Ottawa

Understand

History

Ottawa started as a humble lumber town called Bytown, named after Colonel John By of the Royal Engineers who oversaw the construction of the Rideau Canal (now a UNESCO World Heritage site which doubles as a giant skating rink in the winter), much of which was done by hand between 1826 and 1832. Lumber mills were built along the Ottawa River in the mid-19th century, and brought employment and wealth to the growing population. The centre of action then, as now, was the Byward Market. While it is still the centre of the city's nightlife, it has changed appreciably from the rough–and–tumble early days of brothels and taverns. In 1857, Ottawa was chosen (in the legend by Queen Victoria, really on the advice of Canadian politicians) as the capital of Canada. The choice was made to avoid a controversy, because it sidestepped the rivalry between Toronto and Montreal (then, as now, Canada's largest cities). But the new capital was still a tiny outpost in the middle of nothing much — an American newspaper famously commented that it was impregnable, as any invaders would get lost in the woods looking for it. Unlike many federal capitals such as Canberra in Australia or Washington, D.C. in the United States, Ottawa is not part of a special federal district. There is an official National Capital Region containing Ottawa, Gatineau, Quebec across the Ottawa river, and surrounding areas in both provinces. However it is not a separate administration; the two cities have just regular municipal governments and are parts of their respective provinces. Each has its own Wikivoyage article. During the latter half of the 19th century, the telephone was demonstrated to the Canadian public for the first time here and the city was electrified. The first electric streetcar service was started in 1891. A menu from 1892 states that, "the first instance in the entire world of an entire meal being cooked by Electricity" was in Ottawa. Today, the major economic sectors are the public service, travel and tourism and the high-tech industry. Ottawa has remained a green city and is situated at the confluence of three rivers (Ottawa, Rideau and Gatineau) and of the Rideau Canal. Many residents make regular use of Ottawa's parks and green spaces, bikeways and cross country ski trails. Many national attractions are in Ottawa: Parliament Hill, the National Library and Archives, the National Gallery, and the Museums of History, Contemporary Photography, Nature, War, and Science & Technology.

Climate

Ottawa has a humid continental or hemiboreal climate, featuring four distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Precipitation, falling mostly as snow in winter and as rain in the rest of year, is plentiful year-round. The city is neither particularly sunny or cloudy, though spring and summer are sunnier than autumn and winter. In summer, which lasts from the beginning of June to early September, the average high is around 27 °C (81 °F) and the average low around 16.5 °C (61.7 °F). During heatwaves, temperatures can approach or exceed 33 °C (91 °F) and not go below 21 °C (70 °F) at night, although there are also cooler and often rainier periods. The sun is up from 5:15AM to 8:45PM. Winters in Ottawa are long, cold and snowy. There is an average of 225 cm of snowfall per winter, which usually begins falling in late October, with the ground typically being blanketed in snow from late November to the end of March, while the last of the snow falls in April. Average temperatures in the winter months are between -7 and -10 °C (14 and 19 °F), although there are thawing periods where they can rise to above 0 °C (32 °F) in addition to cold snaps where they can drop to below -20 °C (-4° F). Most bodies of water in and around the city freeze over during the winter, notably the Rideau Canal, which transforms into world's largest skating rink. Daylight hours last only between 7:30AM and 4:30PM. Spring (which begins in April and lasts until the end of May) and autumn (which lasts from September to mid November) generally see pleasant conditions, although both (especially spring) can sometimes be prone to rapid swings in conditions.

Visitor information

In addition to the Capital Information Kiosk, the tourist office's eager helpers can be found in public places, ready to answer questions in French or English. You can identify them by their blue uniforms with white question marks ("?").

Getting there

Main airport

1 Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW IATA), 1000 Airport Parkway Private (roughly 10.2 km south of downtown), ☏ +1-613-248-2000, comments@yow.ca. Ottawa's main airport offers regular flights to major Canadian (and many American) cities. The airport's US Customs Pre-clearance facilities allow for seamless domestic and international transfers through a number of major US airports. (updated May 2022)

Airport amenities

ATMs and a currency exchange booth are available in the arrivals hall (lower level). There is one International Currency Exchange (ICE) branded ATM near the baggage carrousels which charges higher transaction fees and offers poor exchange rates and one Royal Bank ATM near the washrooms with lower transaction fees and better exchange rates. There is a 24 hour baggage storage facility (Pars 2000) in the arrivals hall. Luggage can be stored for $5 per day or $8 overnight. There is also an information booth in the arrivals hall. There are a number of restaurants and a few bars inside the departures area.

Destinations

Direct flights to Ottawa within Canada include from Calgary (3.75 hours), from Edmonton (3.75 hours), from Halifax (1.75 hours), from Iqaluit (3.25 hours), from Montreal (45 minutes), from Toronto (1 hour), and from Vancouver (4.5 hours). Direct flights to Ottawa from the United States include from New York City (1.5-1.75 hours) and Washington, D.C. (1.5-1.75 hours) Services to Ottawa from outside North America is a flight to Paris Charles de Gaulle on Air France (7 hours). Flights can vary from a few times a week to daily in summer. There is also a KLM shuttle bus connection for passengers booked between Ottawa Train Station (XDS IATA) and Montreal Trudeau International Airport (YUL IATA). This trip takes about two hours. Via Rail trains bound for Montreal also connect to Montreal Trudeau International Airport via a free shuttle bus from the nearby Dorval station.

