Welcome to Ottawa

Here you will find all of the necessary information to make the best of your time in Ottawa. From arrival and departure information, daily tour pick up times, and general information about the city.

OTTAWA WEATHER

Search By:

About Ottawa, Ontario

As Canada’s capital, Ottawa is the perfect place to experience some of the country’s best attractions, celebrations and flavours in one welcoming city. Located between Toronto and Montreal, Ottawa has a unique blend of urban and rural beauty, year-round outdoor activities, and vibrant neighbourhoods. Home to Canada’s Federal Government, the historic, neo-Gothic Parliament Buildings of Parliament Hill hold pride of place on a hill overlooking the Ottawa River.

Population – 1.5 Million

Arrival Information:

If you arrive in Ottawa by train, we recommend taking the short taxi ride from the station to your hotel downtown. Taxi fares range between CAD $18-25.

When arriving in Ottawa by air your best option to go to your hotel is also by taxi. As you make it to the arrivals level 1 area, proceed to the centre door and you will find the queue forming there. Rates from the airport to downtown Ottawa hotels vary between CAD $35 -45.

If you are a visitor to Canada and you are not a citizen of the USA, you may be required to purchase an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). This document can be purchased for CAD $7.00 and most applications are approved within minutes of applying. Please visit the following government site for information and to purchase this eTA: Electronic Travel Authorization.

Departure Information:

If you depart from Ottawa by train, we recommend taking the short taxi ride from your downtown hotel to the train station. Taxi fares range between CAD $18-25.

When departing from Ottawa by air your best option to go to the airport is by taxi. Your hotel’s front desk staff will be happy to order a taxi for you at the time you request it. Rates from the airport to downtown Ottawa hotels vary between CAD $35 -45.

Restaurant Recommendations:

When in Ottawa, you will find terrific eating and nightlife on and around Elgin Street, here are some of our recommendations:

Riviera ~ Canadian fine dining, just around the corner from the Prime Minister’s office
Address: 62 Sparks Street

Town ~ Bright, casual, energetic Italian inspired in a casual environment
Address: 298 Elgin Street

Datsun ~ Asian Bar with great small plates and inventive cocktails. Casual attire
Address: 380 Elgin Street

Deacon Brodie’s Pub ~ Great casual atmosphere serving first class pub food and a great variety of beers and ales.
Address: 247 Elgin Street

Sightseeing Recommendations:

The Hop on Hop off tour bus is a fantastic way to see the sights of Ottawa and get acquainted with the city. With 12 stops throughout the city, Discover the capital by hopping aboard one of our open top double deckers for a one-day guided city tour for fun, educational and historical tour.

If this has not been included in your tour package and you have free time in Ottawa, you will be able to purchase tickets directly by clicking the like above. These tickets will also be available through your hotel concierge.

 

Take a free guided tour of the home of Canada's federal government, one of Ottawa's top attractions. Admire historic paintings, as well as architecture decorated with Canadian motifs, in these official spaces.
The historic, neo-Gothic Parliament Buildings hold pride of place on a hill overlooking the Ottawa River in Canada's capital. Come see where the country's parliamentarians carry out the nation's business. While the Centre Block is closed for renovations, the House of Commons is meeting in a beautiful glass-roofed former courtyard in the West Block, and the Senate is deliberating in a grand Beaux-Arts-style building—originally a train station—just one block from Parliament Hill. In summer, you can also visit the East Block to see historic spaces that have been restored to resemble the way they looked in the late 1800s.
Reserve your tickets online if you'd like to take a free tour. Or just drop by “the Hill” for one of the free concerts, multimedia shows and other events that take place on the grounds throughout the year.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email PRINT THIS PAGE