Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about visiting Ottawa, the capital city of Canada.
There’s a lot to love about visiting Ottawa, but there are also a few things you might not love when you visit Ottawa, Canada.
Love #1: Size of Ottawa
For a large capital city, Ottawa is surprisingly compact. All of the major attractions in Ottawa are easy to get to from the city center. The Museum of Civilization, The National Gallery of Canada, Parliament, and the Rideau Canal are all in close proximity, making it easy to see the best attractions in Ottawa in a short amount of time.
Hate #1: Ottawa Nightlife
It can get a bit dull in Ottawa after the sun goes down. There’s not much in terms of nightlife in Ottawa. The downtown area is actually the government center of the country, so it tends to be busier during the week than on the weekends. If you are looking for nightlife in Ottawa, you’ll need to ask around as it’s not plentiful.
Love #2: Byward Market
One of my favorite things to do in Ottawa Canada is to visit the Byward Market. It’s so much fun to just wander around and check out the restaurants and shops. You’ll find fruit stands, ice cream shops, souvenir shops, and so much more. We ended up spending a full day of our Ottawa trip just wandering around the market and chatting with locals.
Hate #2: Ottawa’s Appearance
If you visit Ottawa after visiting Toronto or Montreal, you may notice that Ottawa is not as “spruced up” as those other cities. They seem to draw more tourists, so they spend more money keeping the tourist areas nice and updated. There are many great things to see in Ottawa, but they could definitely use an injection of funds to clean things up a bit.
Love #3: Ottawa Museums
Because it’s the capital of Canada, Ottawa has some really great museums. The Museum of Civilization and the National Gallery of Canada are two excellent museums in Ottawa. The Canadian Museum of Nature is also fantastic. The Canadian War Museum is also worth visiting. For a city of less than one million people, the quality of museums in Ottawa is really surprising.
Hate #3: Parking and Driving in Ottawa
Like any major city, parking and driving in Ottawa can be a hassle. There are lots of one-way streets in the city center, so it can be confusing. Make sure you have your GPS running because it will save you a lot of time. Parking in Ottawa is sparse and expensive, so keep this in mind when planning your Ottawa trip.
Love #4: Natural Beauty in Ottawa
Although it’s a capital city, there is still plenty of nature that is easily accessible from Ottawa. The locals will tell you to go to Gatineau Park, which is the largest green space in the region at 360 square kilometers. Even in the winter, the park is full of locals ice skating and snowshoeing. It’s also a great spot for outdoor recreation in the summer.
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Hate #4: Prices in Ottawa
Ottawa is expensive. They get a lot of government travelers and charge high rates for everything. Expect to pay “business class” prices for Ottawa hotels and restaurants. You can find good deals on food by heading out to some of the other neighborhoods, but you’ll need to ask around.
Love #5: Festivals & Locals
The culture is Ottawa really stands out thanks to the people who live there. There are always festivals going on to celebrate something, and it’s a great way to experience the local culture. The locals are all super friendly, and we’ve had great service when dining out at Ottawa restaurants. If you are looking for a fun destination with kids, Ottawa is a great choice. There are tons of family-friendly activities in Ottawa.
Hate #5: Ottawa Winters
If you find yourself visiting Ottawa in the winter, it’s going to be cold! If you are just in Ottawa for a few days, there are plenty of indoor things to do, such as the Ottawa museums. However, if you’re here for a longer time, you may find that the cold and dark days aren’t the best. We definitely recommend visiting Ottawa in the summertime, but be prepared if you must visit Ottawa in the winter. You may as well embrace it and get outside with the locals!
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With friendly locals and fun festivals, Ottawa is a great Canadian city to visit, especially if you are traveling with kids. It’s not the cheapest city or the cleanest city, but it’s a good manageable size with world-class museums. When you are planning a trip to Canada, I highly recommend visiting Ottawa. Interested in more Canadian travel tips? Check out these blog posts!