Getting around

Public transit

OC Transpo, ☏ +1 613-560-5000. Operates the city's bus service and the O-Train, a light rail system consisting of three lines. (updated Mar 2025) The Confederation Line (Line 1, red in maps), which began service in 2019, runs west-east with an underground segment through the city centre. The Trillium Line (Line 2, green) runs from the south to Limebank. Lines 1 and 2 meet at Bayview station. Line 4 (blue) runs to the airport from South Keys (connecting there to Line 2). The bus rapid transit (BRT) system, called the Transitway, has service as frequent as 1 to 2 minutes at rush hour. The O-Train Confederation Line runs east-west under the downtown area served by Lyon, Parliament, Rideau and uOttawa O-Train stations. If you are going to the Byward Market, get off at Rideau O-Train Station. To go north-south, take bus route 6 or 7 along Bank Street from either Parliament or Rideau O-Train stations. OC Transpo has a webpage to look up schedules and maps for all the O-Train and bus routes mentioned above. It also has a Customer Service Centre on the 3rd floor of the Rideau Centre, above the corner of Rideau Street and Colonel By Drive in downtown Ottawa. There are others at major bus stations: Lincoln Fields in the west end, Place d'Orleans and St. Laurent in the east.

Fares

As of March 2025, the cash fare for regular routes is $4.05 for adults and youth (13-64), $3.20 for seniors (65+). Children under 12 ride free. (Fares are 5 cents cheaper if paying by Presto card.) Seniors can ride the OC Transpo system free on Wednesdays and Sundays (except Para Transpo). Payment is by exact change or the Presto card. If you pay cash, get a transfer to act as proof of payment for fare inspection. Your fare allows you to ride any buses and the O-Train for roughly 1½ hours, longer at night. Stop-overs and return trips are permitted. A day pass ($12) is good for buses and the O-Train. On weekends and holidays, up to two adults and four children (age 11 and under) can share a day pass. Buy the pass from the bus driver using exact cash or Presto card. (If you're using the card to pay for a day pass, you must ask the driver before tapping the card to the reader, or it will deduct a normal fare instead). Day passes are also available from ticket vending machines at O-Train stations and at customer service centres. O-Train stations (except Bayview station) have ticket vending machines that issue a single-ride ticket. The O-Train ticket acts as a transfer which expires 90 minutes after purchase. You can buy a Presto card for $6 (non-refundable) plus a minimum $10 balance at the airport, at a Customer Service Centre, kiosks at O-Train stations, at selected Loblaws grocery stores or Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacies, by phone (☏ +1-877-378-6123) or online (for delivery in Canada only). Have a Customer Service Centre add the birth date to a Presto card for a senior or a child to qualify for fare discounts. The Presto card is also valid in the Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton. Presto card readers are available on buses at the front door (and also at the rear door of long, articulated buses) and on O-Train platforms. Paying the fare by tapping the Presto card on the reader will also record a 1½ hour transfer period on the card. Tap your Presto card every time you board a vehicle. Upon the first tap, the Presto machine will momentarily display the fare deducted and the Presto balance remaining. When you tap within the transfer period, the Presto machine will display the minutes left in the transfer period.

Service to Gatineau

Route 8 provides all-day service between Dow's Lake and Gatineau, Quebec throughout the whole week, terminating in front of the Canadian Museum of History (stop: Laurier / Élisabeth-Bruyère); it uses OC Transpo fare media, including Presto, even when boarding in Gatineau. You can board this route at Dow's Lake, Corso Italia, or Pimisi station. Route 13 also goes between Gatineau and Tunney's Pasture station in the morning and evening rush hour. Many Gatineau buses (marked "STO" - Société de transport de l'Outaouais) come into Ottawa, run along Wellington Street and pass by the Byward Market. They can be caught near Lyon, Parliament and Rideau O-Train stations. The colour schemes for the two transit systems are different, red and white for OC Transpo but blue and white for STO. OC Transpo and STO accept each other's transfers including O-Train tickets. STO accepts an OC Transpo transfer recorded on a Presto card; however, STO will not accept Presto to pay the fare on its own buses. STO accepts the OC Transpo day pass but not as a group pass.

See

Parliament Hill

The primary attraction for most visitors is 1 Parliament Hill. Parliament Hill is in the middle of downtown Ottawa, overlooking the Ottawa River. Not only is the building a fine example of the Gothic revival style, it makes an excellent starting point to visit all other points of interest in the area.

