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Quick facts
Hotels in Ottawa
Ottawa offers a variety of accommodation options for visitors, from established hotels like Lord Elgin and The Metcalfe Hotel to modern suites such as Cartier Place Suites Hotel and Sonder Rideau Apartments Downtown. Whether you're visiting for business or leisure, you'll find hotels conveniently located throughout Canada's capital city. See all hotels →
Airports in Ottawa
Car Hire in Ottawa
Ottawa offers convenient car hire options through several major rental providers including National, Budget, Avis, and Enterprise. Whether you're exploring Canada's capital city or venturing beyond, renting a car gives you the flexibility to discover the region at your own pace. See all car hire →
Things to Do in Ottawa
Ottawa offers a rich collection of attractions and landmarks that reflect Canada's history and culture. From the Sharpshooters' Memorial and Canadian Tribute to Human Rights to historic sites like Grant House, visitors can explore monuments and spaces that tell the stories of the nation's past and present. See all things to do →
Restaurants in Ottawa
Swimming Pools in Ottawa
Ottawa offers several swimming facilities for residents and visitors. Options include uOttawa Swimming Pool Montpetit and multiple wading pools located throughout the city such as those at St. Luke's, Sandy Hill, and Jules Morin. See all swimming pools →
Spas in Ottawa
Nightlife in Ottawa
Ottawa's nightlife offers a diverse mix of venues for every preference. From established hotspots like The Palace and Berlin Nightclub to contemporary spaces such as City At Night, Gridwrks, and Fuego, the city's after-dark scene provides numerous options for dining, dancing, and entertainment. See all nightlife →
Bars in Ottawa
Ottawa's bar scene offers a variety of venues for every preference, from cocktail bars like Stolen Goods Cocktail Bar to popular nightlife destinations such as LIVE! on Elgin. Whether you're looking for craft cocktails, casual drinks, or a lively evening out, the city's bars provide diverse options for locals and visitors alike. See all bars →
Cafes in Ottawa
Ottawa offers a diverse selection of cafes ranging from local favorites like Bridgehead and The Ministry of Coffee to familiar chains such as Starbucks. Whether you're seeking a quick coffee or a leisurely bistro experience, the city's cafe scene provides plenty of options for visitors and residents alike. See all cafes →
Shopping in Ottawa
Ottawa offers a diverse shopping experience with major destinations like Rideau Centre and World Exchange Plaza, along with retailers including Simons and Giant Tiger. Whether you're looking for department stores, shopping malls, or everyday essentials, the capital has options throughout the city. See all shopping →
Nature & Wildlife in Ottawa
Ottawa offers a variety of natural spaces where visitors can enjoy the outdoors and experience the city's wildlife. Parks like Confederation Park, Golden Triangle Park, Minto Park, and Jack Purcell Park provide accessible areas for walking, relaxation, and connecting with nature throughout the capital. See all nature & wildlife →
Climate snapshot
Ottawa experiences distinct seasonal changes throughout the year. Winters are cold, while summers are mild to warm. The city's location in southeastern Ontario means visitors can expect varied weather conditions depending on the season.
Interesting Facts About Ottawa — Weird & Wonderful
- Winterlude is Canada's largest festival and is held in Ottawa
- Ottawa hosts some of the world's largest festivals in their respective categories, including Bluesfest, Canadian Tulip Festival, and Ottawa International Jazz Festival
- The city received the IFEA 'World Festival and Event City Award' in 2010 for North American cities in its population bracket
- Ottawa is located at the confluence of two major rivers: the Ottawa River and the Rideau River
- Canada Day celebrations take place on Parliament Hill and in the surrounding downtown area
Events & Festivals Not to Miss in Ottawa
Frequently Asked Questions About Ottawa
What is the capital of Canada?
Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located in the southeastern portion of Ontario at the confluence of the Ottawa River and the Rideau River.
What region of Canada is Ottawa in?
Ottawa is located in southeastern Ontario and forms the core of the National Capital Region (NCR) and the Ottawa–Gatineau census metropolitan area.
What currency is used in Ottawa?
The Canadian dollar (CAD) is the currency used in Ottawa and throughout 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.
What are the major festivals in Ottawa?
Ottawa hosts Winterlude (Canada's largest festival), Canada Day celebrations, Bluesfest, Canadian Tulip Festival, Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival, Ottawa International Jazz Festival, Fringe Festival, Capital Pride, and CityFolk.
Is Ottawa a large city?
Yes, Ottawa is the fourth-largest city in Canada with a city population of 1,017,449 and a metropolitan area population of 1,488,307 as of 2021.