Where is the best place to stay in Ottawa?
By Courtney Edgar. July 08, 2024
As Canada’s capital city, Ottawa offers rich cultural events, colourful history, and gorgeous architecture to its visitors. The Rideau Canal, bisecting the city past the Canada War Museum and Parliament Hill, sparkles at sunset alongside its parks and bike paths. There are miles of peaceful walking opportunities along the canal, with nature views and enchanting sights of human innovation. The Château Laurier hotel, for example, was built in 1912 but modelled on a medieval castle. Another Ottawa architectural delight is the futuristic and asymmetric National Gallery of Canada which resembles a glass prism. During the spring and summer seasons, bright tulips and other flowers add pops of colour to the city, especially during the annual tulip festival. In the colder months, the Winterlude festival takes place near the canal with a wide variety of outdoor cultural activities for residents and tourists alike.
Downtown Ottawa is the best area to stay for those who want to be in the heart of the city’s action. No matter the season, it is a vibrant neighborhood with many creative restaurants, traditional and artisanal shops, and other city life attractions. You’ll find the Parliament Buildings where events, activism, and even outdoor yoga can take place in close proximity to the canal, National Gallery, and the ByWard Market. In the market, tourists enjoy the kiosks of fresh fruit and flowers and Beaver Tails pastries. This is the spot for so many restaurants, bars, bakeries and shopping options to choose from.On the map, which shows the most convenient area to stay in Ottawa, you can see a selection of some of the best located hotels.
If you are interested in where to stay in Ottawa, you may also be interested in where to stay in Toronto, where to stay in Montreal, where to stay in Quebec City and where to stay in Vancouver.
Downtown, the best area to stay in Ottawa
First time / Sightseeing / With Family
Downtown Ottawa is the perfect place to stay for those who want the most the city has to offer, right at their doorstep. In Centretown, at the heart of the city’s downtown area, you will find the iconic Ottawa attractions: Parliament, National Gallery, ByWard Market, Rideau Canal, and Confederation Park.
But you will also find the smaller hidden gems like charming mom and pop bookshops, old-timey diners, cozy pubs, ecclectic flower shops, and more contemporary arts and gift shops. High-end restaurants abound along with casual cafes and eateries. The area is very pedestrian-friendly, with many of the main attractions located within walking distance of each other.
There are also plenty of transportation options available, including the city’s efficient bus and light rail systems, as well as bike rental services and taxi cabs. Whether you’re interested in sightseeing, shopping, or simply soaking up the energy of a vibrant city, downtown Ottawa has something for everyone.
Other areas to stay in Ottawa
Centretown
Walk Around / Sightseeing / Without a Car
Centretown is a vibrant and charming neighborhood to visit in Ottawa. It offers so many attactions and commerces for visitors to enjoy. The most notable of these attractions is Parliament Hill, which is the seat of Canada’s government and home to some of the country’s most significant historical and cultural landmarks.
Aside from Parliament Hill, Centretown has a gorgeous canal, waterfront trails, luscious parks, and many streets filled with colourful restaurants and shops to discover. Centretown is also home to the Canada War Museum, which chronicles the country’s military history, and the Chateau Laurier, a grand historic hotel that has been a landmark in the city for over a century.
In addition, Centretown is a pedestrian-friendly and compact neighborhood, with most of the main attractions within walking distance of each other. For those who prefer not to walk, there are also numerous transport options available, including bus, boat, bicycle, and taxi, making it easy to explore the area and beyond. You can even try communal electric scooters these days!
Kanata
With a Car / On a Budget
Located in the west end of Ottawa, Kanata is a vibrant and growing community that is the perfect place to stay for those who prefer a suburban atmosphere. Known for its tech industry, the neighborhood offers easy access to some of the city’s top attractions such as the Canadian Tire Centre, home of the NHL’s Ottawa Senators, and the Bell Sensplex, a multi-sport complex with indoor and outdoor facilities.
Kanata is also home to the Kanata Centrum, a large shopping center with numerous stores, restaurants, and a movie theater. For those interested in the outdoors, there are plenty of parks and green spaces to explore, including the popular Walter Baker Park, which offers biking trails, picnic areas, and a splash pad for children.
Transportation options in Kanata include bus service, taxis, and a park-and-ride lot for those looking to explore other parts of Ottawa. With its suburban charm and convenient access to entertainment and amenities, Kanata is a great option for those seeking a quieter stay in Ottawa.
Byward Market area
Walk Around / Sightseeing / Without a Car
The Byward Market is a popular tourist area since it offers the chance to see so much of Ottawa’s rich cultural tapestry. The Byward Market represents both the local farmers market, which is one of the oldest in Canada, as well as the commerce square neighborhood it is located in.
All the staples of Canadian cuisine can be purchased in the market including maple syrup and BeaverTails, a sweet, doughy pastry that comes with a variety of toppings such as whipped cream, banana, Oreos, cinnamon sugar, and chocolate.
This snack is particularly delicious in wintertime after a skate on the Rideau Canal. The main activity centers around the Sussex Street area where you can browse arts and crafts stalls and colorful food stands, while in the side streets quirky boutique shops and fashion abound.
Nepean
With a Car / On a Budget
Located southwest of Ottawa, Nepean is another suburban area with a mix of residential and commercial spaces. While it may not be as centrally located as some other neighborhoods in the city, Nepean has its own charm and appeal as a place to stay. It also has less of a sprawling feel than Kanata.
One of the main draws of Nepean is its access to natural areas and outdoor activities. The nearby Greenbelt offers miles of trails for hiking and biking, while the Rideau River provides opportunities for fishing and boating. There are also several parks and recreational facilities in the area, including the Nepean Sportsplex which features multiple ice rinks, swimming pools, and fitness facilities.
Nepean is also a great spot for shopping when you visit Ottawa. This neighborhood has plenty of options to choose from. You will find large shopping complexes like Bayshore Shopping Centre and Merivale Mall, as well as independent shops and restaurants. The area also has a growing craft brewery scene, with several local breweries offering tastings and tours.
Our recommended hotels in Ottawa
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in OttawaNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
