Ottawa Travel Guide 2026: Parliament Hill, Rideau Canal, Museums, Costs & Tips

Ottawa, Canada's capital, sits on the Ottawa River on the border between Ontario and Quebec, across from the city of Gatineau. It's a green, bilingual and relaxed capital, with Gothic Revival government buildings on Parliament Hill, world-class national museums, and the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that becomes the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink in winter. The lively ByWard Market district is packed with restaurants, bars and shops, and the city is famous for the BeaverTail pastry. Each spring, more than a million tulips bloom during the Canadian Tulip Festival, a gift from the Netherlands in gratitude for sheltering the Dutch royal family during the Second World War. Nearby, Gatineau Park offers hiking, lakes and fall colours. This Ottawa travel guide covers the best time to visit, top places with booking tips, where to stay, how to get there and around, costs, entry rules and practical tips.

Best Time to Visit Ottawa

Spring (May): The Canadian Tulip Festival fills parks with colour.

Summer (June–August): Warm (25–30°C), with Canada Day (1 July) celebrations on Parliament Hill, festivals and canal cruises.

Autumn (September–October): Spectacular fall colours, especially in Gatineau Park.

Winter (December–March): Cold (−10°C to −20°C), with skating on the Rideau Canal Skateway (typically January–February, weather permitting) and Winterlude (February).

Top Places to Visit in Ottawa

1. Parliament Hill

The seat of Canada's Parliament, with its Gothic Revival buildings overlooking the river. The Centre Block and Peace Tower are closed for a major renovation expected to last for years, but visitors can tour Parliament's temporary chambers in the West Block and the Senate of Canada Building. In summer, watch the Changing of the Guard and the free evening light show (check schedules).

Booking tip: Free Parliament tours must be booked online; guided city tours cover the hill's history. Book an Ottawa city tour on GetYourGuide

2. Rideau Canal

A 202 km canal opened in 1832, linking Ottawa with Kingston. Walk or cycle along its banks, take a cruise in summer, or skate on the Skateway in winter.

Booking tip: Rideau Canal cruises run from spring to autumn. Book a Rideau Canal cruise on GetYourGuide

3. ByWard Market

One of Canada's oldest public markets, with food stalls, restaurants, bars and boutiques. Try a BeaverTail, a fried pastry topped with cinnamon sugar.

Booking tip: Food tours include ByWard Market tastings. Book an Ottawa food tour on GetYourGuide

4. Canadian Museum of History

Across the river in Gatineau, with a stunning Grand Hall of totem poles and exhibits on Canada's history.

Booking tip: Buy tickets in advance for special exhibitions. Book museum tickets on GetYourGuide

5. National Gallery of Canada

Home to Canadian and Indigenous art, plus European masters, in a glass building with the giant spider sculpture Maman outside.

Booking tip: Check free admission times. Book National Gallery tickets on GetYourGuide

6. Canadian War Museum and Canada Aviation and Space Museum

Two excellent national museums covering military history and aviation.

Booking tip: Look for museum passes if you plan to visit several. Book Ottawa museum tickets on GetYourGuide

7. Gatineau Park

A large nature park in Quebec, about 20 minutes from downtown, with hiking trails, lakes, lookouts and the Mackenzie King Estate.

Booking tip: Guided hikes and bike tours run in summer and autumn. Book a Gatineau Park tour on GetYourGuide

Also worth visiting: Rideau Hall, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, Canadian Museum of Nature, Major's Hill Park, Diefenbunker (a Cold War bunker) and Ottawa River rafting.

Beyond Ottawa

• Thousand Islands: Cruises among islands and castles, about 1.5–2 hours away.
• Kingston: A historic city with Fort Henry.
• Montreal: About 2 hours away.
• Mont-Tremblant: About 2 hours away.

Suggested 3-Day Ottawa Itinerary

Day 1: Parliament Hill, Rideau Canal walk, ByWard Market and Major's Hill Park.

