Flights To Ottawa Guide

Ottawa, the charming capital of Canada, is served by the Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW), a gateway that welcomes travellers from all corners of the globe. Conveniently located just south of the city centre, the airport provides a seamless entry point to the city’s rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty.

Prominent UK airports providing flights to Ottawa include London Heathrow (LHR) and Manchester Airport (MAN). The flight duration from the UK to Ottawa is typically 7 to 8 hours. Connecting flights may require layovers which could, in turn, extend the  travel period.

With a mix of domestic and international flights, it ensures that whether you’re arriving from nearby cities or distant lands, the wonders of Ottawa are just a flight away.

For a seamless journey, Woking Travel provides hassle-free transfer services from Ottawa airport to your hotel. To find out more details about our transfer services, please browse our Transfers page.

Woking Travel offers a range of accommodations to your destination, catering to all budgets and preferences. You can explore hotels by visiting our Hotels page at Hotels-Woking Travel or explore our holiday packages at Packages-Woking Travel.

To make your stay in Ottawa a pleasant one, we have put together various types of hotels ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury establishments, catering to every preference and budget. Our picks for you are as follows: 

1. Fairmont Château Laurier: A historic and grand hotel in the heart of downtown Ottawa, near Parliament Hill.
   
   
2. The Westin Ottawa: A top-tier 5-star hotel with contemporary amenities linked to the Rideau Centre and in close proximity to major attractions.
   
   
3. Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market: A trendy and modish 5-star hotel in the dynamic ByWard Market region, with top-notch rooms and a rooftop lounge.
   
   
4. Brookstreet Hotel: A lavish 5-star hotel and resort in Kanata, facilitating its guests with a golf course, a lavish spa, and fine dining choices.
   
   
5. Delta Hotels by Marriott Ottawa City Centre: A stylish 4-star hotel with spacious lodgings and multiple amenities located near Parliament Hill.
   
   
6. Lord Elgin Hotel: A 4-star vintage hotel with classic allure, located downtown, nearby important monuments and the Rideau Canal.
   
   
7. Sheraton Ottawa Hotel: A conveniently situated 4-star hotel with cutting-edge facilities along with cosy rooms, close to downtown sites.
   
   
8. Cartier Place Suite Hotel: This 3-star hotel, in the heart of Ottawa, is ideal for families and extended stays because it has accommodating apartments with kitchenettes, an indoor pool, and a gymnasium.
   
   
9. ByWard Blue Inn: This quaint 3-star hotel stands in the swarming ByWard Market region and offers cosy accommodations with complimentary breakfast and WiFi service, as well as convenient access to nearby eateries and shopping stores.
   
   
10. Holiday Inn Ottawa Dwtn- Parliament Hill: This contemporary 3-star hotel is established near Parliament Hill and downtown landmarks, offering comfortable rooms, a wonderful restaurant, and a fitness facility.

Ottawa offers a variety of transportation options such as public transportation, taxis, ridesharing services, car rental options and more.

• Public Transit: The OC Transpo bus system connects major areas of the city and is an affordable option for getting around Ottawa. Moreover, the city’s light rail system consists of two lines: the Confederation Line (Line 1) and the Trillium Line (Line 2), which provide swift and efficient transport across significant parts of Ottawa.
• Biking/Walking: With over 600 km of bike paths and walkways, Ottawa is a very pedestrian and cyclist-friendly city.
• Driving: Renting a car is a great way to explore the surrounding areas and countryside, but parking can be limited or expensive in downtown Ottawa.
• Taxis and Ridesharing: Taxi and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also available for those looking for convenient transportation options.
• Car Rentals: Multiple car rental agencies operate in Ottawa, facilitating those who prefer self-driving.
• Intercity Travel: For travelling beyond Ottawa, VIA Rail runs train service to big cities such as Montreal and Toronto, while Greyhound and other bus services connect to regional locations.
• Water Taxis: Seasonal water taxis run along the Ottawa river, providing an unusual and scenic mode of transportation.

