Join millions of curious travelers.

Get early access to exclusive partner discounts, tips & user itineraries.

We promise not to spam you!
  • How It Works
  • Get Inspired
  • Pricing
  • Blog
  • Login
Get InspiredBlogTerms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy
© 2026 TravelPal, Inc.

Navigation

  • Blog
  • Destinations
  • Contact

Follow us

Terms & ConditionsPrivacy Policy
© 2026, TravelPal, Inc. All rights reserved.
0/200
Get InspiredNorth AmericaCanadaOntarioOttawa

Ottawa

Ontario, Canada
City·Political, Cultural, Educational
Ottawa
Photo by italk communications from Google Places
Ottawa
Photo by Félix from Google Places
Ottawa
Photo by Mustafa Sina from Google Places
Ottawa
Photo by Yuri Kondoukov from Google Places
Ottawa
Photo by Bruno T from Google Places
Ottawa
Photo by italk communications from Google Places
Ottawa
Photo by Félix from Google Places
Ottawa
Photo by Mustafa Sina from Google Places
Ottawa
Photo by Yuri Kondoukov from Google Places
Ottawa
Photo by Bruno T from Google Places

Ottawa, the capital of Canada, is a city rich in history and culture. Located in Ontario, it sits at the confluence of the Ottawa and Rideau Rivers, offering a scenic backdrop to its political and cultural landmarks. The city is home to the Parliament of Canada, the Supreme Court, and the Prime Minister's Office, making it a hub for political activity. Ottawa also boasts a vibrant arts scene, with institutions like the National Arts Centre and the National Gallery of Canada. With its high proportion of university-educated residents, Ottawa is a center for education and research, hosting several top universities and colleges. Visitors can explore numerous national museums, historic sites, and enjoy the city's beautiful natural surroundings.

Ottawa, the capital of Canada, is a city rich in history and culture. Located in Ontario, it sits at the confluence of the Ottawa and Rideau Rivers, offering a scenic backdrop to its political and cultural landmarks. The city is home to the Parliament of Canada, the Supreme Court, and the Prime Minister's Office, making it a hub for political activity. Ottawa also boasts a vibrant arts scene, with institutions like the National Arts Centre and the National Gallery of Canada. With its high proportion of university-educated residents, Ottawa is a center for education and research, hosting several top universities and colleges. Visitors can explore numerous national museums, historic sites, and enjoy the city's beautiful natural surroundings.

You might want to ask

Highlights

  • Home to the Parliament of Canada.

  • Rich in national museums and cultural sites.

  • Vibrant arts scene with the National Arts Centre.

  • Educational hub with top universities.

  • Picturesque riverside location.

Before you go: Ottawa essentials

  • Close access to Gatineau Park for outdoor activities.

  • Rich cultural heritage with numerous museums and historic sites.

  • Bilingual city with services available in both English and French.

Getting Around

Ottawa offers a comprehensive public transportation system including buses and a light rail transit.

Local Cuisine

Try the famous BeaverTails pastry, a local favorite.

Best For

History buffs and political enthusiasts.

Currency

CAD $

Average Cost

$100-$200 p/day

Languages Spoken

English, French

Cultural Sites

Visit the Parliament Hill for a guided tour and the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

Outdoor Activities

Explore the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, perfect for boating in summer and ice skating in winter.

Festivals

Don't miss the Canadian Tulip Festival in May, celebrating the city's vibrant tulip displays.

Best time to visit Ottawa

April-JuneSeptember-November

Best Season

Spring

Spring is a great time to visit Ottawa with pleasant weather and the Canadian Tulip Festival in full bloom.

Best Season

Summer

Summers are warm and ideal for outdoor festivals and exploring the city's parks and waterways.

Best Season

Fall

Fall offers a beautiful display of autumn foliage and is perfect for visiting museums and cultural sites.

Winter

Winters can be cold, but the Rideau Canal Skateway offers a unique ice skating experience.

Join millions of curious travelers.

Get early access to exclusive partner discounts, tips & user itineraries.

We promise not to spam you!