Day 2: National Gallery, Canadian Museum of History and Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Day 3: Gatineau Park or a Thousand Islands cruise.

Ottawa Food Scene

Ottawa's food scene centres on ByWard Market, where you'll find the original BeaverTails stand, farmers' stalls, cafés and bistros. Try poutine, Montreal-style bagels, shawarma (Ottawa is famous for its many shawarma shops), maple treats and local craft beer. Across the river, Gatineau offers French-Canadian restaurants and the Nordik Spa-Nature, one of the largest spas in North America.

Ottawa in Winter

Winter is one of the best times to experience Ottawa's character. When the Rideau Canal Skateway opens, locals skate to work, stopping for hot chocolate and BeaverTails at kiosks along the ice. Winterlude in February brings ice sculptures and snow slides, and Gatineau Park offers cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Dress in warm layers and check the windchill forecast.

Canada in Brief

Canada is the world's second-largest country by area, with about 41 million people, most living within a few hundred kilometres of the US border. English and French are both official languages, and the country recognises the rights and cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Canadians are known for their politeness, love of hockey and the outdoors, and multicultural cities. Distances are huge: flying from Vancouver to Toronto takes longer than flying from Toronto to many Caribbean islands.

Practical Planning Notes

Summer evenings are perfect for strolling along the river paths. Because it is the capital, Ottawa hosts many free events, especially on Canada Day, and most national museums are within walking distance of each other. Ottawa is compact, and most sights are within walking distance of downtown. Many national museums offer free admission at certain times. English and French are both official languages, and many residents are bilingual. Winter visitors should dress warmly and check Skateway conditions online before heading out.

Where to Stay in Ottawa

• Downtown: Close to Parliament Hill and museums.
• ByWard Market: Lively area with restaurants and nightlife.
• Centretown: Residential area with cafés and shops.
• The Glebe: Charming neighbourhood along the Rideau Canal.
• Gatineau: More affordable hotels across the river.

Compare hotel prices and availability in Ottawa here.

Getting There & Around

Flying to Ottawa

Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW) has flights from Canadian and US cities and some international routes. The O-Train Line 4 connects the airport with the city's light rail network. Search and compare cheap flights to Ottawa to find the best fares.

By Train

VIA Rail connects Ottawa with Toronto (about 4–4.5 hours) and Montreal (about 2 hours).

Getting Around

• O-Train and buses: OC Transpo network.
• Walking and cycling: Extensive bike paths along rivers and the canal.
• Ride-hailing and taxis.

Travel Costs in Ottawa

Canada uses the Canadian dollar (CAD). Prices exclude 13% HST, and tips of 15–20% are expected.

Visa Rules

• eTA: Visa-exempt travellers flying to Canada need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), costing CAD 7. Apply only on the official Government of Canada website.
• US citizens: Don't need an eTA; carry a valid passport.
• Visitor visa: Required for other nationalities.
• Stay: Usually up to six months.

Local Tips for Ottawa

• Book Parliament tours online.
• Try a BeaverTail.
• Check museum free hours.
• Staying connected: A travel eSIM is cheaper than roaming. Get your Canada eSIM here.

Tours & Experiences

• Ottawa city tours.
• Rideau Canal cruises.
• Thousand Islands day trips.
• Ottawa River rafting.

Browse and book the best tours in Ottawa here.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ottawa

Can I visit Canada's Parliament?
Yes. Free guided tours of the House of Commons in the West Block and the Senate of Canada Building are available, and must be booked online. The Centre Block is closed for renovation.

When can I skate on the Rideau Canal?
Usually from January to February, when the ice is thick enough. Opening depends on the weather, so check the official Skateway status before you go.

What is Winterlude?
Ottawa's winter festival, held in February, with ice sculptures, snow playgrounds and skating on the canal.

How do I get from Montreal to Ottawa?
By VIA Rail train in about 2 hours, by bus, or by car.

Is Ottawa worth visiting?
Yes, for its national museums, Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal and easy access to nature in Gatineau Park.