The Changing of the Guard takes place daily on the lawns of Parliament at 9AM from late June to late August. The Governor General's Foot Guards can also be seen at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and at Rideau Hall. Tours of the building are available daily with multiple tours (in English and French) available at staggered times throughout the day. If you have a group of greater than 10 people, you must make a reservation in advance by reserving online or by calling the reservations office at +1 613-996-0896. The admission is free, but you need tickets (one for the House of Commons at West Block, one for the Senate at the Senate of Canada Building) which you get online at visit.parl.ca. There is also a free 45-minute immersive experience that can be booked on the same official booking website.

The Centre Block and the Peace Tower are closed for renovation, and are expected to remain closed until 2031. Tour guides take you through the House of Commons Chamber or the Senate Chamber and explain the history, roles and architecture of the respective buildings. Each tours lasts about 45 min and free same-day tickets can be booked online at visit.parl.ca depending on availability. Keep the order confirmation number, which can be used in lieu of tickets if they are never received by email. If there are no more tickets available, or you have to wait for your time, a fine self-guided walking tour around the grounds of Parliament Hill will keep you busy. Free booklets are available at the Capital Information Kiosk at 90 Wellington St. One of the nicer, unexpected views, looking from the bottom up, can be accessed at the back of the Parliament Buildings—that vantage point also provides a river view of the Canadian Museum of History, across the river in downtown Gatineau (the former city of Hull). Behind the Parliament Buildings at sunset is a sight to remember. You can walk by the Rideau Canal locks (at the east corner) and visit the Bytown Museum at the level of the canal. The locks separate Parliament Hill from the Chateau Laurier, a former railway hotel (see below).

Do

There are walking tours to introduce you to the capital area.

Ottawa Walking Tours offers historical guided walks of Ottawa's downtown core with special stops at areas of historical significance. Tours acquaint guests with the history of the city and allow visitors to learn more about Ottawa’s history, architecture and colourful political characters. Tours are offered year-round and reservations are required. For more information, call ☏ +1 613-799-1774. The Haunted Walk of Ottawa offers tours focusing on Ottawa's infamous haunts and darker history. Hear tales of hauntings at some of Ottawa's most well known locations, including the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, Bytown Museum and the Ottawa Jail Hostel. Cloaked guides lead guests through the city streets by lantern light-the perfect atmosphere for a good ghost story. Tours run year-round, rain or shine. Reservations are strongly recommended. For more information, call ☏ +1 613-232-0344.

Cinema, Music and Theater

Ottawa has many movie theatres to choose from, but there are also a few that specialize in "foreign" films (i.e., not American), early releases, old returning films and specialty films. The Mayfair Theatre is at 1074 Bank St. near Sunnyside. In addition, the Canadian Film Institute screens films at several venues for the specialist film crowd. Ottawa has lots of live entertainment, including music and theater from small shows to large productions.

Shopping

5 ByWard Market (downtown, east of the Canal and Sussex Drive, north of Rideau). Among other things, this is a farmer's market; in summer, stalls selling fresh produce and flowers line the streets, and maple syrup bought at the farmer's market costs half the price of the same bottle sold at souvenir shops elsewhere in the Byward Market or anywhere else in the city. It is also a craft and tourist market with a range of shops and the city's busiest entertainment district with restaurants, pubs, bars and many street performers. Interesting to see it first during the day (when it's a shopping destination) and then in the evening (when it's a nightlife destination). 6 Sparks Street. A pleasant pedestrian street one block off Parliament Hill; a common tourist thoroughfare for seeing the sights. Along this street you'll find the majority of the tourist shops selling postcards, magnets, and maple syrup. The Astrolabe Gallery, located on this street, is a treasure trove of antique maps and vintage posters. There are several outdoor cafés and restaurants to choose from. 7 Westboro Village. A stretch along Richmond Road in the "near west" of Ottawa from Golden east to Tweedsmuir has become a popular tourism and shopping zone with several outdoor stores (clothing and equipment), restaurants and coffee shops. Notable shops include the Mountain Equipment Coop, lululemon, Starbucks, Bridgehead (fair trade coffee), Kitchenalia, a chocolatier and several others. 8 Bank Street Promenade. Great mix of stores ranging from chain restaurants to specialty shops. District extends from Wellington St to Gladstone Ave. 9 Wellington West. Wellington West is the commercial district of Hintonburg and Wellington Village, located in the west end between Little Italy and Westboro. It is home to independent businesses in Ottawa, such as boutiques, restaurants and food shops, and local art galleries, as well as the Parkdale Market. Notable shops include Hintonburger, Suzy Q Doughnuts, Elmdale Tavern and several others. Larger shopping malls include the 10 Rideau Centre (downtown), 11 St. Laurent Shopping Centre (East Central), 12 Place D'Orleans (East End), 13 Bayshore Shopping Centre and 14 Carlingwood Mall (West End). The last Saturday in May, Ottawa's Glebe neighbourhood hosts the annual Great Glebe Garage Sale. Hundreds of residents set up tables in their garages or on their lawns and sell used goods ranging from household knick-knacks to electronics to clothing. Businesses in the area also hold sidewalk sales, and vendors sell artwork, baking, and refreshments. Driving and parking during the sale itself is unnecessary and nearly impossible. Arrive on foot or park and walk into the neighbourhood. For parking, and for the best deals (especially on larger items like furniture), arrive early. The event is bustling by 8AM but continues well into the afternoon. Vendors are encouraged to donate a portion of their proceeds to the Ottawa Food Bank.