Location

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Open in Maps

Where to stay in Ottawa

Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Ramada by Wyndham Ottawa On The Rideau

4.0(1,4 K)
Ottawa, Ontario
Casual, Scenic, Service Oriented
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

LIV Extended Stay

4.1(119)
Ottawa, Ontario
Modern, Functional, Urban
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Ottawa Marriott Hotel

4.1(3,6 K)
Ottawa, Ontario
Professional, Lively, Family Oriented
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Fairmont Château Laurier

4.4(6,9 K)
Ottawa, Ontario
Grand, Historic, Polished
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Les Suites Hotel Ottawa

4.0(2,3 K)
Ottawa, Ontario
Spacious, Welcoming, Homey
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Downtown Ottawa East by IHG

4.0(1,3 K)
Ottawa, Ontario
Functional, Modern, Professional

Food & drink in Ottawa

Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

The Belmont

4.7(640)
Ottawa, Ontario
Intimate, Warm, Eclectic, Polished
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Supply and Demand

4.8(1,2 K)
Ottawa, Ontario
Stylish, Creative, Local
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Meadows Diner

4.5(405)
Ottawa, Ontario
Cozy, Welcoming, Unassuming
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Pür & Simple

4.7(893)
Ottawa, Ontario
Buzzy, Modern, Lively
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Giovanni's Restaurant

4.5(1,6 K)
Ottawa, Ontario
Romantic, Upscale, Intimate
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Yolks

4.6(600)
Ottawa, Ontario
Lively, Welcoming, Busy
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Perch Restaurant

4.8(241)
Ottawa, Ontario
Elegant, Cozy, Upscale
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Anabella’s Kitchen & Lounge

4.9(212)
Ottawa, Ontario
Inviting, Warm, Relaxed

Things to do in Ottawa

Ottawa City Tour by Land and Water
From $44

Ottawa City Tour by Land and Water

4.2(625)
Duration: 1h
Ottawa
Ottawa Boat Cruise - Rideau Canal Cruise
From $42

Ottawa Boat Cruise - Rideau Canal Cruise

4.3(1,2 K)
Duration: 1h 30min
Ottawa
Ottawa Premium City Tour with Parliament Hill & Canal Cruise
From $76

Ottawa Premium City Tour with Parliament Hill & Canal Cruise

4.3(165)
Duration: 4h
Ottawa
Ottawa Boat Cruise - Paul's Boat Line
From $39

Ottawa Boat Cruise - Paul's Boat Line

4.3(941)
Duration: 1h 30min
Ottawa
Ottawa Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour
From $39

Ottawa Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour

4.2(465)
Duration: 1h 30min
Ottawa
Ottawa's Hidden History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
From $7

Ottawa's Hidden History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

4.4(8)
Duration: 50 min
Ottawa
Lilo Floating Tiki Bar on the Ottawa River
From $62

Lilo Floating Tiki Bar on the Ottawa River

4.8(71)
Duration: 1h 30min
Ottawa
Secrets of the Château Laurier Hotel Tour
From $27

Secrets of the Château Laurier Hotel Tour

4.6(56)
Duration: 1h 15min
Ottawa
Explore on Viator

Attractions in Ottawa

Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Billings Estate National Historic Site

4.5(292)
Ottawa, Ontario
Historic, Educational, Serene
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Dominion Arboretum

4.8(1,9 K)
Ottawa, Ontario
Serene, Natural, Educational
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Canadian Museum of Nature / Musée canadien de la nature

4.7(14,2 K)
Ottawa, Ontario
Educational, Engaging, Family Friendly
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Canadian War Museum

4.8(10,2 K)
Ottawa, Ontario
Educational, Informative, Reflective
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Bank of Canada Museum

4.6(1,8 K)
Ottawa, Ontario
Educational, Interactive, Informative
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Confederation Park

4.5(2,5 K)
Ottawa, Ontario
Serene, Cultural, Scenic
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Haunted Walk of Ottawa

4.7(2,2 K)
Ottawa, Ontario
Spooky, Engaging, Informative
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Parliament Hill

4.7(39,2 K)
Ottawa, Ontario
Grand, Historic, Educational