Hotels in Ottawa, Ontario

Ottawa Hotels

The clean and green capital of Canada, the vivacious city of Ottawa resides on the south bank of the calm and collected Ottawa River. A blend of booming high tech modernity and historical elegance, the city is dotted with oases of leafy natural beauty. With a cosmopolitan offering of restaurants, shops and entertainment, attractions range from the politically important to the simple things in life. Here you can get lost in a museum, ice skate along a frozen waterway, or nibble on a beavertail pastry amongst the autumn trees.

Things to see

Undoubtedly Ottawa’s greatest landmark, Parliament Hill sits regally on the southern banks of the Ottawa River. Home to the Parliament of Canada, the historic collection of Gothic Revival buildings includes the ornate Peace Tower, with its distinct aqua colored spire. Historic attractions run throughout the city, quite literally in the case of the Rideau Canal. The oldest operating canal in North America, its famous step locks are just a stone’s throw from Parliament Hill. Come winter time the waterway is glazed with thick ice, making it a popular ice skating ‘street’. For those in need of retail therapy, Byward Market is a paradise of bargains and unique finds. A sensory overload, the market caters to every whim – whether you’re looking for fashion fixes, artisan crafted trinkets or fresh seasonal produce. For fascination, education and innovation be sure to check out the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, home to a collection of almost 50 aircraft from around the globe.

Hotels in Ottawa

Whatever your budget you’ll find plenty of hotels in Ottawa to suit your needs. The accommodation here ranges from palatial self styled chateaus adorned with French Renaissance grandeur, to much simpler establishments. For all out luxury, look to the high rise buildings and you’ll see a number of prestigious brand hotels, most of which count pools and fitness centers among their ritzy amenities. The mid-range selection is a close second, with chain hotels, resorts, inns and boutique hotels, all catering to a high standard. If you’re after a thrifty no frills stay, the capital city has a generous handful of comfy budget hotels and hostels.

Where to stay

A hotel in Ottawa’s West End puts you within reach of some of the best amenities the city has to offer. Amid the bustle you’ll find a multicultural cornucopia of restaurants and splurge-worthy shops, while just a hop, skip and a jump east, you’ll find Ottawa’s simmering Downtown. Further westwards, suburban Kanata moves at a jogger’s pace. Swathed in greenery and awash with spas, the area draws in golfers, fitness types and those that just like to take it easy. North of the river you’ll find Gatineau, home to several attractions including The Canadian Museum of Civilization, and the yearly Hot Air Balloon Festival.

How to get to Ottawa

With connections to all around the world, Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) will be the entry point into the city for most visitors. For those touching down at Montreal’s Trudeau Airport instead, transfers can be made to YOW via shuttle services, which usually take about two hours. Getting into the city center from the airport is a breeze, with the number 97 bus taking around half an hour. From there travel in Ottawa is made convenient with the O-Train. Located a couple of miles west of the center, Carleton Station is the only one with tracks running both ways along the network, making it a useful travel hub.