Ottawa
Introduction
You will find yourself in Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, situated in the southeastern portion of Ontario. Located at the confluence of the Ottawa River and the Rideau River, the city borders Gatineau, Quebec, and serves as the core of the National Capital Region.
Before you go
Prepare for a climate defined by four distinct seasons, where you will experience warm summers and cold, snowy winters. During the summer months, expect conditions that can become hot and humid, while the winter season brings heavy snow and freezing temperatures that turn the Rideau Canal into a massive skating rink. Spring and autumn offer pleasant conditions, though spring may bring rapid swings in weather. Pack layers to handle the transition between seasons, and ensure you have warm clothing to protect your head and ears during the long, cold winter months.
When navigating the city, look for staff in blue uniforms with white question marks to receive assistance in either French or English. While the city is generally safe, exercise caution and common sense when traveling alone or after dark. Be aware that certain areas near the downtown core have higher instances of crime; you can find information at a Capital Information Kiosk located opposite Parliament Hill.
Getting there
You can fly into the city at Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, which provides regular flights from various Canadian cities and several major hubs in the United States. The airport features US Customs Pre-clearance facilities for seamless international transfers. For those arriving by rail, VIA Rail Canada offers daily service from Toronto and multiple daily trains from Quebec City. Additionally, a shuttle bus connection is available for passengers traveling between Montreal Trudeau International Airport and the Ottawa Train Station.
Several bus services connect you to the city from different regions:
- FlixBus serves routes from cities including Toronto, Kingston, and Windsor.
- Megabus provides service from Kingston and Brockville, with connections available for travelers coming from Toronto or Montreal.
- Orléans Express and Maple Bus offer travel from Montreal and various locations around Ontario.
- Rider Express provides service from Toronto via Kingston and Belleville.
- Autobus Maheux operates a route between Montreal and Ottawa with stops in Laval and Gatineau.
- Ontario Northland connects the city to several regional centers in Northern Ontario, including Sudbury and North Bay.
- The 417 Bus Line provides commuter service from nearby locations such as Cornwall and Casselman.
Getting around
You can navigate the city using OC Transpo, which operates a bus service and the O-Train light rail system. The Confederation Line runs east-west through the city centre with stations at Lyon, Parliament, Rideau, and uOttawa; if you are heading to the Byward Market, you can disembark at the Rideau station. To travel north-south from these stations, you can take bus routes 6 or 7 along Bank Street. The Transitway provides frequent bus rapid transit service, while specific routes like Route 8 provide all-day service between Dow's Lake and Gatineau. For those traveling from the Gatineau side, many STO buses run along Wellington Street and pass near the Byward Market.
Exploring on foot is a great way to see the city, especially in pedestrian-friendly areas like Sparks Street or the various streets within the Byward Market. If you prefer cycling, the downtown area features protected infrastructure with paths running along the canal and rivers that extend into Gatineau. For those traveling by car, be mindful of one-way streets in the downtown area and the fact that on-street parking is at a premium. Taxis are readily available downtown, while ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft are also options for getting around.
Where to stay
Depending on your preference for atmosphere and location, you can find various accommodations across the city. For budget-conscious travelers, stay in a converted house near the Byward Market or choose a modern hostel downtown that offers private rooms and shared amenities like a common room and a back patio. If you prefer a more unique experience, consider staying at a guest house featuring Victorian architecture or a suite-style hotel with a fitness center and pool located east of Elgin Street.
For those seeking a higher level of comfort, several options are available in the heart of the city:
- Stay in a historic limestone building that offers traditional hospitality and a healthy breakfast.
- Choose a modern tower on the quieter west side of downtown featuring a large pool and sauna.
- Select a boutique hotel with views of Parliament Hill or a suite that includes a full kitchen.
- Experience grandeur at one of the city's two classic hotels, where some rooms offer views of the Rideau Canal locks and the Parliament buildings.
- Stay in a tall building near the Parliament Buildings that features a revolving restaurant and an indoor pool.
Food & drink
Savor the local flavors of Ottawa by trying a BeaverTail, a fried-dough pastry available in sweet or savory varieties topped with ingredients like cinnamon and sugar. While many spots offer this treat, locals often favor the Killaloe Sunrise topping of cinnamon sugar and lemon juice. For your caffeine fix, you can find various chains throughout the city, including fair trade options like Bridgehead or specialty shops in Little Italy on Preston Street. If you prefer a local roast with fresh croissants and donuts, head to Bar Robo under the Chinatown arch.
Explore diverse cuisines across different neighborhoods:
- The Byward Market area offers a wide selection of dishes, including poutine at 24-hour diners or at specialized poutine shops.
- In Little Italy along Preston Street, you can find an award-winning pastry shop and a deli known for fresh sandwiches and focaccia.
- Visit the Chinatown area on Somerset Street West for Vietnamese soup houses, Cantonese dishes in converted houses, or other Asian cuisines.
- Explore the Rideau corridor for Middle Eastern, African, and Asian food.
- For specialized regional tastes, find authentic Indian buffet experiences or Kerala cuisine nearby.
What to see and do
Explore the heart of downtown Ottawa at Parliament Hill, a Gothic revival landmark overlooking the Ottawa River. You can witness the Changing of the Guard on the lawns during the summer months or take a guided tour through the House of Commons or Senate buildings to learn about their history and architecture. For a different perspective, walk toward the back of the Parliament buildings for a view of the river and the Canadian Museum of History across in Gatineau. Nearby, you can stroll past the Rideau Canal locks to reach the Bytown Museum, which focuses on the city's early history.
The region offers a wide variety of museums and cultural sites:
- The Bank of Canada Currency Museum features historic and current currencies from around the world.
- The Canada Aviation and Space Museum showcases aircraft ranging from pre-World War I to modern planes, as well as components like the Canadarm.
- For those with children, the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum features a working farm with animal barns and horse-drawn wagons, while the Science and Technology Museum displays massive locomotives and electricity demonstrations.
- The Canadian Museum of Nature houses galleries of fossils, mammals, birds, and geology. * The National Gallery features photography and art from both Canadian and international artists in a building with a unique spider structure on the exterior.
- History enthusiasts can visit the Diefenbunker, a former secret bunker used during the Cold War, or the Laurier House, the former residence of two Canadian prime ministers. * The Canadian War Museum details Canada's involvement in various conflicts, and the Ottawa Art Gallery serves as a municipal art space.
When to go
You can experience four distinct seasons in Ottawa, each offering a different atmosphere. Summer provides warm, sunny days with long daylight hours, though you may encounter occasional rain or periods of intense heat. Spring and summer are the sunnier seasons, while spring offers pleasant conditions despite potential rapid shifts in weather as the snow melts.
Autumn brings cooler, variable conditions before the first snow typically falls in late October. If you visit during the long winter, you will encounter cold, snowy weather and frozen water bodies like the Rideau Canal, with shorter days and consistent snow cover through the early months of the year.
Three days in Ottawa
Day one, you can begin your exploration of the National Capital Region by visiting Parliament Hill. You can also take in the sights along the Ottawa River or the Rideau River.
Day two, you can explore the area near the Rideau Canal. During the spring, you can experience the local atmosphere while exploring the surroundings.
Day three, you can spend your time in the city before preparing for your departure from the Ottawa Train Station or planning a trip toward Gatineau.