North America

Ottawa

Discover top-rated Ottawa tours, excursions, and activities powered by AI. From Parliament Hill tours to Rideau Canal cruises, find the perfect way to explore Canada's dynamic capital city.

Why Visit Ottawa?

Explore Parliament Hill's iconic architecture and Canada's political heart, a must-see for any visitor.

Discover world-class museums along the scenic Ottawa River, offering deep dives into history and art.

Enjoy vibrant festivals year-round, from Winterlude's icy sculptures to Canada Day celebrations.

Immerse yourself in the nation's capital history, walking through storied streets and significant landmarks.

Experience ByWard Market's lively atmosphere, sampling local treats and unique artisan crafts.

Ottawa offers a perfect blend of urban excitement and natural beauty, making it unforgettable.

Getting Around

Getting around Ottawa is quite straightforward. The city offers a comprehensive public transit system with OC Transpo buses and the O-Train light rail. Day passes are reasonably priced. For exploring downtown areas like Parliament Hill and ByWard Market, walking is ideal. Cycling is also very popular, with numerous bike lanes and the scenic Capital Pathway network, perfect for enjoying the city's natural beauty. Ride-sharing services and taxis are readily available for convenient door-to-door transport. Renting a car is an option but often unnecessary for city exploration due to parking challenges and good public transit.

Prefer renting a car? See options here.

Must-See Attractions

  • Visit Parliament Hill in Ottawa to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony during summer, a truly Canadian spectacle against a stunning backdrop.
  • Explore the National Gallery of Canada, home to an impressive collection of Canadian and Indigenous art, offering a rich cultural experience.
  • Wander through the historic ByWard Market, one of Canada's oldest and largest public markets, perfect for finding local food and unique souvenirs.
  • Discover the Royal Canadian Mint, where you can see coin production and learn about Canada's numismatic history and precious metals.
  • Stroll or cycle along the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, especially beautiful in autumn with vibrant fall colours.
  • Take a guided tour of the Supreme Court of Canada to understand the country's judicial system and admire its impressive architecture.

Best Time to Visit

Weather

Ottawa experiences distinct four seasons. Summers (June-August) are warm and humid with average highs in the mid-20s Celsius, while winters (December-February) are cold and snowy, with temperatures often dropping well below freezing. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer milder, pleasant weather, though spring can be variable and autumn brings stunning foliage.

Best Months

The best months to visit Ottawa are typically July and August for warm weather and abundant outdoor activities, or September and early October for crisp air and beautiful fall colours along the Rideau Canal.

Peak Season

Peak season in Ottawa generally runs from June through August, coinciding with warm summer weather, numerous festivals, and outdoor events like Canada Day. Expect larger crowds and higher accommodation prices during these months.

Off Season

The off-season spans from November to March, excluding the peak Winterlude period in February. While it's cold with snow, you'll find fewer crowds, lower prices, and a charming, cozy atmosphere, especially around the holidays and during ice skating on the canal.

Popular Ottawa Tours & Activities

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Transportation Tips

Getting around Ottawa is quite straightforward. The city offers a comprehensive public transit system with OC Transpo buses and the O-Train light rail. Day passes are reasonably priced. For exploring downtown areas like Parliament Hill and ByWard Market, walking is ideal. Cycling is also very popular, with numerous bike lanes and the scenic Capital Pathway network, perfect for enjoying the city's natural beauty. Ride-sharing services and taxis are readily available for convenient door-to-door transport. Renting a car is an option but often unnecessary for city exploration due to parking challenges and good public transit.

Car Rental Deals in Ottawa

Rent a car for maximum flexibility and explore at your own pace on Expedia USA.

Where to Stay

Find the perfect accommodation for your Ottawa adventure. From luxury resorts to cozy hotels, we've got you covered.

Best Hotel Deals in Ottawa

Discover top-rated hotels with exclusive rates and special offers on Trivago USA.

Traveling with Kids?

Make traveling with little ones easy! Rent baby equipment in Ottawa - strollers, car seats, cribs, and more delivered directly to your hotel or vacation rental. Save on baggage fees and travel light with BabyQuip.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Ottawa

What is the best time to visit Ottawa?

Ottawa experiences distinct four seasons. Summers (June-August) are warm and humid with average highs in the mid-20s Celsius, while winters (December-February) are cold and snowy, with temperatures often dropping well below freezing. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer milder, pleasant weather, though spring can be variable and autumn brings stunning foliage.

How do I get around Ottawa?

Getting around Ottawa is quite straightforward. The city offers a comprehensive public transit system with OC Transpo buses and the O-Train light rail. Day passes are reasonably priced. For exploring downtown areas like Parliament Hill and ByWard Market, walking is ideal. Cycling is also very popular, with numerous bike lanes and the scenic Capital Pathway network, perfect for enjoying the city's natural beauty. Ride-sharing services and taxis are readily available for convenient door-to-door transport. Renting a car is an option but often unnecessary for city exploration due to parking challenges and good public transit.

Why should I visit Ottawa?

  • Explore Parliament Hill's iconic architecture and Canada's political heart, a must-see for any visitor.
  • Discover world-class museums along the scenic Ottawa River, offering deep dives into history and art.
  • Enjoy vibrant festivals year-round, from Winterlude's icy sculptures to Canada Day celebrations.

What types of tours are available in Ottawa?

Ottawa offers a variety of tour experiences including:

Parliament Hill & Government Tours
ByWard Market Food & Shopping Tours
Museum & Gallery Hopping
Rideau Canal Experiences

What are the must-see attractions in Ottawa?

  • Visit Parliament Hill in Ottawa to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony during summer, a truly Canadian spectacle against a stunning backdrop.
  • Explore the National Gallery of Canada, home to an impressive collection of Canadian and Indigenous art, offering a rich cultural experience.
  • Wander through the historic ByWard Market, one of Canada's oldest and largest public markets, perfect for finding local food and unique souvenirs.
  • Discover the Royal Canadian Mint, where you can see coin production and learn about Canada's numismatic history and precious metals.
  • Stroll or cycle along the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, especially beautiful in autumn with vibrant fall colours.
  • Take a guided tour of the Supreme Court of Canada to understand the country's judicial system and admire its impressive architecture.

Ready to Explore Ottawa?

Discover the best tours and activities in Ottawa with AI-powered recommendations tailored just for you.