1. Parliament Hill: Neo-Gothic buildings housing Canada’s administrative core, with guided tours on governance.
   
   
2. UNESCO-listed Rideau Canal: This turns into the world’s largest skating rink in winter under Ottawa’s skies.
   
   
3. Discover City’s Museums: Canadian War Museum tells tales of triumph, National Gallery showcases Canadian and international art, Rideau Hall – residence of the Governor General.
   
   
4. Natural Escape: Enjoy Gatineau Park’s natural beauty, and visit Notre Dame Basilica for French-Canadian heritage.
   
   
5. Market Treasures: Dive into ByWard Market’s artisanal goods and culinary treats, and experience living history at Laurier House.
   
   
6. Old Ottawa South: Take a stroll through the picturesque neighbourhood of Old Ottawa South, known for its charming cafes and independent shops.
   
   
7. National Gallery of Canada: Visit the stunning National Gallery of Canada, which has an impressive collection of Canadian and international art.
   
   
8. Camp Fortune: Experience the thrill of zip lining or bungee jumping at Camp Fortune, just a short drive from downtown Ottawa.
   
   
9. Nightlife Hub: Explore the lively ByWard Market area, known for its bustling outdoor market and vibrant nightlife.
   
   
10. Royal Canadian Mint: Take a tour of the iconic Royal Canadian Mint, where all of Canada’s coins are produced.

1. Atelier: Acclaimed for its creative 12-course tasting menu with Modernist cuisine, Atelier provides a unique dining experience.
   
   
2. Fairouz: Serving contemporary Middle Eastern dishes, this top-notch hotel focuses on fresh, regional ingredients in a chic setting.
   
   
3. Beckta Dining and Wine: An upscale eatery known for its delectable classic Canadian cuisine, a big wine selection, and great service.
   
   
4. Mati: Blending Italian and Greek flavours, Mati is famous for its wood-fired meats, delicious fish, and elegant ambience.
   
   
5. Riviera: Riviera is based in a nicely restored bank building and serves an elaborate menu with an emphasis on regionally farmed ingredients.
   
   
6. Play Food & Wine: Play Food & Wine provides its visitors with a casual yet beautiful culinary experience. It’s popular for its small dishes and broad wine list.
   
   
7. North and Navy: This restaurant offers a seasonal menu with home-made pastas and freshly caught seafood, focusing on Northern Italian cuisine.
   
   
8. Whalesbone Oyster House: A tourist-favourite for its unsmoked oysters and sustainable seafood, Whalesbone provides a light atmosphere with fancy seafood dishes.
   
   
9. Chesterfield’s Gastro Diner: A beloved brunch venue with creative variations on comfort food presented in a pleasant atmosphere.
   
   
10. Supply and Demand: With its special Italian cuisine and famed seafood items, this sophisticated eatery sets the bar high along with its sleek, modern decor.

1. Attend the Changing of the Guard at Parliament Hill and witness a time-honoured tradition with a meticulously orchestrated ceremony that has taken place since 1959.
   
   
2. Take a Haunted Walk Tour of Bytown, a fun and spooky way to discover the city’s eerie past and its many haunted hotspots.
   
   
3. Enjoy a Scenic Cruise on the Rideau Canal to experience Ottawa’s beauty from a whole new perspective.
   
   
4. Visit the Royal Canadian Mint and see where Canadian coins come to life, with interactive exhibits and the world’s largest coin on display.
   
   
5. Shop and Dine at ByWard Market for an eclectic mix of local produce, gourmet treats, and artisan crafts.
   
   
6. Explore the Canadian Museum of Nature, which houses some of the world’s most precious natural history collections.
   
   
7. Experience Winterlude during Ottawa’s three-week celebration of all things winter, featuring the International Ice Carving Competition.
   
   
8. Take a Bike Tour and pedal through Ottawa’s many scenic trails and vibrant neighbourhoods.
   
   
9. Discover the Diefenbunker, Canada’s Cold War Museum, a must-see for history enthusiasts and bunker-construction aficionados.
   
   
10. Indulge in a High Tea Session at Fairmont Château Laurier and bask in the regal charm of this city landmark.

Ottawa’s weather varies dramatically from season to season, with cold, snowy winters and mild to warm summers. Be sure to check the weather forecast before packing to ensure you’re prepared for the current conditions.

