Ottawa

Overview

Ottawa travel connects visitors to Canada's capital city, where the Rideau Canal's 202-kilometer UNESCO World Heritage waterway anchors the urban landscape. The city welcomes 11 million annual visitors through its position as the country's fourth-largest metropolitan area. Parliament Hill receives 3 million visitors yearly, while the ByWard Market, one of North America's oldest continuous markets, hosts 50,000 visitors daily across its 4-block district.

Ottawa statistics highlight seven national museums housing over 1 million artifacts, including the National Gallery's collection of 93,000 works. The city's 110 kilometers of recreational pathways link major attractions, while the Rideau Canal transforms into the world's largest skating rink during winter, stretching 7.8 kilometers through downtown.

Canada

Destination Type City

Currency Canadian Dollar

Languages English, French

Best Time to Visit June, July, August

Recommended Duration 3 to 5 days

Elevation 70 meters

Popularity Score 7.5/10

Accommodation in Ottawa

Discover where savvy travelers stay in Ottawa with our 2025 accommodation guide. Our partners offer excellent options throughout Canada for every budget and style. Book your Ottawa accommodation confidently with our guaranteed reservation system.

Find your Accommodation in Ottawa

Grab Your Bunk or Private Room with HostelWorld

Apps and Services to Check Out Before You Go

SurfShark VPN

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Insta360

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On the Move

Find local landmarks and places and digitally collect them

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Safety and Security

🥽 Overall Safety

8.0/10

👩‍🦰 Solo Female Safety

8.0/10

🌈 LGBTQ Safety

8.0/10

Travel Advisory

Exercise normal security precautions.

Drinkable Tap Water? 💧

Yes

Safety Info

Generally safe with low crime rates.

Remember to get your travel insurance! Our recommended insurer is SafetyWing

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Ottawa Budget and Cost of Living

Cost of Living Level

$$$$$

Accommodation (Per Night)

Budget CAD 50-100

Mid-Range CAD 150-250

Luxury CAD 400-600

Eating Out

Budget Meal CAD 15-30

Mid-Range Meal CAD 20-40

Luxury Dining CAD 150-250

Activities

Budget Activities CAD 10-20

Mid-Range Activities CAD 20-50

Luxury Activities CAD 100-200

Money Saving Tips

Use public transit, visit free museums

Top Things to Do in Ottawa 2025

If you're searching for what to do in Ottawa during 2025 then look no further. Here are unique experiences and local events in Ottawa that are going on in 2025. These include cultural events, sports, music, festivals and much more. We also have the info on the attractions that showcase the best of Canada.

Tours & Activities

Upcoming Events

No upcoming events found for Ottawa

Attractions

Parliament Hill

Government Building

Parliament Hill in Ottawa is the political heart of Canada, housing the offices of the members of Parliament and the…

9.5/10

View Attraction

Parliament Hill

Government Building

Parliament Hill in Ottawa is the political heart of Canada, housing the offices of the members of Parliament and the House of Commons. It is a popular destination for visitors who want to learn more about Canadian governance. The site features stunning Gothic Revival architecture, with its iconic Peace Tower offering panoramic views of the city. Parliament Hill travel information often includes details on guided tours available to educate visitors on the history and function of Canadas government. In addition to its architectural beauty, the grounds of Parliament Hill host numerous events throughout the year, including national celebrations like Canada Day. The Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place daily during the summer months, is a highlight for many tourists. For those planning a visit, its essential to check current schedules and security requirements to ensure a smooth experience. This ensures that all visitors can enjoy their time at one of Canadas most important landmarks.

9.5

Open: Daily 24 hours (Year-round)

Price:
Adult: Free
Child: Free
Student: Free
Senior: Free

Wellington St, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A9, Canada

https://horizonjumpers.com/north-america/canada-travel/ottawa-city/parliament-hill/

National Gallery of Canada

Art Museum

The National Gallery of Canada, located in Ottawa, is one of the countrys premier art institutions. It houses an extensive…

9.2/10

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National Gallery of Canada

Art Museum

The National Gallery of Canada, located in Ottawa, is one of the countrys premier art institutions. It houses an extensive collection of Canadian, Indigenous, and international artworks. The building itself is an architectural landmark with its glass and granite design. Visitors can enjoy a variety of exhibitions and programs that cater to diverse interests. For those planning a visit, its important to note the National Gallery of Canada opening hours, which vary by season. Generally, it is open from 10 am to 5 pm but closed on Mondays. Admission fees apply, but there are days when entry is free for specific groups. Visitors should check the official website for the most accurate information before their visit.

9.2

Open: Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed Mondays and some holidays)

Price:
Adult: 20 CAD
Child: Free
Student: 10 CAD
Senior: 18 CAD

380 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 9N4, Canada

Recommended Booking: Weekends and holidays days in advance

https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=National%20Gallery%20of%20Canada%2COttawa&partner_id=D1I5ACM

https://horizonjumpers.com/north-america/canada-travel/ottawa-city/national-gallery-of-canada/

Rideau Canal

Historic Canal

The Rideau Canal in Ottawa is a historic waterway that extends 202 kilometers from the capital city to Kingston, Ontario.…

9.0/10

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Rideau Canal

Historic Canal

The Rideau Canal in Ottawa is a historic waterway that extends 202 kilometers from the capital city to Kingston, Ontario. Constructed in the early 19th century, it was originally intended for strategic military purposes. Today, it is renowned for its scenic beauty and is a popular spot for boating in the warmer months and ice skating during the winter. Visitors should note that the Rideau Canal opening hours vary with the seasons, so checking ahead is advisable to plan activities accordingly. Notably, the Rideau Canal is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its historical significance and well-preserved engineering. During summer, you can enjoy boat tours or paddle along its waters, while in winter, it transforms into one of the worlds largest natural skating rinks. The canals pathways also offer excellent opportunities for walking and cycling, providing spectacular views of Ottawas landmarks. Always verify local resources for current information on accessibility and operating times.

9.0

Open: Daily 24 hours (Year-round)

Price:
Adult: Free
Child: Free
Student: Free
Senior: Free

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

https://horizonjumpers.com/north-america/canada-travel/ottawa-city/rideau-canal/

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