Eat

1 BeaverTails, 69 George Street, ☏ +1 613-241-1230, ottawabywardmarket@beavertails.com. Su-W 10AM-8PM, Th 10AM-11PM, F Sa 10AM-midnight. Try the tasty BeaverTail, a fried-dough pastry associated with Ottawa, although a number of places claim to have created it. It's available in sweet and savoury versions, topped with cinnamon, sugar, icing sugar, etc. In the winter, many places will offer it on the canal. During the summer, the only places downtown to offer it are in the Byward Market on George St., and a small counter in a corner of the Canadian Museum of History. There are a variety of toppings and the taste of the beaver tail stands out more with the classic sugar & cinnamon. However, the locals' favourite is the Killaloe Sunrise, a topping of cinnamon sugar and lemon juice. (updated Feb 2017) Coffee shops are found throughout the city, and include dozens of two specialty chains Second Cup and Starbucks, in addition to the mainstream Tim Horton's (seemingly planted at every intersection). Bridgehead is a fair trade coffee house and can be found at a half dozen or so locations. Try their small double shot lattes, which are significantly better than their competitors'. There are several coffee houses in Little Italy, on Preston Street. One of the most popular, Pasticceria Gelateria Italiana (200 Preston Street, +1 613-594-5303), also houses an award-winning pastry shop. Bar Robo on Somerset St under the Chinatown arch offers locally-roasted coffee during the day, along with fresh croissants and donuts. Ethnic foods from around the world are available at a wide variety of restaurants and street vendors throughout the city. The Byward Market area has a wide selection of different cuisines; the Chinatown area is along Somerset Street West between Bay and Preston streets (bus 11 from Parliament O-Train Station); Little Italy runs along the length of Preston Street, from Carling Avenue to Albert Street (bus 85 from Primisi O-Train Station).

Budget

According to a 2025 CBC News report, Ottawa has almost 200 shawarma (kebab and fixings in pita bread) restaurants around the city. Many will serve up a great shawarma for less than $10. Their busy times are typically weekdays at lunch-hour, and on weekends after the bars close. The Byward Market and Elgin St. have several restaurants to choose from. Local favourites include 2 Shawarma Palace and 3 3 Brothers Shawarma both on Rideau St among other Ottawa locations. The usual range of diners, bagel shops and fast food restaurants can be found in shopping areas throughout the city. You will also find "chip wagons" or "chip trucks" parked in various locations around the city at lunch time. Most of them serve hamburgers, hot dogs, sausage-in-a-bun, pogos (corn dogs - deep fried, breaded hot dogs on a stick), chips (French fries) and poutine (French fries covered with cheddar cheese curd and gravy - very popular in Quebec and eastern Ontario). You can find the occasional truck that sells Caribbean roti, fish and chips, Canadian "Chinese" food, or other foods. One popular bagel shop is 4 Kettleman's Bagel, which has three locations in Ottawa, the original being at 912 Bank St (near Lansdowne Park), and serves Montreal-style bagels. 5 Smoke's Poutinerie at 407 Dalhousie St serves poutine. At lunch time, Di Rienzo and La Bottega Nicastro will sell you a good $5 sandwich; opinion is split among locals as to which is better, but they're both very good. If you're in town for a few days, try them both.

