Ottawa is a friendly city known for its history, politics, and green space. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Ottawa?
You should plan to spend around $133 (CA$185) per day on your vacation in Ottawa. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $29 (CA$40) on meals
- $7.13 (CA$9.94) on local transportation
- $36 (CA$50) on hotels
A one week trip to Ottawa for two people costs, on average, $1,859 (CA$2,590). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$930
CA$1,295
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2 Weeks
Per person
$1,859
CA$2,590
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One Month
Per person
$3,984
CA$5,550
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,859
CA$2,590
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$3,718
CA$5,180
-
One Month
For a couple
$7,967
CA$11,100
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Ottawa cost?
A one week trip to Ottawa usually costs around $930 (CA$1,295) for one person and $1,859 (CA$2,590) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Ottawa on average costs around $1,859 (CA$2,590) for one person and $3,718 (CA$5,180) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Ottawa will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Ottawa on average costs around $3,984 (CA$5,550) for one person and $7,967 (CA$11,100) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Ottawa expensive to visit?
Ottawa is a smaller place that appeals to a wide spectrum of travelers, featuring different styles, expenditure habits, and budget ranges. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
Ottawa can certainly rack up expenses, but there are strategies to minimize costs, including eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $51 (CA$72) per day, mid-range travelers spend $133 (CA$185) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $352 (CA$490) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Ottawa.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Ottawa is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in North America for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Hope, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Key West.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Ottawa Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Ottawa?
The average Ottawa trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Ottawa travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Ottawa cost?
Ottawa on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$6
(CA$8.55)
|
$18
(CA$25)
|
$59
(CA$82)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$3
(CA$4.05)
|
$7
(CA$9.94)
|
$17
(CA$23)
|
|
Food 2
|
$11
(CA$16)
|
$29
(CA$40)
|
$76
(CA$106)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$15
(CA$20)
|
$39
(CA$55)
|
$114
(CA$159)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$9-27
(CA$13-38)
|
$9-27
(CA$13-38)
|
$9-27
(CA$13-38)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations for your travel expenses is important. While many assume they can visit Ottawa on a tight budget, the truth is that most people don't enjoy traveling that way. Think about what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer staying in resorts or hostels? Do you love exploring sights and attractions, or dining out? Your preferences will directly impact your budget and travel plans.
The Truth on Budget Travel
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $51 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Ottawa is packed with plenty of hostels, including Ottawa Backpackers Inn and Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel. At hostels like these, you can enjoy affordable dorm accommodation and a lively social scene, but amenities might be quite minimal.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at well-liked restaurants, and check out significant museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Most travelers to Ottawa will be eager to explore the key attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities aren't free. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $133 per person, per day.
The range of hotels and vacation rentals in Ottawa is impressive. If you're traveling with others, sharing your hotel with a partner, friend, or kids allows you to split the costs and save money. Families will want to find hotels and restaurants that accommodate children. The Century House Bed and Breakfast Ottawa is a solid choice for families, while ByWard Blue Inn also offers great options. For additional family and couple-friendly hotels, refer to our hotel guide for Ottawa here.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
For a trip that encompasses every convenience with outstanding service, get ready for a daily cost nearing $352. To experience nicer hotels, enjoy award-winning cuisine, indulge in extravagant outings, and use taxis or private drivers for your journeys in the city, be prepared for premium pricing. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Downtown Ottawa: Private Investigator Quest Experience - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Ottawa
Hotel prices in Ottawa can vary significantly. Some hotels charge much higher rates but also offer more luxury and better amenities. During peak season, these prices rise even more. In the off-season, the average room costs around $122, while in peak summer season it jumps to an average of $228. Budget accommodations range from $97 to $297, but hostels are usually cheaper, especially in dorm rooms. Save money by traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, or by booking in advance and watching for deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Ottawa for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $36 (CA$50). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $18 (CA$25) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Ottawa? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Ottawa include:
- Sheraton Ottawa Hotel starting at $170
- Lord Elgin Hotel starting at $165
- Brookstreet Hotel - Ottawa West - Kanata starting at $106
- McGee's Inn starting at $124
- The Century House Bed and Breakfast Ottawa starting at $143
Thanks to Ottawa's great public transportation, you can stay outside the city for cheaper accommodations, but be aware of the potential for increased transportation costs and commute time.
Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than during summer, will give you cheaper lodging options and fewer tourists to navigate around.
Transportation Budget in Ottawa
In Ottawa, the public transportation system covers key attractions. There is both a public bus and light rail system. If you want to save money and get around efficiently, public transit works well when it's near your stop. Taxis and rideshares are readily available across town, too.
Ottawa is quite walkable in certain areas, making it easier to explore various sights. Many of the urban neighborhoods are very walkable.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (good)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $7.13 (CA$9.94) per person, per day, on local transportation in Ottawa. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Ottawa is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$7.13
CA$9.94
If you're planning to drive, ensure that your hotel offers convenient parking.