Ottawa pairs Gothic Revival government buildings and world-class national museums with the UNESCO-listed Rideau Canal — walk its banks in summer or skate it in winter, and save time for a BeaverTail in ByWard Market.

Trip.com Canada Review: Hotel Deals in Toronto, Vancouver & Banff

Canada is a land of dramatic contrasts: the multicultural energy of Toronto, the ocean-meets-mountains beauty of Vancouver, and the turquoise lakes and snow-capped peaks of Banff in the Rocky Mountains. Add the European charm of Montréal and Québec City, the wild coasts of the Maritimes and the vast northern wilderness, and you have a destination that rewards every kind of traveller. But Canada is also large and can be expensive, especially in peak summer and ski season, when hotels in Banff and downtown Vancouver fill up fast.

Trip.com Canada (ca.trip.com) helps you compare hotels, flights, car rentals and attractions in one app, with prices in Canadian dollars, member deals and Trip Coins. In this Trip.com Canada review, you'll discover where to stay, how to find hotel deals and plan rail connections, which partner tools to use, and a step-by-step booking guide.

Find hotel deals in Canada on Trip.com

Canadian Accommodation Guide

Toronto

• Downtown Core and Financial District: High-rise hotels near the CN Tower, Union Station and Rogers Centre.
• Entertainment District: Theatres, restaurants and nightlife.
• Yorkville: Upscale shopping and luxury hotels.
• Distillery District and Old Toronto: Historic charm.
• Near Pearson Airport: Cheaper hotels for early flights.

Vancouver

• Downtown and Coal Harbour: Waterfront hotels with mountain views.
• Gastown: Historic area with boutique hotels and restaurants.
• Yaletown: Trendy, with converted warehouses.
• West End: Near Stanley Park and English Bay.
• Richmond: Near the airport, with excellent Asian food.

Montréal and Québec City

• Old Montréal: Cobblestone streets and boutique hotels.
• Québec City's Old Town: UNESCO-listed, with the iconic Château Frontenac.

Mountain lodges

• Banff: Hotels and lodges in Banff town, plus the historic Fairmont Banff Springs.
• Lake Louise: The famous Fairmont Château Lake Louise and smaller lodges.
• Canmore: Just outside Banff National Park, often cheaper with stunning views.
• Jasper: Quieter mountain town with lodges and cabins.
• Whistler: World-class ski resort with village hotels and condos, about 2 hours from Vancouver.

Other options

Cabins and lakeside cottages, ski-in/ski-out condos, wilderness lodges, and motels along the Trans-Canada Highway.

Hotel Deals & VIA Rail Connections on Trip.com

Hotel deals

• Prices in CAD.
• Member prices and app-exclusive deals.
• Free cancellation on many rates.
• Trip Coins (100 Trip Coins = US$1 in value).
• Hotel price match in selected markets, refunding differences in Trip Coins under certain conditions.
• Flight + Hotel packages for trips to Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary.

Money-saving tips

1. Visit in shoulder seasons: May–June and September–October offer lower prices and fewer crowds. Larch season in late September makes the Rockies glow gold.
2. Book Banff early: Summer hotels sell out months ahead.
3. Stay in Canmore: Often cheaper than Banff, about 20 minutes away.
4. Avoid major events: The Toronto International Film Festival (September), the Calgary Stampede (July) and major concerts.
5. Check taxes and fees: Canadian prices often exclude sales tax (GST/HST/PST) and local accommodation levies; check the final total.
6. Watch for parking fees: Downtown hotels often charge daily parking.

Rail connections

VIA Rail operates intercity and long-distance trains across Canada.

• Québec City – Windsor Corridor: Frequent trains between Toronto, Ottawa, Montréal and Québec City.
• The Canadian: An epic multi-day journey between Toronto and Vancouver through the prairies and Rockies.
• Rocky Mountaineer: A luxury daytime train through the Rockies between Vancouver, Banff and Jasper (operated separately).

