Visit Ottawa, the Capital City of Canada

Q: How Many Days Do I Need in Ottawa?

While you could have a fun and busy weekend in Canada’s capital, it’s best to give yourself at least four or five days if you really want to make the most of your trip. Visiting Ottawa, like any larger city, takes time to fully explore so make sure you give yourself enough time.

Q: What Is The Best Month to Visit Ottawa?

The best time to visit Ottawa is usually during spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). These months still give you plenty to do, but the crowds are smaller, and the weather is still pleasant. If you want to visit during the summer, there are festivals and other fun events, but you’ll probably pay more for lodging and food.

Q: What Is the Currency Used in Ottawa?

The Canadian dollar is used in Ottawa (and across Canada).

Q: How Do I Get Around Ottawa?

Ottawa is very walkable, and many main attractions, restaurants and hotels are close to each other. If you want to explore other parts of the city, OC Transpo has buses that can quickly get you where you want to be. The city also has taxis, and you can use rideshare apps, too.

Q: Where Should I Stay in Ottawa?

No matter what kind of vacation you’re planning, Ottawa has hotels to make your stay comfortable. If you’re visiting Ottawa to check out the museums and historical parts of the city, stay in the Centretown or Gatineau areas. If you want to explore the hipper parts of Ottawa, look for a hotel in the Hintonburg area.

Q: Is Ottawa Worth Visiting?

Ottawa is a great city that you’ll want to visit at least once. Anything you want to do awaits you in Ottawa, from the incredible number and variety of museums to the thriving food and nightlife to the family-friendly attractions.

Vacation in one of North America’s most interesting cities

Beyond the Parliament Buildings: What to Do in Ottawa

Ottawa, Canada Travel Guide

Ottawa is one of Canada’s — and North America’s — most interesting cities. As the Canadian capital, this destination has tons of museums and attractions and offers one of the best Canadian vacations. If you want to visit our friends in the north, Ottawa has everything you’d hope for and much more.

Ready to plan a getaway? If you want your vacation budget to go further, sign up for AAA. AAA members get exclusive benefits and savings on flights, rental cars and accommodations. They also have access to AAA travel experts who can help them build the perfect itinerary for their trips.

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The Westin Ottawa

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Travel Tips & Inspiration

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EDITOR PICKOff the Beaten Path in OttawaAAA Travel Editor, Patricia Miller04/05/2023 : When you're planning a vacation in Ottawa, Ontario, and you're looking for something unusual to do and see, include a local shopping and restaurant district, a farm, a museum, a walking tour and unusual outdoor art on your list of things to do.

EDITOR PICK5 Budget-Friendly Things to Do in OttawaAAA Travel Editor, Patricia Miller06/13/2024 : When you're on vacation in Ottawa, Ontario, and looking for free things to do, Canada's capital city has plenty to offer.

EDITOR PICK5 Great Places to Eat in Ottawa When the Weather's ChillyAAA Travel Editor, Patricia Miller05/22/2025 : When you're on vacation in Ottawa and looking for places to eat, especially when its cold outside, try these local restaurants that serve comfort food like pizza, pasta, steak and breakfast dishes to satisfy your appetite.

GeneralAAA's 15 Top Family Vacation PackagesAAA Travel Editor, WA04/10/2025 : Plan your next getaway with AAA’s best family vacation packages, designed for comfort, convenience, and memorable moments together.

ARTICLETop AAA Vacations® in North America: Top Canada ExcursionsAAA Travel Editor, CW05/24/2023 : Immerse yourself in Canada's diverse landscapes and vibrant cities on these top AAA Vacations® in North America.

Editor PickBest Road Trips in Eastern CanadaAAA Travel Editorial Team06/04/2025 : The best road trips in Eastern Canada offer stunning scenery, from the rocky cliffs of Nova Scotia to the misty views of Niagara Falls.

Editor Pick6 Things U.S. Travelers Should Know Before Going to CanadaAAA Travel Editor, Katie Broome01/16/2025 : Wondering if you'll need a passport to go to Canada? From entry requirements to tips on using your credit card, here are some things to keep in mind before you travel to Canada from the U.S.

GeneralA Visit to New York's Finger Lakes and 1000 Islands05/12/2023 : Amy Eckert shares her experience at New York's Finger Lakes and 1000 Islands

Editor PickOff the Beaten Path in Montréal: Best Places to See Seasonal ColorsAAA Travel Editor, Laurie Sterbens04/05/2023 : Sure, you can spend your days visiting museums, eating at great bistros and exploring Old Montréal. But in season, be sure to leave downtown and travel nearby to see autumn's reds, yellows and oranges, or summer's rainbows of wildflowers.

Editor Pick7 Best Travel Tips for FamiliesAAA Travel Editor, Sherry Mims04/07/2023 : Family travel requires planning and patience. Learn what to pack as well as how to plan a trip with kids.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ottawa, Canada

Have questions about your trip to Ottawa? The AAA travel experts have answers.

How Many Days Do I Need in Ottawa?

What Is The Best Month to Visit Ottawa?

What Are the Must-See Ottawa Attractions?

Because Ottawa is Canada’s capital, there is so much to do that you’ll probably need to visit a few times to see everything you’re interested in, especially if you like to go off the beaten path. Here are some things to do in Ottawa, Canada, that we recommend for every visitor, including some budget-friendly options:

See the flowering beauty of the Ottawa Spring Tulip Festival.
Learn more about nature at the Canadian Museum of Nature.
Visit the Rideau Canal.
Take a tour of Parliament Hill.
Marvel at the incredible Ottawa Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica.
Enjoy the incredible art at the National Gallery of Canada (Musée des Beaux-Arts du Canada).

What Is the Currency Used in Ottawa?

How Do I Get Around Ottawa?

Where Should I Stay in Ottawa?

What Are the Best Places to Eat in Ottawa?

Ottawa’s restaurants are world-renowned for a reason. No matter what you like to eat, you’ll find something to love. And if the weather is chilly, there’s nothing like a hot Canadian meal. Here are a few restaurants to check out:

Get a steak at Luxe Bistro.
Enjoy South American flavors from Raphaël Peruvian Cuisine.
Sit down for a perfect Italian meal at Tosca Ristorante.
Try Canadian and French comfort foods at La Belle et La Boeuf.

Is Ottawa Worth Visiting?

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Visit Ottawa, the Capital City of Canada

Beyond the Parliament Buildings: What to Do in Ottawa

Most Popular Hotels

The Westin Ottawa

Delta Hotels by Marriott Ottawa City Centre

Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market

Courtyard by Marriott Ottawa East

DoubleTree by Hilton Ottawa Downtown

Ch&#226;teau Cartier Hotel & Resort-Ascend Collection

Comfort Inn Gatineau

Comfort Inn Ottawa East

Comfort Inn Ottawa West Kanata

Fairfield by Marriott Ottawa Airport

Most Popular Restaurants

Beckta Dining & Wine Bar

e18hteen

Harmons Steakhouse

Luxe Bistro

Supply and Demand Foods and Raw Bar

Perch

Zoe's at Fairmont Chateau Laurier

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Coconut Lagoon

Tosca Ristorante - Ottawa

TourBook® Curated Things To Do

Ottawa Parliament Hill

Rideau Canal

Canadian War Museum

Gatineau Park

National Gallery of Canada (Musée des Beaux-Arts du Canada)

Ottawa Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica

Canada Aviation and Space Museum

Canadian Museum of Nature

Royal Canadian Mint

ByWard Market

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