City centre Ottawa blends political grandeur with cultural treasures in Canada's capital. Parliament Hill's Gothic towers stand proudly alongside the UNESCO-listed Rideau Canal. National museums showcase Canadian heritage while government buildings buzz with activity. The area comes alive during festivals like Winterlude. The area offers excellent connectivity through three metro stations and walkable streets. Byward Market Square tempts visitors with local flavours just steps from the National Arts Centre. Notre-Dame Cathedral's spires complement the striking National Gallery, making City centre Ottawa perfect for history buffs and art lovers alike.
ByWard Market blends history with vibrant energy in city centre Ottawa. This historic district dates back to 1826, with charming cobblestone streets and 19th-century buildings housing unique shops and eateries. The lively public market offers everything from fresh produce to artisanal maple syrup. By day, browse local vendors and speciality boutiques at Byward Market Square and Rideau Centre. As evening falls, the area transforms into a bustling nightlife hub where restaurants and pubs fill with locals and visitors alike. The neighborhood's walkable streets make exploring Ottawa's oldest commercial district a delightful adventure.
Centretown blends government grandeur with area charm in the heart of Ottawa. Heritage buildings and Victorian homes line quiet residential streets just steps from bustling commercial corridors. The Canadian Museum of Nature and tree-lined parks offer peaceful retreats from the city pace. Bank and Elgin Streets pulse with diverse dining options and independent shops. Catch the metro at Parliament or Lyon Station to explore Ottawa's attractions. The scenic Rideau Canal provides a natural boundary where locals and visitors alike enjoy seasonal recreation.
The Glebe blends historic charm with vibrant urban living just minutes from city centre Ottawa. Travellers love its tree-lined streets filled with heritage homes and lively Bank Street corridor. TD Place Stadium hosts exciting sporting events while the scenic Rideau Canal offers year-round recreation. This walkable area boasts independent boutiques, cosy cafés, and bookshops perfect for leisurely browsing. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate Patterson Creek Park and Brown's Inlet for peaceful green spaces. The Glebe's festivals and live music scene create a welcoming atmosphere for visitors seeking authentic local experiences.
Hip Westboro combines urban style with natural beauty along the Ottawa River. Independent boutiques and craft breweries line Richmond Road, creating a trendy yet authentic atmosphere. Tree-lined streets maintain a charming village feel despite the neighborhood's growing popularity. Westboro Beach offers sandy shores perfect for summer relaxation and swimming. The Ottawa River Pathway connects cyclists and walkers to city centre attractions while providing scenic waterfront views. Most shops and restaurants are locally owned, giving visitors a genuine taste of Ottawa's creative spirit.
Discover the most popular places to visit in Ottawa
Canadian Tire Centre
8.4/10 (3,133 reviews)
Home to the Ottawa Senators NHL team, the Canadian Tire Centre hosts thrilling hockey games and major concerts. Splurge on luxury suites for premium views and enhanced dining options during events.
Parliament Hill stands as Canada's political heart, showcasing stunning neo-Gothic architecture and rich history. Join a guided tour to explore the Centre Block and ascend the Peace Tower for panoramic Ottawa views.
This historic marketplace has been Ottawa's culinary and cultural heart since 1826. Wander through stalls of fresh produce and artisanal goods, then linger at pavement cafés in the surrounding entertainment district.
This lakeside casino dazzles with 1,400 slot machines, gaming tables, and live entertainment. Experience the thrill of chance, then unwind at the integrated Hilton hotel's restaurants or waterfront terrace.
This bilingual campus blends historic Tabaret Hall with modern STEM facilities in Canada's capital. Explore the university's art installations and green spaces while experiencing both English and French academic culture.
The Shaw Centre's striking glass façade overlooks the Rideau Canal in city centre Ottawa. Inside, the light-filled spaces host prestigious conferences and events with panoramic city views.
The Rideau Canal transforms from a historic UNESCO waterway in summer to the world's largest skating rink in winter. Glide past heritage lockstations while enjoying Ottawa's skyline during Winterlude.
Canada's premier performing arts venue showcases orchestral concerts, theatre, and dance in its distinctive Brutalist setting. Experience world-class performances in intimate or grand spaces.
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.
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.
Byward Market Square offers a vibrant public market atmosphere perfect for unique gifts and local delicacies. For a more comprehensive shopping experience, visit Kanata Centrum Shopping Centre or Rideau Mall, both featuring a variety of shops, entertainment, and family-friendly options in a lively city setting.
