Ottawa Travel: 100 Questions Answered based on NeemTime research
General Planning & Logistics
1. How many days should I spend in Ottawa?
Answer: 3-4 days is generally a good amount of time to see the main sights. If you’re a museum enthusiast or want to explore Gatineau Park and other nearby areas, consider extending your trip to 5-6 days.
2. Is Ottawa a boring city?
Answer: Travelers frequently debate this. The consensus is that Ottawa is not a great destination for a wild nightlife, but it’s fantastic for those interested in history, culture, museums, and nature. It has a “big city with a small-town feel” vibe.
3. When is the best time of year to visit Ottawa?
Answer: Summer (June-August) is popular for festivals, patios, and outdoor activities. Spring, especially in May for the Tulip Festival, is also beautiful. Winter (January-February) offers Winterlude and skating on the Rideau Canal, but be prepared for very cold weather. Fall brings spectacular autumn foliage in Gatineau Park.
4. Is Ottawa safe for tourists?
Answer: Yes, Ottawa is generally a very safe city. Like any major city, there are areas with more “weirdness” or panhandling, particularly around the Byward Market and Rideau Street, but these are not considered dangerous. Standard big-city awareness is all that is needed.
5. What is the best way to get around Ottawa?
Answer: The downtown core is very walkable, and many of the main attractions are close to each other. For destinations further out, most locals recommend using ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft. Public transit (OC Transpo) has a mixed reputation for reliability, though the O-Train is generally considered decent for getting to specific areas. Renting a car is not necessary unless you plan to take day trips outside the city center.
Accommodation
6. Where should I stay in Ottawa?
Answer: Staying downtown or in Centretown puts you within walking distance of many major attractions, restaurants, and shops. The Byward Market area is also popular for its restaurants and vibrant atmosphere. Neighborhoods like the Glebe and Westboro offer a more local feel.
7. Are there any unique places to stay?
Answer: The Ottawa Jail Hostel is a popular and unique option for budget travelers. It’s an old jail converted into a hostel with a great location.
Attractions & Activities
8. What are the must-see museums in Ottawa?
Answer: The most recommended museums are:
Canadian Museum of History (in Gatineau, QC, a short walk across the bridge)
National Gallery of Canada
Canadian War Museum
Canadian Museum of Nature
9. Are the museums free at any time?
Answer: Many of the national museums offer free admission on Thursday evenings from 5 pm to 8 pm. It’s always best to check their specific websites for the most current information.
10. What’s the deal with Parliament Hill?
Answer: Parliament Hill is a central landmark. However, the main Centre Block and Peace Tower are currently closed for extensive renovations for several years, so you can’t go inside or up the tower. Free guided tours of the temporary Parliament buildings are available, but it’s best to book in advance.
11. What is there to do in Gatineau, Quebec?
Answer: Gatineau, just across the river from Ottawa, is home to the excellent Canadian Museum of History. Gatineau Park is also a major attraction for hiking, biking, and scenic lookouts like Champlain Lookout. The Nordik Spa-Nature is another popular destination.
12. What are some fun outdoor activities?
Answer: You can walk or bike along the Rideau Canal, especially in the summer. In winter, the canal becomes the world’s largest skating rink (the Rideau Canal Skateway). Other popular options include hiking in Gatineau Park, renting a kayak or paddleboat at Dow’s Lake, and visiting one of the city’s beaches.
13. What is there to do with kids in Ottawa?
Answer: The Canadian Museum of Nature and the Canada Aviation and Space Museum are big hits with children. The Canada Agriculture and Food Museum is also a fun, hands-on experience. Calypso water park is a great option in the summer.
14. What’s the nightlife like in Ottawa?
Answer: Ottawa’s nightlife is generally considered more subdued compared to cities like Montreal. The main areas for bars and clubs are Elgin Street, the Byward Market, and Lansdowne. The city is often described as being more of a government town that winds down earlier.
Food & Drink
15. Where can I find good poutine in Ottawa?
Answer: Many “chip trucks” are a local favorite for poutine. Look for a place that uses “cheese cards” (curds) rather than shreded cheese. You can’t go wrong with many of the local options.
16. What is the local “must-try” food?
Answer: Shawarma is a staple in Ottawa and is highly recommended. Many locals consider Shawarma Palace to be a top choice.
17. Where should I eat in the Byward Market?
Answer: The Byward Market has numerous restaurants and vendors. For a classic experience, check out the food stalls for quick bites. The Grand is a popular dinner spot. For a sweet treat, try gelato at Mantovani or ice cream at Moo Shu.
18. What’s the coffee scene like?
Answer: Ottawa has a growing number of independent coffee shops. You can find everything from standard drip coffee to specialty lattes. Most baristas will understand a triple-shot long black with cream.
19. Can I get groceries delivered to my hotel?
Answer: Yes, services like Instacart, Uber Eats, and direct delivery from grocery stores like Walmart are widely available.
Culture & People
20. What languages are spoken in Ottawa?
Answer: Ottawa is a bilingual city, with both English and French being official languages. While most people are fluent in English, you will encounter French speakers and signage, especially in government buildings and across the river in Gatineau.
21. Is Ottawa welcoming to people from different backgrounds?
Answer: Yes, Ottawa is a very multicultural and diverse city, with a reputation for being accepting and friendly.
Transportation
22. How do I get from the airport (YOW) to downtown?
Answer: Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available. There are also public transit options, though many locals suggest a ride-share is more convenient and reliable.
23. Is public transit worth it for tourists?
Answer: It depends on your itinerary. If you plan to stick to the downtown core, walking is your best bet. If you need to travel to destinations outside the downtown area, the O-Train is useful. The bus system can be unreliable, which is a frequent complaint on local forums.
24. Are there good bike paths in the city?
Answer: Yes, Ottawa has an extensive network of beautiful bike paths, especially along the Ottawa River and the Rideau Canal. You can rent bikes or e-scooters in the downtown area.
Miscellaneous
25. What’s the weather like in Ottawa?
Answer: Ottawa experiences all four seasons with dramatic changes. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are very cold with a lot of snow. Spring and fall are milder but can be unpredictable. Layers are always a good idea, and if visiting in winter, proper boots and a warm coat are essential.