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Quick facts
Hotels in Ottawa
Ottawa offers a range of accommodation options for visitors, from well-established hotels like the Lord Elgin and Embassy Hotel and Suites to modern alternatives such as Sonder Rideau Apartments Downtown and Cartier Place Suites Hotel. Whether you're visiting for business or leisure, the city's hotel sector provides diverse choices across different neighbourhoods. See all hotels →
Airports in Ottawa
Car Hire in Ottawa
Ottawa offers convenient car hire options through major rental companies including National, Budget, Avis, and Enterprise. Whether you're exploring the city or venturing beyond, car rental services are readily available to suit your travel needs. See all car hire →
Things to Do in Ottawa
Ottawa offers a wealth of attractions for visitors, from historic memorials and monuments to cultural landmarks. Explore sites like the Sharpshooters' Memorial, Ottawa Fire Fighters memorial, Canadian Tribute to Human Rights, and Polish Home Army - Canadian Airmen Memorial, or visit Grant House to experience the city's rich heritage. See all things to do →
Restaurants in Ottawa
Swimming Pools in Ottawa
Ottawa offers several swimming facilities for residents and visitors. Options range from the uOttawa Swimming Pool Montpetit to community wading pools located at St. Luke's, Sandy Hill, and Jules Morin throughout the city. See all swimming pools →
Spas in Ottawa
Nightlife in Ottawa
Ottawa offers a diverse nightlife scene with venues ranging from intimate bars to energetic nightclubs. Whether you're looking for late-night dining, live music, or dancing, you'll find options like The Palace, Berlin Nightclub, City At Night, Gridwrks, and Fuego throughout the city. See all nightlife →
Bars in Ottawa
Ottawa's bar scene offers diverse venues for every taste, from cocktail bars like Stolen Goods Cocktail Bar and Avant-Garde Bar to live entertainment spots such as LIVE! on Elgin. Whether you're looking for craft drinks or a night out, the city's bar district has something to suit your evening. See all bars →
Cafes in Ottawa
Ottawa offers a variety of cafes to suit every taste, from international chains like Starbucks to local favorites such as Bridgehead, The Ministry of Coffee, and cozy bistro options. Whether you're looking for a quick coffee or a place to relax, the city's cafe scene has something for everyone. See all cafes →
Shopping in Ottawa
Ottawa offers a range of shopping options for visitors and locals alike. From the major Rideau Centre to specialty retailers like Simons and Giant Tiger, shoppers can find everything they need throughout the city. See all shopping →
Nature & Wildlife in Ottawa
Ottawa offers numerous parks and green spaces perfect for experiencing nature and outdoor activities. From Confederation Park to Jack Purcell Park, the city provides accessible natural areas for visitors to explore wildlife and enjoy the outdoors. See all nature & wildlife →
Climate snapshot
Ottawa experiences distinct seasonal weather patterns typical of eastern Ontario. Winters are cold and provide ideal conditions for outdoor winter activities, while summers are warm and pleasant. The city's spring and autumn seasons offer mild temperatures ideal for outdoor exploration.
Interesting Facts About Ottawa — Weird & Wonderful
- Winterlude is the largest festival in Canada and is hosted annually in Ottawa
- Ottawa is the fourth-largest city in Canada with a metropolitan population of 1,488,307 as of 2021
- The city is located at the confluence of the Ottawa River and the Rideau River
- Ottawa hosts some of the world's largest festivals, including the Canadian Tulip Festival, Ottawa International Jazz Festival, and Bluesfest
- In 2010, Ottawa received the IFEA 'World Festival and Event City Award' for North American cities with populations between 500,000 and 1,000,000
Events & Festivals Not to Miss in Ottawa
Frequently Asked Questions About Ottawa
What is the currency used in Ottawa?
The Canadian Dollar (CAD) is the official currency used throughout Ottawa and Canada.
What language is spoken in Ottawa?
English is the primary language spoken in Ottawa, though French is also widely used as Canada is a bilingual country.
How large is Ottawa?
Ottawa had a city population of 1,017,449 as of 2021, making it the fourth-largest city in Canada. The metropolitan area has a population of 1,488,307.
Which province is Ottawa located in?
Ottawa is located in Ontario, in the southeastern portion of the province, at the confluence of the Ottawa River and the Rideau River.
What major festivals does Ottawa host?
Ottawa hosts numerous world-renowned festivals including Winterlude (the largest in Canada), Canada Day celebrations, Bluesfest, Canadian Tulip Festival, Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival, Ottawa International Jazz Festival, Fringe Festival, Capital Pride, and CityFolk.
What is the National Capital Region?
The National Capital Region (NCR) is centered around Ottawa and includes the neighboring city of Gatineau, Quebec, forming the Ottawa–Gatineau census metropolitan area.