouraging debate. A friend lying in the corner of the monument will be capable of hearing you if you sit or stand on one side of the monument and speak against the wall.
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Ottawa residents primarily speak English and French.
2,790.30 km²
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