Recreation
The Canadian Tire Centre offers an exhilarating atmosphere with live sports events that energise the spirit. Lansdowne Park combines recreation with relaxation, hosting various activities in a vibrant setting. Meanwhile, the Walter Baker Sports Centre provides diverse fitness options, promoting wellness through active engagement and community spirit.
Adventure
Experience the thrills of Calypso Water Park with exhilarating slides and wave pools, perfect for families. Cosmic Adventures offers a vibrant arcade and climbing challenges, while Tag Zone provides an exciting indoor paintless paintball experience, ensuring fun-filled adventures for everyone in the family.
Nightlife
In Ottawa, experience vibrant nightlife at the ByWard Market, filled with lively pubs and restaurants. For a more relaxed evening, explore Elgin Street's charming bars. Enjoy live music at venues like the National Arts Centre, or dance the night away at popular clubs in the area.
Find the best attractions in Ottawa
Ottawa is an ideal destination for city-themed, family, and outdoor vacations, offering a blend of urban parks, historic civic government buildings, and modern colleges and universities. This vibrant city caters to travellers seeking outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and family-friendly attractions. Don't miss the stunning Ottawa River, which adds to the charm of this capital city and provides ample opportunities for exploration and relaxation.
Carleton University: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of this modern university, set in a picturesque campus that blends contemporary architecture with lush green spaces. Engage with local students and soak in the youthful energy, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a coffee break.
Canadian Museum of History: Delve into Canada’s rich past at this renowned museum, where exhibits reveal the nation's cultural heritage. The stunning architecture and picturesque views of Parliament Hill from the museum add to the enchanting experience, making it a cultural gem.
Canadian War Museum: Explore Canada's military history through immersive exhibits and poignant stories that honour those who served. The museum's striking design and interactive displays create a compelling narrative that resonates with visitors, making it an insightful stop.
Best time to go to Ottawa
The best time to visit Ottawa can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Ottawa falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Ottawa falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.
Tips to save on your trip to Ottawa
Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Ottawa.
Consider traveling to Ottawa during the low season (March and December to January) for more affordable options.
Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an Ottawa holiday package cost?
You can grab a holiday package to this destination on Expedia. But how much your holiday to Ottawa costs will depend on factors like the season, length of stay and hotel choice.
What are the cheapest months to go to Ottawa?
January, February and November are great times to look for cheap Ottawa holiday packages. Choosing to travel in less busy months means you can generally find lower prices on accommodation and flights.
How many days is enough for Ottawa?
Ottawa holidays can be short or long, but to get a real feel for this destination, we'd say 2 days is about right. With this timeframe, you can visit top sights like Canadian Museum of Nature and Centrepointe Theatre and track down some lesser-known spots. Don't miss out on cool areas such as Downtown Ottawa and Byward Market - Parliament Hill either. If you plan wisely, you can even schedule a day trip or two from Ottawa too.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Ottawa?
During your Ottawa holiday, you can look forward to experiencing some top-notch culture and history. Leave enough room in your itinerary to check out major attractions like Byward Market Square and Canadian Museum of History.
How to find the best Ottawa package deals?
Landing a cheap Ottawa package deal is a breeze with Expedia. Once you've entered your destination and travel dates under our "Packages" tab, set your maximum budget, add a couple of filters and browse what's available. You can tweak your search by "Property class," "Number of bedrooms," "Traveller experience" and more. Order the results by "Price: low to high" to discover the most wallet-friendly Ottawa package deals. Want a simple trick to get the biggest savings? Be flexible with your departure dates and consider going away on a weekday, when prices are often lower.
Is it cheaper to book an Ottawa holiday as a package?
You can enjoy significant savings on your Ottawa getaway by booking a tailored holiday package. Check the "Package" heading, then enter your destination and travel dates to view the best hotel prices and airfares. Bundling can save travellers hundreds of dollars. Consider adding a rental car and you may score a better deal.
When to book a holiday package to Ottawa?
If you're considering an impromptu Ottawa holiday, browse our last-minute deals that can be booked up to one week before you take off. Prefer not to wait until the last minute? You can score sensational deals on your flights and hotels by booking well in advance.
How to plan a trip to Ottawa?
Choose when to get away: Check your schedule and pack your bags. Your favourite time of year and the activities available will also help you decide when to escape to Ottawa.
Work out your budget: Ensure you have enough money to cover everything from dining out and transportation to flights and experiences. Your hotel will likely be the largest expense during your trip to Ottawa.
Decide how long to go away for: Now that you know more about Ottawa, you can figure out the perfect length of your break. Put together a rough itinerary and give yourself enough time for all the things you want to do.
Bundle your bookings: With your travel dates in order, you can combine your car rental, hotels, flights and more into a customised Ottawa holiday package.