6 Ahora Mexican Cuisine, 307 Dalhousie Street (between York and Clarence), ☏ +1 613-562-2081. 11:30AM to 10PM. A good little Mexican canteen. It serves up mains, zippy margaritas, and drinks imported from Mexico. 7 La Bottega Nicastro, 64 George Street (ByWard Market), ☏ +1 613-789-7575. M-W 9AM-6PM, Th F 9AM-8PM, Sa 9AM-6PM, Su 10AM-5PM,. A fantastic little Italian specialty market, Nicastro's is a contender for the city's best $5 sandwiches, featuring amazing bread (esp. the focaccia) usually baked on the premises. The sit-down lunch kitchen is also well worth a visit. (updated Jan 2017) 8 Di Rienzo, 111 Beech Street (at Champagne St.), ☏ +1 613-729-4037, fax: +1 613-321-8689. M-F 7:30AM-9PM, Sa Su 8AM-7PM. This little deli tucked away in Little Italy, a secret known to many locals, is famous for the best and freshest deli sandwiches in the city for $5 (taxes included). During the week the lineup can stretch outside the packed little store, but they are arguably the fastest sandwich makers anywhere so don't worry about a long wait. There is also another newer location run by the family at Meadowlands Drive and Fisher Avenue. (updated Jan 2017) 9 Elgin Street Diner, 374 Elgin Street (just north of Gladstone), ☏ +1 613-237-9700. Always open. A popular 24-hour diner. One of its specialties is the ESD (Elgin Street Diner) Poutine (though true Quebecers should probably abstain). Generally, poutine is French fries, served with cheese curds and gravy on top; they have several versions including the addition of caramelized onions and bacon, Montreal smoked meat, Philly steak, a four cheese blend or Chili. The substitution of mashed potatoes fried with onions and seasoning (called their home fries), or onion rings instead of regular French fries is also an option. Expect the adventure to set you back $16–21 depending on toppings. The diner's hamburgers/cheeseburgers are significantly better than typical fast food fare, and breakfast is served 24/7 365 days a year with no exception. The breakfast menu includes Kettleman's bagels. (updated May 2025) 10 Rangoon, 114 Gloucester Street (near O'Connor), ☏ +1 613-680-8821, info@rangoonrestaurant.ca. M-Th 11AM-9PM; F 11AM-10PM; Sa 4-10PM. A one-of-a-kind family-run Burmese restaurant with cheap lunch specials where you can get an appetizer, main course and a drink for about $10! Try the fish noodle soup (mohingha), chicken curry or eggplant curry. A real hidden gem. 11 Warehouse (El Furniture Warehouse), 77 Clarence St. Warehouse, in the heart of Byward Market, has a sidewalk patio and a roof patio. Inexpensive meals are available. Busy every day of the week, especially after 8PM when it is mostly a bar which may have a DJ. $10-$20 per person. (updated Apr 2025) For the best non-traditional Canadian eats, head down Somerset St West near Bronson to the heart of Chinatown. Here you have a choice of places for Vietnamese, Thai, Cantonese, etc. Vietamese soup-houses, Pho Bo Ga and Pho Bo Ga La, are well-rated. The Jadeland Restaurant is a small popular Chinese restaurant set in a converted house and has been well reviewed for its tasty dishes and low prices. Another good source for ethnic foods is the stretch on Rideau between King Edward and the bridge to Vanier. You can find Middle Eastern, African and Asian food here. 12 Pho Bo Ga 2, 843 Somerset Street West (near Rochester), ☏ +1 613-234-7089. 10AM-2AM. (updated Feb 2017) 13 Pho Bo Ga L.A., 784 Somerset Street West (between Lebreton and Booth), ☏ +1 613-230-2931. 10AM-10:30PM. (updated Jan 2017) 14 Jadeland, 625 Somerset Street West (near Percy Street, east of the core Chinatown), ☏ +1 613-233-0204. Su-Th 11AM-11PM, F Sa 11AM-midnight. (updated Jan 2017) For a somewhat higher-end Indian buffet experience, yet authentic, try Host India on Montreal Rd. For Indian food from Kerala state, try Coconut Lagoon on St. Laurent Blvd. (in the same price range as Host India), ranked #1 on Food Network's "10 Popular Indian Restaurants in Canada". 15 Host India, 622 Montreal Road (two blocks west of the Montfort Hospital), ☏ +1 613-746-4678. (updated Jan 2017) 16 Coconut Lagoon, 853 St. Laurent Boulevard (just north of McArthur), ☏ +1 613-742-4444, info@coconutlagoon.ca. Coconut Lagoon serves Kerala cuisine, subtly different from other South Indian styles (although people kept asking for Butter Chicken so it's on the menu as well). The restaurant's executive chef and owner Joe Thottungal took the silver medal at the Canadian Culinary Championships in 2017, and the gold medal at the Gold Medal Plates Culinary Competition 2016. There are vegan-friendly dishes on the menu. The restaurant is re-opening in August 2022. (updated Jul 2022) 17 Zak's Diner, 14 Byward Market Square, ☏ +1 613-241-2401, bywardmarket@zaksdiner.com. Always open. The best milk-shakes are found at Zak's, a 24-hour diner in the Byward Market. They're really good, made with ice-cream, and for the $6.99 they cost you get a large glass full plus the shaker with what didn't fit in the glass. Other dishes are quite good, with a "more calories for your money" attitude (as illustrated by the massive amount of milkshake served), which is nicely honest about fast food; however it may seem a bit expensive as the burgers start at $14.49 and if you add on the paid extras you can easily get in excess of $19. Late on week-end nights (2-3AM), it's packed as people go for their after-bar poutine. There are two additional locations on Elgin Street and in Kanata. (updated Jul 2021) 18 Le Mien - Craft Noodle, 43 William Street (Between York St. + George St. in the ByWard Market), ☏ +1 613 421 8882. 11AM-9PM. Traditional Chinese noodle shop with hand pulled noodles in warm rich broth. (updated Dec 2023)

Drink

The most popular bar areas are in the Byward Market, along Wellington Street in Westboro, along both Elgin Street and Bank Street between Somerset and Gladstone in the Centretown area, and further south on Bank. There are pubs and bars scattered throughout the city as well. You can also take a small trip over the Ottawa river to Gatineau. Bars in both Ottawa and Gatineau close at 2AM (even though the rest of Quebec has a last call of 3AM). Quebec has a lower minimum age to purchase alcohol (18, vs. 19 in Ontario) and sells beer in corner stores. Ottawa police often set up checkpoints near the bridges to catch drunk drivers returning from Quebec after closing time. Smoking (both traditional and e-cigarettes, also called "vaping") of tobacco or cannabis is not permitted in restaurants and bars, or on patios.