Availability of VIA Rail tickets on Trip.com may vary, so check the app and compare with VIA Rail's official site. For long distances, such as Toronto to Vancouver or Toronto to Calgary, domestic flights with Air Canada, WestJet, Porter or Flair are much faster.

Getting to Banff

Fly to Calgary (YYC), then drive about 1.5 hours or take a shuttle. A Parks Canada pass is required for stopping in Banff National Park.

Sample hotel budgets (per room, per night, before taxes)

Prices are indicative; winter and shoulder seasons are much cheaper in Banff, except around Christmas.

Getting from the airport

• Toronto Pearson (YYZ): The UP Express train reaches Union Station in about 25 minutes.
• Vancouver (YVR): The Canada Line SkyTrain reaches downtown in about 25 minutes.
• Calgary (YYC): Shuttle buses and rental cars connect to Banff and Canmore.

Seasonal highlights

• Winter: Skiing in Banff, Lake Louise and Whistler, and the Québec Winter Carnival.
• Summer: Hiking, lakes and festivals across the country.
• Autumn: Fall colours in Ontario and Québec, and golden larches in the Rockies.

Aviasales, Discover Cars and GetYourGuide

Aviasales for flights

Aviasales compares international and domestic flights to Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Montréal, helping you find the cheapest dates.

A car for the Rockies

A car is essential for the Rockies, Icefields Parkway and road trips. Compare rental companies at airports like Calgary, Vancouver and Toronto on Trip.com, often with free cancellation.

GetYourGuide for tours

GetYourGuide offers Niagara Falls day trips from Toronto, Moraine Lake and Lake Louise shuttles and tours, whale watching from Vancouver, and CN Tower tickets.

Practical Tips for Canada

• Entry: Visa-exempt travellers flying to Canada need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization), applied for online via the official government website. US citizens don't need an eTA.
• Weather: Winters are very cold in most regions; summers are pleasant. Pack layers for the mountains.
• Wildlife: In Banff and Jasper, keep your distance from bears and elk.
• Moraine Lake access: Private vehicles are restricted; use Parks Canada shuttles or licensed tour buses.
• Tipping: 15–20% is customary in restaurants.
• Currency: Prices are in Canadian dollars (CAD); cards are accepted almost everywhere.
• Distances: Canada is huge, so allow plenty of time between destinations.

Road trip ideas

• Icefields Parkway: Banff to Jasper, one of the world's most scenic drives.
• Sea-to-Sky Highway: Vancouver to Whistler along the coast.
• Cabot Trail: A coastal loop in Nova Scotia.

Step-by-Step Booking Guide

1. Search: Go to Trip.com Canada or open the app. Enter your destination, dates and guests.
2. Filter: Filter by price, star rating, guest rating, free cancellation, free parking, breakfast and property type (hotel, lodge, cabin).
3. Check location: In cities, choose hotels near transit; in the Rockies, decide between Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore or Jasper.
4. Read reviews: Look for comments on views, cleanliness, parking and service.
5. Compare rates and taxes: Check whether taxes and fees are included in the total.
6. Add flights or trains: Book domestic flights, check VIA Rail options, or add a Flight + Hotel package.
7. Apply discounts: Use member prices, coupons and Trip Coins.
8. Pay and confirm: Pay securely in CAD or your preferred currency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I stay in Banff?

Banff town for restaurants and convenience, Lake Louise for iconic scenery, or Canmore for lower prices just outside the park.

When is the cheapest time to visit Canada?

Shoulder seasons, such as May–June and September–October, offer lower prices than July–August and the Christmas holidays.

Can I book VIA Rail tickets on Trip.com?

Availability may vary. Check the Trip.com app and compare with VIA Rail's official website.

Do I need a car in Banff?

A car is very useful for exploring the Rockies, but shuttles and tours are available, and some areas restrict private vehicles.

Do I need an eTA to visit Canada?

Most visa-exempt travellers flying to Canada need an eTA, except US citizens. Apply on the official Government of Canada website.

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