Ottawa Holidays

Things to do in Ottawa

Ottawa offers a delightful blend of city-themed, family-friendly, and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy educational experiences at fascinating museums, indulge in shopping at vibrant centres, and embark on exciting tours of the city. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore ski slopes in the vicinity, while day trips to Quebec present an opportunity to discover more of the region's charm. Ottawa truly caters to diverse interests, making it an ideal destination for all types of travellers.

Shopping

Discover Ottawa's Byward Market Square, a vibrant public market bustling with local vendors and unique gifts. Head to Kanata Centrum Shopping Centre for a mix of shopping and entertainment, or stroll along Sparks Street for a charming atmosphere filled with family-friendly shops and cafes.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at the Canadian Tire Centre, where you can engage in exhilarating sports events. Alternatively, the Nepean Sportsplex offers a variety of recreational activities, while the Walter Baker Sports Centre provides excellent facilities for fitness and wellness pursuits in a lively setting.

Adventure

Experience the thrills of Calypso Water Park, a vibrant waterpark featuring exciting slides and family-friendly attractions. At Midway Family Fun Park, enjoy arcade games and outdoor activities that guarantee fun for everyone. Cosmic Adventures offers an exhilarating indoor play area filled with adventure and entertainment for the entire family.

Nightlife

Experience Ottawa's vibrant nightlife at the lively ByWard Market, where you can enjoy cocktails at trendy bars like The Moon Room. For a more relaxed vibe, visit the charming Heart & Crown pub, known for its lively atmosphere and traditional Irish music.

Find the best attractions in Ottawa

Ottawa, the capital of Canada, is ideal for city-themed, family, and outdoor holidays. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions, including urban parks, historic civic government buildings, and modern colleges and universities. The city offers a rich cultural experience and outdoor activities, particularly along the scenic Ottawa River, making it a perfect destination for travellers seeking both adventure and family-friendly experiences.

• Parliament Hill: Experience the heart of Canadian politics at Parliament Hill, a striking historic Civic Government Building. Witness the impressive architecture, explore the grounds, and catch the daily Changing of the Guard ceremony, all while soaking in the vibrant cultural atmosphere that surrounds this iconic site.
• Ottawa City Hall: Discover the modern design of Ottawa City Hall, a contemporary Civic Government Building that embodies the city's dynamic spirit. Admire its stunning architecture and enjoy the lively business vibes, making it a hub of community activities and events, perfect for a quick stop or leisurely stroll.
• Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica: Visit the breathtaking Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, an architectural masterpiece that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Ottawa. Marvel at the intricate stained glass windows and ornate details, offering a serene atmosphere for reflection and appreciation of this historic place of worship.

Best time to go to Ottawa

The best time to visit Ottawa can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Ottawa falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Ottawa falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	15.3°F (-9.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	17.2°F (-8.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
March	27.9°F (-2.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
April	41.4°F (5.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
May	55.6°F (13.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
June	63.5°F (17.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
July	69.4°F (20.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
August	67.5°F (19.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
September	60.4°F (15.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
October	48.2°F (9.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	35.4°F (1.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
December	24.6°F (-4.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low

Tips to save on your trip to Ottawa

• Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
• Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically March and December to January) for more affordable package holidays to Ottawa.
• Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
• Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.