Ottawa Trip

Things to do in and around Ottawa

Ottawa offers a delightful blend of city-themed, family-friendly, and outdoor activities. Visitors can explore educational attractions, indulge in shopping at mall centres, and discover vibrant artistic offerings including art exhibits. Whether you’re looking for guided tours or unique local experiences, Ottawa promises a memorable vacation filled with cultural enrichment and leisure pursuits.

Shopping

At Byward Market Square, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere filled with local produce and unique crafts. The Rideau Centre offers a diverse range of shops and entertainment options, perfect for families. For a charming stroll, Sparks Street provides a delightful mix of shops and eateries amidst a lively city vibe.

Recreation

The Canadian Tire Centre offers a vibrant atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, hosting thrilling events. Kōena Spa provides a tranquil haven for relaxation and rejuvenation through various treatments. Millennium Sports Park is perfect for outdoor activities, featuring expansive green spaces for leisurely strolls and wellness pursuits amidst nature.

Adventure

Experience the thrill at Calypso Water Park, where water slides and wave pools promise a day of fun and excitement. For winter adventure, head to Meech Ski Lift or Skyline Ski Lift, both offering fantastic skiing opportunities amidst beautiful snowy landscapes, only 14.5km from Ottawa.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Centrepointe Theatre, where you can enjoy captivating performances in a romantic setting. For a thrilling evening, visit Cosmic Adventures and immerse yourself in the excitement of arcade games. For a more relaxed vibe, catch a film at Landmark Cinemas Orléans, perfect for a date night.

Find the best attractions in Ottawa

Ottawa offers a delightful blend of urban parks, historic civic government buildings, and modern universities, making it ideal for city-themed family and outdoor vacations. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions that cater to those seeking cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly activities, all within the vibrant atmosphere of this Canadian capital and its surrounding areas.

• Parliament Hill: A symbol of Canadian democracy, Parliament Hill features stunning Gothic Revival architecture and offers guided tours that provide insight into the nation's political history. The daily Changing of the Guard ceremony in summer is a must-see, showcasing Canadian tradition and military precision.
• University of Ottawa: As one of Canada’s largest bilingual universities, this historic institution offers beautiful campus architecture and vibrant cultural events. The university is home to several museums, including the fascinating Museum of Classical Antiquities, enriching your cultural experience.
• Carleton University: Known for its modern campus and innovative programmes, Carleton University boasts impressive facilities and an active student life. Visitors can enjoy scenic views of the Rideau River and explore the dynamic art and cultural events hosted throughout the year.

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.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	15.3°F (-9.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	17.2°F (-8.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
March	27.9°F (-2.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
April	41.4°F (5.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
May	55.6°F (13.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
June	63.5°F (17.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	69.4°F (20.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
August	67.5°F (19.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
September	60.4°F (15.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
October	48.2°F (9.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	35.4°F (1.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
December	24.6°F (-4.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Ottawa

Ottawa offers numerous ways to save during your visit. Enjoy free attractions such as the University of Ottawa, Carleton University, and the Parliament Buildings. For public transport, utilise the efficient bus and light rail systems, which are budget-friendly. Consider visiting in March or December to January for lower accommodation prices, and aim for a Monday stay for the best rates. Use Expedia to find deals by filtering for sustainable hotels and package options that combine flights and activities for significant savings.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Ottawa are March and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Ottawa is Monday. The most expensive day to stay in Ottawa is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you wish to stay in. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To discover the best prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can make significant savings by combining your hotel accommodation in Ottawa with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.