Ottawa Trip Planner
Why Visit Ottawa: Top Reasons & Highlights
Travelers love Ottawa for its seamless blend of history and modernity, as noted in reviews praising the city's museums and lively ByWard Market. Enjoy skating on the Rideau Canal and exploring Parliament Hill. Using Pilot, plan your trip efficiently, ensuring you don't miss any cultural gems. Ottawa is approximately 4.5 hours driving from Syracuse, New York.
Ottawa travel photos
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What to do in Ottawa
With so much to do and so much to see, use Pilot to make your plan to make the most of your trip.
Explore top things to do
- 🇨🇦 Explore Parliament Hill for a taste of Canada's history. - 🖼️ Visit the National Gallery for stunning Canadian Art. - 🌳 Stroll through the beautiful landscapes of the Rideau Canal. - 🍁 Experience ByWard Market's bustling local culture and diverse eats. - 🏛️ Discover Canadian history at the Museum of History. - 🚤 Cruise the Ottawa River for unique city views. - 🍔 Taste local flavors, from poutine to maple-infused dishes. Use Pilot to seamlessly design your Ottawa adventure, covering all these must-sees.
Find the perfect neighborhood to stay in
- 🌟 ByWard Market: Lively atmosphere with great eateries and unique shops. - 🏙️ Centretown: Historic sites and museums nearby, perfect for culture seekers. - 🌿 Glebe: Charming residential area with local boutiques and cafes. - 🏞️ Westboro: Outdoor adventures with paths and scenic riverside views. Pilot helps you find deals and the best place to stay in Ottawa.
Discover the best food and drink
🐾 Try poutine at Elgin Street Diner—crispy fries, curd cheese, rich gravy. A must-try comfort food. 🍁 Indulge in a BeaverTail, especially from ByWard Market. This fried pastry delight is a local favorite. 🦌 Sample local game dishes like venison at the Fairmont Château Laurier's elegant The Courtyard. 🚪 Explore Wilf & Ada's for brunch; the classic eggs benedict gets rave reviews. 🎉 Visit Play Food & Wine for a creative twist on Canadian dishes, perfectly paired with local wines. ✈️ Use Pilot to organize your foodie adventure in Ottawa seamlessly.
In popular culture
- 🎬 Ottawa was featured in Tom Green's movie "Freddy Got Fingered." Key scenes were shot in the city, highlighting familiar streets and locales. - 🎥 The TV series "The Littlest Hobo" filmed various episodes in Ottawa, using its unique architecture as a backdrop. - 🎞️ Parts of "House at the End of the Street" starring Jennifer Lawrence were shot in Ottawa and nearby areas. - 📺 The series "Murdoch Mysteries" filmed some scenes in Ottawa, showcasing its historical landmarks. - 🎹 The song "Wheat Kings" by The Tragically Hip references Ottawa, capturing its historical significance in its lyrics.
Ottawa at a glance
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What reviews say
- People love Ottawa's museums and green spaces. - Reviews say winter can be harsh. - Locals recommend trying BeaverTails pastries. - Visit ByWard Market for food and crafts. - Some find it quieter than other big cities. - Great spot for biking along the canal. - Parliamentary tours are popular. - Bring a good coat if visiting in winter.
What reddit says
- Redditors say Ottawa is charming and often underrated. - Parliament Hill and the Canadian Museum of History are must-sees. - Visit ByWard Market for local eats and shops. - Nature lovers enjoy Gatineau Park and Rideau Canal, especially in winter for skating. - Some find it quieter compared to larger cities. - Locals and visitors recommend exploring beyond the usual tourist spots for hidden gems.
Travel tips and safety
- Locals love politeness; a friendly "hello" goes a long way. - Avoid crossing streets unless at a crosswalk or when the light is green. - Budget around CAD 15–20 for a casual meal; transit day pass is CAD 11. - Cannabis is legal but only in private residences. - Consider unique events like Winterlude or Tulip Festival depending on season. - Coffee culture thrives; try local roasters and cafes. Ottawa is generally safe. Consult travel advisories for updated information as situations can change.
Getting around
- OC Transpo's buses and O-Train make getting around affordable and straightforward. Day passes are a good deal. - Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are convenient but may be pricier than taxis for short trips. - Downtown Ottawa is highly walkable; lots to explore on foot. - Rent a bike at one of the city's many bike-sharing stations for scenic rides along the canal. - Pilot can help you map out efficient routes and walking tours to enjoy Ottawa's charm.
