Canada’s capital, crowned by the Gothic Parliament buildings and crossed by the UNESCO-listed Rideau Canal; home to national museums and galleries, with the canal becoming a giant skating rink in winter.
Tulips bloom and the canal paths are perfect for walking. source
January–February
The Rideau Canal Skateway opens — eat a BeaverTail on skates, Ottawa-style. source
Weather: May–June and September–October are best, with the tulip festival in May; January–February brings canal skating and winter festivals, but it is very cold. source
Times to avoid: The National Gallery is free every Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. source
Weather varies from year to year; check the forecast before you go.
Don't miss in Ottawa
Canadian Museum of History Across the Ottawa River, famed for its Grand Hall of Indigenous totem poles. source
National Gallery of Canada The glass gallery guarded by the giant spider sculpture Maman; children 11 and under are free. source
BeaverTails The beaver-tail-shaped fried pastry born in the ByWard Market in 1979; cinnamon sugar is the classic. source
Where to stay in Ottawa
ByWard Market
Restaurants, bars and the original BeaverTails stand, a walk from Parliament.
Downtown (Centretown)
Close to O-Train stations, Parliament and the canal.
What to eat in Ottawa
BeaverTails — Stretched fried pastry topped with cinnamon sugar or chocolate
Poutine — Fries with cheese curds and gravy
Smoked Meat Poutine — Poutine topped with Montréal-style smoked meat
Ottawa tips and things to watch out for
Ottawa travel tips
Menu prices exclude 13% HST and tip; a 15–18% tip is usual. source
Airport to city: take O-Train Line 4 to South Keys and change to Line 2; the regular single fare covers the transfer. source
Good to know in Canada
Sales tax may be included in the displayed price or added separately; check your receipt. source
Contactless card payment works in most shops and on public transit. source
Watch out for in Canada
In parks and on trails you may meet bears and other wildlife; follow posted rules and never leave food out. source
In Canadian cities, do not leave bags unattended and keep valuables and your passport secure. source
General advice for the whole country. Check official government travel advice for entry rules and safety before you go.
Restaurant prices for Ottawa are still being collected. The estimate also uses some official meal and transit prices checked in other cities in Canada.
Ottawa attraction & theme park tickets
Official sellers’ prices for one adult admission. Select attractions in the calculator to add them to your budget.
Canadian Museum of History (Adult, plus tax): CA$25.00 · child CA$18.00
National Gallery of Canada (Adult, plus tax): CA$22.00