Summer (June-August)

• In Ottawa, summers are typically warm with average temperatures ranging between 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F). Summer season encounters moderate rainfall.
• Tourists can carry out multiple activities in the summer season. For sightseeing, they can explore Parliament Hill, the magnificent Canadian War Museum, and the beautiful National Gallery of Canada. Ottawa also hosts several festivals in the summers such as the Canada Day celebrations on July 1st; a great experience for tourists, the Bluesfest or the Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival.
• Moreover, visitors can enjoy the regular summer activities, as well, like hiking and biking on the trails, boarding a boat cruise on the Rideau Canal, or swimming in the lakes or beaches in Ottawa. Since summer is the peak tourist season, flights are generally pricier in this season.
  
  

Fall (September-November)

• Fall brings cooler temperatures ranging from 5°C (41°F) to 15°C (59°F), making it a great season to take a trip to Ottawa. Fall is characterised by moderate to high amounts of rainfall.
• Tourists can drive through the Gatineau Park or the Ottawa Valley, relishing in the beautiful views. They can go for walks, hikes and go out for picnics in Ottawa’s parks. To keep the festive spark kindled, tourists can experience the essence of true Canadian Thanksgiving and delve into regional harvests at the farmers’ markets. Tourists may possibly be able to find cheaper flights in the fall season.

Winter (December-February)

• Winters in Ottawa are cold and encounter heavy snowfall. Temperatures generally fall in the negative, ranging from -5°C (23°F) to -15°C (5°F).
• Tourists can take part in the largest North American winter festival where they can skate on the Rideau Canal Skateway and participate in other water sports.
• Moreover, Mont Tremblant or Blue Mountain have beautiful ski resorts that tourists can retreat to for skiing. Meanwhile airfares may relatively be cheaper in the winter, other expenses pertaining to winter travel may arise such as additional baggage charges, flight delays due to weather conditions etc. 

Spring (May-March)

• Temperatures in Spring warm up with temperatures ascending from 5°C (41°F) to 15°C (59°F). Ottawa may experience occasional rainfall in the springtime. 
• Spring season in Ottawa is seen as one bringing renewal and rebirth. Tourists can experience the awe-striking Canadian Tulip Festival with the majestic display of flowering tulips beyond a million in number.
• Tourists can also pay a visit to the museums in Ottawa to immerse themselves in the rich Canadian history or enjoy outdoor activities. Moreover, travellers can book comparatively cheaper flights in the springtime than other seasons.

• Standard Time (GMT): Ottawa operates on Eastern Standard Time (EST), which is five hours behind the UK in Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). 
• Daylight Saving Time (BST): Ottawa is 4 hours behind the UK.

Travellers from the UK should be mindful of this time difference when planning their itineraries.

Currency:

The currency used in Ottawa is the Canadian dollar (CAD). It’s recommended to have local currency on hand for small purchases, as not all vendors accept credit cards, especially in outdoor markets.

Language:

The language spoken in Ottawa is predominantly English, but French is also an official language. It’s always polite to learn a few basic phrases in the local language when travelling to a new country.

Local Customs:

People of Ottawa, Canadians in general, are known for their hospitality and courtesy. Hence, an exchange of friendly greetings is common. Moreover, due to its multicultural populace, a respect for all ethnicities, cultures and nationalities is appreciated and observed. At restaurants, bars, and when booking taxis, tipping 15-20% of the total cost is standardly appreciated.

Laws:

Before your trip, familiarise yourself with local laws and regulations. For the latest travel advisories and important legal information for tourists travelling to Ottawa, visit the official websites:

• The UK Government

• The Government of Canada

• The Ottawa City Administration

The allure of Ottawa is as timeless as it is magnetic, a destination that beckons with its blend of history, culture, and natural splendour. With Woking Travel as your guide, the path to this Canadian gem is made smooth, from the moment you book your flights to the day you bid adieu to a city that feels like a second home. Don’t just dream about those skylines reflected in the tranquil waters of the Ottawa River – make them a part of your story.

Your Ottawa adventure awaits!