Pubs

Combining the Irish tradition for casual hearty meals, with Quebec’s cinq à sept (“five to seven” - a social gathering in the two hours after leaving work), Ottawa’s many pubs are lively throughout the day, all week long. Several pubs have grown into local chains, while maintaining a character endeared to each neighbourhood.

Clocktower Brewhouse. A microbrewery with two locations. Excellent beer at a good price with a very tasty and well priced menu. 1 Clocktower New Edinburgh, 422 MacKay Street (corner of Beechwood), ☏ +1 613-742-3169, info.mackay@clocktower.ca. M-F 11:30AM-midnight; Sa 10:30AM-midnight; Su 10:30AM-11:45PM. 2 Clocktower Westboro, 418 Richmond Road (corner of Berkley), ☏ +1 613-680-5983, info.westboro@clocktower.ca. M-F 11:30AM-midnight; Sa 10:30AM-midnight; Su 10:30AM-11:45PM. 3 Pub Italia, 434 1/2 Preston Street (near Dow's Lake and the Experimental Farm), ☏ +1 613-232-2326. M 4PM-1AM; Th-Sa 11AM–1AM; Su noon-midnight. An Irish/Italian pub with hundreds of bottled beers listed in its "Beer Bible", especially Belgian. Decent pizza and pastas, but other places in Little Italy have better; you're going here for the beer, not the food. Intimate faux Medieval/Gothic décor; a bit strange, but the patio is very nice. (updated Jan 2023) The Royal Oak. Several cozy locations, serving traditional pub food from lunch into the late evening. (updated Jan 2023) 4 Royal Oak Bank at Gloucester, 188 Bank St, ☏ +1 613-232-1057. M-F 11:30AM-2AM; Sa Su 11AM-2AM. (updated Jan 2023) 5 Royal Oak Wellington at Hinton, 1217 Wellington St W, ☏ +1 613-728-6661. M-F 11:30AM-2AM; Sa Su 11AM-2AM. (updated Jan 2023)

Sleep

Budget

1 Barefoot Hostel, 455 Cumberland St (a block south of Rideau St.), ☏ +1 613-237-0336, bfh@barefoothostel.com. Check-in: before 10PM. A clean, modern hostel located downtown, offering only private rooms. Included for use is a mini-kitchen (no stove), back patio with lounge chairs, common room with a TV, computer (with internet), free WiFi, plush bed linens, lockers and three shared bathrooms. The check-in desk is at The Swiss Hotel, around the corner at 89 Daly Ave. From $109. (updated Jan 2023) 2 Ottawa Backpackers Inn (Ottawa Hostel), 203 York Street, ☏ +1 613-241-3402, info@ottawahostel.com. Check-in: 1PM, check-out: noon. Part of Backpackers Hostels Canada, includes kitchen, free and fast WiFi and free coffee/tea. In a converted house into hostel, in the Byward market block and downtown. The staff and the atmosphere are very friendly. Dorm bed from $36. (updated Oct 2025) 3 University of Ottawa, 90 University Private. From May to August, university housing is offered as hotel-like guest rooms in one of its newer housing complexes. Rideau double room $130; 90U suite with bath $120; dorm with shared bath, $40.

Mid-range

4 Auberge King Edward Bed and Breakfast, 525 King Edward Avenue (Downtown Rideau). Well-preserved Victorian architecture packed with character. Free parking and WiFi. $160. (updated Jan 2023) 5 Australis Guest House, 89 Goulburn Avenue (East of Downtown Rideau), ☏ +1 613-235-8461. Check-in: 1PM/flexible, check-out: 11AM. Run by an Australian expat, this 2-room B&B gets praise for fresh-cooked breakfast. Free Wifi. Limited parking available, ask. $119-149. (updated Jan 2023) 6 ByWard Blue Inn, 157 Clarence St (Byward Market), toll-free: +1-800-620-8810. A B&B hotel in the picturesque Byward Market with refrigerators, microwaves, private balconies. B&B from $155, parking $8-15/day. (updated Jan 2023) 7 Cartier Place Suite Hotel, 180 Cooper St (East of Elgin St), ☏ +1 613-236-5000, toll-free: +1-800-236-8399, ​reservations@suitedreams.com. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 11AM. Pet friendly downtown suite-style accommodations. Rooms provide small kitchens and seating areas. Hotel offers fitness center with pool and sauna. From $150. (updated Jan 2023) 8 Courtyard by Marriott Ottawa East, 200 Coventry Rd (off Hwy 417, near the train station), ☏ +1 613-741-9862. Complimentary internet access and parking. 395 guest rooms, each with wet bar. Indoor pool, whirlpool, 24-hour exercise room, and business center. Bistro and meeting facilities on-site. From $150. (updated Jan 2023) 9 DoubleTree by Hilton Ottawa Downtown (formerly Novotel Hotel), 33 Nicholas Street (Downtown Rideau), ☏ +1 613-230-3033, toll-free: +1-800-222-8733, fax: +1 613-760-4765, YOWOD_DT_Hotel@hilton.com. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. Modern hotel with an emphasis on energy conservation. Modern restaurant and banquet facilities. This location offers internet access. (updated Apr 2025) 10 Sheraton Ottawa Hotel, 150 Albert St (Downtown). Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. Comfortable rooms in a partially-renovated hotel tower. On-site restaurant, fitness, and concierge services. From $219. (updated Jan 2023) 11 Swiss Hotel, 89 Daly Avenue (Downtown Rideau), ☏ +1 613-237-0335, toll-free: +1-888-663-0000. Check-in: 3-11PM, check-out: 11AM. A charming, cozy, 22-room hotel located in the heart of Ottawa. The Inn was built in 1872 from limestone in a 19th-century Vernacular Classical Revival. Swiss Hotel offers traditional Swiss hospitality with modern comfort. Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, rooms are equipped with iPads. Optional healthy buffet breakfast is offered daily with Bircher-Muesli and fresh ground Swiss espresso. Double bed from $178. (updated Jan 2023) 12 Delta Ottawa City Centre, 101 Lyon St N (Downtown), ☏ +1 613-237-3600. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. Sleek 1967 modernist tower on the quieter west side of downtown. Includes wireless Internet. Fitness center has a large pool and sauna. Underground parking available on-site at an additional cost of $26/day. Double from $279. (updated Jan 2023)