How much it costs to visit
- Budget travelers in Vancouver can expect to spend around $60 to $100 USD per day. This includes hostel accommodation ($25-$40), affordable meals ($15-$30), and public transportation ($5-$10). - Mid-range travelers should budget approximately $150 to $200 USD per day. This covers stays in a comfortable hotel or Airbnb ($80-$130), dining at mid-range restaurants ($30-$50), and entrance fees to attractions or guided tours ($40-$60). - Luxury travelers might spend around $300+ USD daily. This typically includes high-end hotel accommodation ($150-$300), fine dining ($60-$100), private tours or exclusive activities ($100+), and convenient transportation options like taxis or rideshares ($20-$50). - Always check for discounts on attraction packages or restaurant deals, which can save money. Prices vary at different times of year and during large events. Check Pilot to find current rates for hotels and activities.
What to do if you only have one day to visit
🖼️ Visit the National Gallery of Canada for a stunning collection of art. 🏰 Walk around Parliament Hill to soak in some history and architecture. 🍁 Head to ByWard Market for local eats and unique shopping. 🌿 Stroll through Major's Hill Park for relaxing views. 🥘 Don't miss a stop at a local bakery for a classic Canadian butter tart. 🌉 End your day with a walk across the Alexandra Bridge for sunset views of the Ottawa River. Use Pilot to easily generate and map an itinerary like this for you for free in just a few clicks.
What to do if it rains
- 🌧️ Check out the Canadian Museum of History. It's a treasure trove of artifacts and exhibitions that'll keep you engaged for hours. - 🎨 Head to the National Gallery of Canada. It's a fantastic way to explore Canadian art and get a cultural fix. - 🏛️ Visit the Canadian Museum of Nature. It's perfect for learning and discovery, and the exhibits are always a hit with visitors. - 🍽️ Enjoy the ByWard Market's indoor spaces. It's full of great food spots and local vendors. Treat yourself to some amazing local eats. - 🍺 Find a cozy pub. Settle in for some local craft beers or great cocktails. - 🎭 Catch a show at the National Arts Centre. There's always something worth seeing, from theatre to dance performances. - 📚 Spend some quiet time at the Ottawa Public Library. It’s a perfect place to unwind with a good book. - ☕ Cozy up in a local café. Enjoy some excellent coffee and people-watching.
When to visit and how many days to spend
- Visit Ottawa from late spring (May-June) to early fall (September-October) - Mild weather: 15-25°C (59-77°F) - Avoid winter: November-April - Cold, snowy: -15 to -5°C (5-23°F) - Ottawa has a humid continental climate - Distinct seasons influence activities and event availability - Located in a temperate forest biome - Dense forests enhance autumn foliage - Winters can be harsh with snow and ice - Spring/summer: best for festivals, walking tours - Fall: great for scenic parks and changing leaves
How to find events during your stay
- Check out the subreddit for Ottawa: reddit.com/r/ottawa. It keeps you updated on local events and personal experiences from residents. - Visit apt613.ca. It’s a local arts and culture blog highlighting festivals, markets, and concerts. - Ottawa Tourism’s website is a hub for ongoing events: ottawatourism.ca. - Stay up-to-date with Ottawa-based media like the Ottawa Citizen: ottawacitizen.com/entertainment/local-arts. - Follow @apt613 on Twitter/X for cultural updates and festival announcements. - Leverage the events listing at ottawamagazine.com for locally curated experiences.
Before your trip, read the history
Ottawa, Canada's capital, is a fascinating city with a rich tapestry of history. It was originally inhabited by Indigenous peoples, including the Anishinaabe and Algonquin tribes, who thrived on the land. The city officially came to life in the 1820s, thanks to Colonel John By, who oversaw the construction of the Rideau Canal. This engineering marvel is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a delightful glimpse into the city's early days. Ottawa got its name from the Algonquin word "Odawa," meaning "to trade," capturing the area's long-standing role as a hub of commerce and development.Historically leaning centrist, Ottawa reflects broader Canadian politics, often voting Liberal. Its prominence soared when it was named the capital in 1857 by Queen Victoria. The city became a political powerhouse with significant political figures like Sir Wilfrid Laurier, a key leader in Canadian history. Nestled between scenic landscapes and the Ottawa River, the city celebrates a mix of French and English cultures, born from its settler roots. As you wander through landmarks like Parliament Hill or the Canadian Museum of History, you'll feel the city's intriguing past woven into every corner.
