Top reasons to visit Downtown Ottawa
- Historic Landmarks: Explore iconic government buildings and cultural sites that showcase Ottawa's rich history.
- Scenic Outdoor Spaces: Enjoy the beautiful Ottawa River and relax in urban parks perfect for leisurely strolls.
- Vibrant Local Culture: Experience friendly locals, delicious local cuisine, and a lively city atmosphere.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Discover a variety of attractions that cater to visitors of all ages.
- Diverse Accommodation: Choose from modern hotels to charming bed & breakfasts, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Find great hotels in and around Downtown Ottawa
Explore a variety of accommodation options in Downtown Ottawa, where you’ll find everything from modern hotels to charming bed & breakfasts. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, this vibrant area offers pet-friendly and LGBTQIA-welcoming hotels, including the Hilton Ottawa Downtown and AC Hotel Ottawa Downtown. Enjoy a comfortable stay while being close to all the attractions that this beautiful city has to offer.
- The Business Inn: Tailored for the modern business traveler, The Business Inn offers a comfortable and convenient stay just 1.1km away from Downtown Ottawa. This hotel features spacious rooms equipped with workstations and high-speed internet access, making it ideal for guests who need to stay connected. A complimentary breakfast and fitness center add to the convenience, ensuring that you can start your day right before heading out for meetings or exploring the city. With its focus on business amenities and a strategic location, The Business Inn provides a seamless experience for those traveling for work.
- Lord Elgin Hotel: Located in the heart of Downtown Ottawa, the Lord Elgin Hotel combines elegance with eco-conscious practices. This 4-star property is perfect for families and eco-friendly travelers, boasting amenities such as free cribs and child-friendly services. Guests can enjoy a range of dining options, a fitness center, and meeting spaces, making it great for both leisure and business stays. The hotel's commitment to sustainability is evident, making it a favorite among environmentally aware visitors while still providing a luxurious experience in a prime location.
- Fairmont Chateau Laurier: An iconic luxury hotel, Fairmont Chateau Laurier offers a lavish stay in Downtown Ottawa while welcoming your pets. This 4.5-star hotel is known for its stunning architecture and rich history, providing a unique city-themed experience. Guests can indulge in upscale dining, a luxurious spa, and pet-friendly amenities, ensuring that both you and your furry friend are well-catered for. Positioned at the city's center, the hotel allows easy access to Ottawa's cultural landmarks, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking a lavish getaway.
Where to stay near Downtown Ottawa
Downtown Ottawa offers an exciting blend of culture, family-friendly activities, and vibrant city life. Stroll through the bustling downtown area, where friendly locals greet you at every corner. Discover iconic landmarks, enjoy local cuisine, and explore nearby neighborhoods that enhance the charming atmosphere. With many attractions within walking distance, your vacation in this dynamic region promises unforgettable experiences for everyone, from romantic outings to family adventures.
- Ottawa: As the capital city of Canada, Ottawa boasts a vibrant metropolis filled with a rich history and culture. Situated in the heart of the nation, Downtown Ottawa is the hub for travelers seeking family-friendly, outdoor, and city-themed experiences. While visitor numbers peak from July to September, the city is a year-round destination with attractions such as historic civic government buildings, modern colleges, and sports facilities. You can indulge in shopping at various malls and centers, explore educational venues, and relish the blend of urban life and nature.
- Gatineau: just 1.6km from Downtown Ottawa lies Gatineau, a charming city offering a delightful mix of city-themed, romantic, and family experiences. Similar to Ottawa, Gatineau sees peak visitor numbers in the summer months. The city is known for its relaxing body treatment and spa facilities, making it a perfect retreat. You can visit notable landmarks such as historic government buildings, sports stadiums, and fascinating history museums that showcase the area’s cultural heritage.
- ByWard Market: Located a mere 322m from Downtown Ottawa, ByWard Market is a lively neighborhood renowned for its vibrant public markets and diverse food scene. This area attracts visitors year-round, especially from June to August. ByWard Market offers a bustling atmosphere for families and business travelers alike, with popular activities including shopping at local markets and enjoying educational experiences. Nearby, you'll find historic civic buildings, sports facilities, and nature reserves that add to the area's charm.