Splurge

13 Andaz Ottawa, 325 Dalhousie St (Byward Market), ☏ +1 613-321-1234. Check-in: noon, check-out: 10AM. Owned by Hyatt. Spacious, pet friendly rooms, with a 24-hour fitness center. Double room from $289. (updated Jul 2018) 14 Arc, 140 Slater St (Downtown), ☏ +1 613-238-2888, toll-free: +1-800-699-2516, guestservices@arcthehotel.com. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. A trendy boutique hotel with prices to match its style. Double from $200. (updated Jan 2023) 15 Chateau Laurier (Fairmont Chateau Laurier), 1 Rideau St (just east of Parliament Hill), ☏ +1 613-241-1414, toll-free: +1-866-540-4410, chateaulaurier@fairmont.com. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: noon. The city's grand old hotel: its oldest and most famous luxury hotel as well as one of its landmarks. Rooms facing west overlook the Rideau Canal locks and have stellar views of the Parliament buildings. This hotel once housed the offices of CBC Radio in Ottawa and the studio of well-known portrait photographer Yousuf Karsh. Several framed Karsh photographs are hung in the hotel lounge. His (and his wife's) home suite is now available for guests and displays a small sampling of framed prints on the walls. Extra daily charges for parking or Wi-Fi. If you're not staying overnight, you can also experience the hotel's grandeur in one of the bars or restaurants. Traditional afternoon tea is served daily. Double from $360. (updated Jan 2023) 16 Lord Elgin, 100 Elgin St, ☏ +1 613-235-3333, toll-free: +1-800-267-4298, reservations@lordelgin.ca. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. Centrally located on Elgin Street across from the National Arts Centre, a stone's throw from Parliament Hill, and one of Ottawa's two classic hotels (the other being the Chateau Laurier). While it has "splurge" rates, most rooms are reasonably priced. Good value, and a Starbucks off the lobby. Double from $279. (updated Jan 2023) 17 The Ottawa Marriott Hotel, 100 Kent St (Downtown), ☏ +1 613-238-1122, toll-free: +1-800-853-8463. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. The tallest hotel (and briefly the tallest building) in Ottawa, one block from the Parliament Buildings. Features a revolving restaurant, Kids’ Zone, an indoor pool, sauna and fitness center. Double from $229. (updated Mar 2024) 18 The Westin Ottawa, 11 Colonel By Dr (near Parliament Hill), toll-free: +1-866-716-8101, ottawa@westin.com. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. This hotel is also connected to the Rideau Centre and the Ottawa Convention Centre by a walkway. It is steps from Parliament Hill and the Byward market and each of the 496 rooms features the ten-layer Heavenly Bed. From $380. (updated Mar 2024) 19 reStays, 101 Queen St, ☏ +1 613-688 6200, hello@restays.com. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: noon. Boutique hotel. Has a great view of Parliament Hill. Rooms include full kitchen. Studio-style suite from $279. (updated Jun 2022)

