Ottawa

Travel Guide

Major\'s Hill Park showing a church or cathedral and snow
Ottawa
Ottawa
Ottawa which includes ice skating, a bridge and snow
Rideau Canal featuring a bridge, a river or creek and a city

Ottawa Travel Guide Video

Canada’s gorgeous capital offers an array of galleries, museums, nature parks and historic sites, making it the perfect cultural and romantic escape.

Canada’s stylish capital, Ottawa, is a city rich in arts, heritage and sciences. The city blends ultra-modern and Victorian Gothic architecture, balances technology with nature and offers cuisines from across the globe.

Begin your stay with a trip to the historic Parliament Buildings on Parliament Hill. Visit the Library of Parliament and the iconic Peace Tower. These Gothic Revival buildings are adorned with gold-leaf ceilings and ornate images of Canada’s past. Explore Centre Block and listen to political debates in the House of Commons and the Senate. Continue your appreciation of Gothic Revival-style architecture at the Notre Dame Basilica, a Canadian National Historic Site. Admire the terraced galleries, stained-glass windows and altars rich in adornments.

The nation’s capital has plenty of galleries and museums to explore. Follow the history of modern warfare at the Canadian War Museum. Learn about the country’s place in the history of flight at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum and marvel at how humans have developed at the Canadian Museum of Civilisation. See old art masters and learn about new ones while discovering Canada’s rich cultural heritage at the National Gallery of Canada.

Ottawa is a city for all seasons with winter snow activities and summer hikes. Discover heritage estates, natural beauty and the rich biodiversity of the popular Gatineau Park. In the summer, boat on the Rideau Canal, an internationally recognised World Heritage Site. Skate on the canal in the winter when it transforms into the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink.

Ottawa is an easy city to navigate, with most of the attractions located within walking distance of each other. Check the opening hours of museums before you go since they can vary depending on the season and day of the week. Peak season is during the summer months from June through August and the low season is from November through April.

Where to stay in Ottawa

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica which includes heritage elements, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

Downtown Ottawa

Known for its fascinating museums and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Ottawa. Check out top attractions like Rideau Centre and Rideau Mall, and jump on the metro at Rideau Station or uOttawa Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Ottawa
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Kanata

Kanata is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Canadian Tire Centre and Kanata Centrum Shopping Centre while you're in town.

Kanata
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Nepean

Nepean is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Nepean Sportsplex and Bayshore Shopping Centre while in the area.

Nepean
Ottawa featuring snow

Centretown

Known for its abundant dining options and interesting museums, there's plenty to explore in Centretown. Top attractions like Elgin Street and Canadian Museum of Nature are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Parliament Station or Lyon Station to see more of the city.

Centretown
Byward Market featuring outdoor eating, a city and markets

ByWard Market

A noteworthy feature of ByWard Market is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Byward Market Square and Rideau Centre.

ByWard Market
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Orleans

Orleans is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Place D'Orleans Shopping Center and Princess Louise Falls.

Orleans
Hôtel Chateauneuf Gatineau—Ottawa

Hôtel Chateauneuf Gatineau—Ottawa

3.5 out of 5
2 Montcalm Street, Gatineau, QC
The price is €83 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€83
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Gatineau. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Byward Market ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,027 reviews)
"All was good just the surprised charge they added and we had to wait 5/days for refund"

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2025

Hôtel Chateauneuf Gatineau—Ottawa
Fairmont Chateau Laurier

Fairmont Chateau Laurier

4.5 out of 5
1 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON
The price is €144 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€144
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy 3 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,635 reviews)
"Very nice place"

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2025

Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Ottawa Marriott Hotel

Ottawa Marriott Hotel

4 out of 5
100 Kent St, Ottawa, ON
The price is €126 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€126
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Ottawa. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), valet parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,315 reviews)
"Reactive front desk, really close to everything in ottawa, good breakfast buffet , pool, etc. Just make sure when you book your stay because parking and breakfast is not includedin the Price if it is not written on your réservation."

Reviewed on 10 Aug 2025

Ottawa Marriott Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Les Suites Hotel Ottawa

Les Suites Hotel Ottawa

4 out of 5
130 Besserer St, Ottawa, ON
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a health club. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (4,795 reviews)
"Very close to the public transit and attractions. Room is cozy and spacious. Very clean. I enjoyed staying here a lot"

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2025

Les Suites Hotel Ottawa
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Arlo Apartments Downtown

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Arlo Apartments Downtown

3.5 out of 5
88 Albert Street, Ottawa, ON
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Ottawa. Enjoy a fitness center, laundry facilities, and concierge services. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (925 reviews)
Great location
"Great location. Good facilities. Staff were friendly and helpful"

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2025

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Arlo Apartments Downtown
Residence & Conference Centre - Ottawa West

Residence & Conference Centre - Ottawa West

2 out of 5
1385 Woodroffe Ave., Ottawa, ON
Stay at this aparthotel in Ottawa. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7/10 Good! (1,668 reviews)
"Bed comfortable. Food options nearby"

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

Residence & Conference Centre - Ottawa West
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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