Things to do in and around Downtown Ottawa
Downtown Ottawa offers a vibrant mix of family-friendly activities and cultural experiences, making it an ideal destination for city-themed vacations. Visitors can enjoy educational outings, explore shopping malls, and take leisurely strolls through the area. Whether you're looking for family outings or unique local experiences, Downtown Ottawa has something for everyone to enjoy.
Shopping
In Downtown Ottawa, explore Byward Market Square for a vibrant public market experience filled with local vendors. For a mix of shopping and entertainment, visit the Rideau Centre, a bustling mall. Lastly, stroll along Sparks Street, a lively area perfect for family-friendly shopping and dining.
Recreation
Experience the vibrant atmosphere at TD Place Stadium, where you can catch an exciting sports event. For ultimate relaxation, unwind at Kōena Spa with rejuvenating treatments. Enjoy the scenic Ottawa River Parkway for a peaceful stroll or bike ride amidst nature, perfect for wellness and tranquility.
Adventure
Experience the thrill of skiing at Camp Fortune, where you can enjoy snowy slopes and vibrant sports vibes. For a unique adventure, take a ride on the Meech Ski Lift, offering stunning views and an exhilarating ascent. Lastly, visit Parc Pee Wee Park for a fun-filled day of skiing and outdoor activities.
Nightlife
Experience the thrill at Tag Zone, an indoor paintless paintball arcade just 1.6km from downtown, perfect for family fun. For a dose of culture, catch a show at the Great Canadian Theatre Company, three miles away, or enjoy Cosmic Adventures, another exciting arcade adventure zone nearby.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Downtown Ottawa
To save money on your visit to Downtown Ottawa, consider traveling during the cheaper months of March or December to January, with Mondays being the least expensive days to stay. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotel options, especially by filtering for eco-certified choices and package deals that combine hotels, flights, and activities. Take advantage of free activities around the city and explore public transport options for affordable travel. Remember to look for special deals on amenities and rewards programs like Hilton Honors for added savings during your stay.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Downtown 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 around Downtown Ottawa is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Downtown Ottawa is Saturday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotel options currently available. To find the best deals and lowest prices, simply adjust the price filter to sort from low to high.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Downtown Ottawa hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
Find the best attractions in and around Downtown Ottawa
Downtown Ottawa offers a vibrant mix of city, family, and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore historic government buildings, enjoy the scenic Ottawa River, and relax in urban parks. The University of Ottawa adds to the area's charm, making it a perfect spot for those seeking outdoor adventures and cultural enrichment. With a variety of attractions catering to families and culture enthusiasts, Downtown Ottawa is an ideal destination for a memorable vacation.
- Parliament Hill: This iconic government building is a must-see, showcasing stunning Gothic Revival architecture. Visitors can explore the beautiful grounds and witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony in the summer, all while soaking in the rich Canadian history and culture.
- University of Ottawa: Located a short 644m from downtown, this historic university boasts impressive architecture and vibrant student life. Explore its picturesque campus, art galleries, and cultural events that reflect the diverse community and academic excellence.
- Rogers Centre Ottawa: This premier event venue hosts a variety of concerts and conferences, making it a hub of activity. Experience the electric atmosphere and enjoy the diverse programming that caters to both business and entertainment interests.
Best time to go to Downtown Ottawa
The best time to visit Downtown Ottawa can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Downtown Ottawa falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Downtown Ottawa falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Downtown Ottawa
Flying into Downtown Ottawa is convenient with its major airport, Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW), located 11.3km away. Nearby hotel options include the luxurious Fairmont Chateau Laurier Gold Experience and Fairmont Chateau Laurier, both rated 5 and 4.5 stars, respectively. For a slightly further option, Hilton Lac-Leamy, also rated 4.5 stars, is 14.5km from the airport. Alternatively, you can consider Massena International Airport (MSS) and Ogdensburg International Airport (OGS), located 53 and 83.7km away, respectively, with various nearby motels and lodges offering accommodations. Transportation services are readily available from these hotels to the respective airports, ensuring a smooth journey for your visit.