Stay safe

Ottawa is a very safe place to live and visit, so if you use common sense it is at least as safe as any other city. There are many tourists in the city, especially in summer months, and there are very few incidents of robbery or assault. Exercise caution and common sense after dark or when traveling alone; instances of harassment and (very rarely) unprovoked violence have occurred to locals and travellers alike. There have been incidents on buses and at transit stations of violence and swarmings/robberies, even during daytime hours. OC Transpo has hired new constables and placed plainclothes security and cameras on select buses and trains to counter the problem. Use common sense, especially when riding at night, every transit station has multiple emergency call boxes. After dark, take extra care in areas near downtown such as Lowertown East, and also Hintonburg, Vanier, Bayshore, Ledbury, Heatherington, Caldwell and South Keys. These neighbourhoods are known to have gang presence and drug problems. (Ledbury, Heatherington, and South Keys have nothing in the way of tourist draws, anyway.) Ottawa is generally very safe, but like any other city it has bad apples. Ottawa is the fourth coldest capital city by annual average temperature, but it has the second coldest January, only topped by Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Add to that nearly 3 m (10') of snow per average winter and throw in an ice storm from time to time, winter can be a challenge but locals do a great job of handling it particularly with recreation. Summers are (normally) short, warm and at times hot and humid. Humidity in the summer can make the heat feel unbearable, while humidity in the winter, coupled with wind chills, can make the cold feel very brutal. Dress for the weather and don't forget to cover your head and ears with a warm hat. Ottawa is not a very fashion-minded city, but in winter, everyone throws in the towel.

Go next

Day trips to Quebec

Since Ottawa is located on the provincial border, daytrips to neighbouring Quebec can be made easily. If you enjoy the outdoors, especially if you are a cyclist, you should definitely visit Gatineau Park just across the river from Ottawa. Ottawa and the surrounding area boasts over 170 km of public paved trails on which you can run, bike, walk or rollerblade. If you are looking for a place to start, head to the nearest waterway: paved trails line both sides of the Ottawa River, the Rideau Canal, and the Rideau River. The Trans Canada Trail enters Ottawa through the outskirt communities of Carleton Place and Stittsville, then joins up with the Ottawa River at Brittania Bay (near Carling Avenue at Bayshore Drive). It follows the river 13 km east to Parliament Hill, then crosses over to the Quebec side, extending into and beyond Gatineau Park.

Gatineau - Right across the Ottawa River. The Canadian Museum of History is worth a visit. The nightlife in the Old Hull neighbourhood is often considered superior to Ottawa's, with a handful of loud clubs but also a decent offering of artistic cafés with good local live music. Gatineau Park is directly north from Hull; the Camp Fortune and Edelweiss ski areas are also north of the city, near Chelsea and Wakefield respectively. Wakefield is a picturesque artist town on the side of the Gatineau River. Rich with cultural offerings and beautiful natural surroundings (especially in autumn). Buckingham is downriver from Gatineau in the east, as one of the more accessible venues for rural maple sugar shack camps. Aventure Laflèche, ☏ +1 819 457-4033. A superb destination for outdoor activities in the Gatineau Hills year-round. A community-owned non-profit company that offers beautiful nature trails, tours of the historical Laflèche caves, and the province's largest aerial park for the adventurous (includes several ziplines). Calling ahead for reservations is strongly recommended. Eco-Odyssée, ☏ +1 819-459-2551. Another great option for nature lovers close to Wakefield. A water maze that's great for learning about the local marsh environments. Great Canadian Bungee. For the adventure-inclined. Just across the river from Ottawa is the city of Gatineau, which has the stunning Canadian Museum of History and some mighty good restaurants too. It is the centre of the Outaouais region which includes the lovely village of Wakefield, and Gatineau Park with its high cliffs and deep, clear lakes. A little further west is the Pontiac where you will find small rural towns and rafting expeditions. There is a bus service from Ottawa and Gatineau to the Pontiac. You can cycle from Quyon to Pembroke on 72 km of railway bed turned into a bike trail. Stop by the Shawville Fair in late August/early September. To the south and east of Ottawa is a large flat rural area consisting mostly of small commuter towns, agricultural villages, and the occasional woodland. This lowland stretches all the way to Montreal (roughly 165 km to the east) and the United States border (just shy of a hundred kilometres to the south). The Rideau Canal runs through it. Among the many scenic towns are Merrickville, which has a good claim to the name "Canada's prettiest village," and Perth with its mills and heritage buildings. Going west beyond Kanata, the village of Carp (about 40 minutes away, in West Carleton, officially part of Ottawa) houses the surreal Cold War "Central Emergency Government Headquarters" (the Diefenbunker), now a museum and listed under "Museums" above. Beyond that is the Ottawa Valley region, towns and farms, then the Madawaska Highlands wilderness area starting about 90 km from Ottawa. In that area is Calabogie, a ski resort in winter and lake resort in summer. A little further on is another wilderness recreation area, Algonquin Provincial Park. Beyond the Ottawa region lie other Canadian cities, such as:

Montreal, the largest city in Quebec and the largest French-speaking city in the Western Hemisphere, is 200 km east. Toronto, Canada's largest city, is about 500 km to the southwest. Kingston, about 200 km to the southwest, on the way to Toronto. A university town with historic limestone buildings. If you're interested in a very different destination, Ottawa is one of the very few cities south of the 60th parallel that has regular scheduled air service - and the only one with year-round direct air service - to Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut.

More pictures of Ottawa

From this destination's category on Wikimedia Commons. Each photograph is credited to its own author under its own licence.