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- Private Arrival Transfer from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW for $40 details
- Ottawa Parc Omega Private Tour with Hotel Transfer for $215 details
How much does it cost to go to Ottawa? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Ottawa will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Ottawa
The food in Ottawa is decent, though people don't specifically come here for the food. However, there are a few hidden gems in the city worth checking out. The culinary scene highlights many Canadian classics like poutine and maple donuts (and, of course, the classic Tim Horton's), but you'll also find plenty of international options like shawarma.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Ottawa can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Ottawa is $29 (CA$40) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$29
CA$40
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Ottawa is around $29 (CA$40) per person, with previous travelers spending from $11 to $76. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Ottawa are as follows:
- Breakfast: $3 to $9
- Lunch: $4 to $12
- Dinner: $9 to $20
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $4
Since Ottawa's culture is a reflection of the thousands of immigrants who now call the city home, ethnic foods from around the world are available at a wide variety of restaurants and street vendors. Additionally, there is a hub for each kind of cultural cuisine. Chinatown area, for example, has plenty of Chinese and other Asian food restaurants and is located along Somerset Avenue between Bronson Avenue and Preston Street. For Italian eats, Little Italy runs along the length of Preston Street, from Carling Avenue to Albert Street. Additionally, the ByWard Market area has a wide selection of different cuisines-from breakfast diners and lunchtime delis to ethnic Mexican or Indian eats. One local novelty, however, is the beavertail-a large, flat doughy, deep-fried pastry usually topped with cinnamon and sugar. Also popular, and located on just about every street corner, is the Tim Horton's fast food chain, best known for its coffee and donuts.
Numerous hotels offer breakfast as part of the room rate, but some might charge extra for it. The cost and quality can differ from one hotel to another. Being aware of this beforehand can help you determine if you need to allocate additional funds. It could be worth it for a fantastic buffet at the hotel, or you might want to opt for a nearby bakery or cafe that's more budget-friendly.
Pack a water bottle to avoid buying drinks on the go. Plus, it's beneficial for the planet.
If you're thinking about taking a tour, it's wise to check in advance which meals are covered. You may need to cover some of your own food costs, which could increase your overall budget.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Ottawa. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Oh Canada Eh!? Dinner Musical for $70 details
- Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour for $79 details
- Evening Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour for $79 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Ottawa
It's no surprise that Ottawa sees many visitors since it offers museums and attractions, food, family-friendly activities, and romance.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Ottawa typically cost an average of $39 (CA$55) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$39
CA$55
The primary attraction for most visitors to Ottawa is Parliament Hill. Not only is it a striking monument of Gothic revival architecture, but it is also the home of Canada's national government and the setting for national celebrations year-round. Various tours are available to different parts of Parliament Hill, while visitors also flock to see the daily Changing of the Guard ceremony at 9:00 AM, as well as the Sound and Light Show held daily at 9:30 PM until September.
Ottawa is also home to a vast array of museums and galleries showcasing the nation's story in art, history, nature, at war, in aviation and space, agriculture and food, science, and technology. A few of the more popular museum attractions include the Canadian War Museum, Canadian Museum of History, Canadian Museum of Nature, Science and Technology Museum, and the Canada Agriculture Museum.
Other must-see sights include the historic ByWard Market and the Rideau Canal, as well as its many performing arts venues like the National Arts Centre, the Great Canadian Theatre Company, Ottawa Little Theatre, and The Gladstone.
There are plenty of tours and sightseeing options available for experiencing the city of Ottawa-from options on foot, bicycle, or bus, to boat, plane, or helicopter. Tours can be booked on any mode of transportation to experience any unique part of the city by location, history, culinary preference, and more.
Alternatively visitors can explore galleries and museums, experience the music and theatre culture, or venture on the outskirts of the city for some outdoor excursions like whitewater rafting on the Ottawa River.
Museums and Attractions:
Ottawa is well-known for its iconic museums and renowned landmarks. As the country's capital, there are a large number of museums to explore. There are summer national museums in town which include the National Gallery of Canada, the Museum of History, the Science and Technology Museum, the Aviation and Space Museum, the Agriculture and Food Museum, the Museum of Nature, and the War Museum.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Ottawa. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Ottawa Ecological Reserve Kayak Tour with TURTLE Sightings for $62 details
- A Self Guided Audio Tour of Ottawa's Hidden History for $7 details
- Ticket to WonderStruck: Ottawa's Magic Experience for $32 details
Nightlife Budget in Ottawa
The nightlife scene in Ottawa is relatively peaceful and easygoing. It's not the first place that comes to mind when you think about partying, but there are live music venues and a some great bars around town.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $18 (CA$25) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Ottawa per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$18
CA$25
While nightlife can be a blast, skipping a few rounds can significantly lower your travel expenses.
Traveling in Ottawa
Ottawa, Canada
Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located on the Ontario side of the Ottawa River. A city of many ethnic populations, Ottawa is uniquely bilingual with English as the first language of the population's majority and French as a close second. It is best known as the nation's capital, which is centered on Parliament Hill, an architectural landmark as well as the seat of government.
Neighborhoods & Around
A few of Ottawa's many distinctive neighborhoods include Bank Street, ByWard Market, Chinatown, Downtown Rideau, Glebe, Preston Street (Little Italy), Sparks Street, Wellington West, and Westboro Village. Bank Street is the downtown center of commerce, government, culture, and leisure. ByWard Market, founded in the 1820's, is home to unique shops, fresh produce and artisan stalls, restaurants, and nightclubs. Chinatown is a thriving business and residential area that offers dining, shopping, and entertainment infused with Chinese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, Indian, Philippino, Spanish, Lebanese, French, and Middle Eastern cultures. Downtown Rideau makes up the arts, fashion, and theatre district. The Glebe is a relaxed and historic neighborhood of shops, restaurants, and pubs. Preston Street is the heart of Little Italy, reflecting Italian heritage in its tree-lined streets, award-winning Italian and international cuisine, and independent boutiques. Sparks Street is home to a mix of long-established local business, unique architecture, and Canada's first pedestrian mall. And finally Wellington West and Westboro Village are both urban villages 5-10 minute's-drive from Parliament buildings, each of which features more than 200 shops, restaurants, and businesses.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.