The best time to fly to Ottawa varies depending on the weather and the activities you enjoy most while travelling. In this section, we’ll show you some different activities Ottawa offers to its visitors.
High season in Ottawa
This time of year is ideal for sunny skies and good weather lovers. The temperatures around these months invite visitors to enjoy most outdoor activities, take a refreshing dive in its waters, or simply relax on some beautiful terrace while enjoying a cold beverage.
This time of the year also brings numerous cultural festivals, offering a glimpse into the city’s vibrant culture and traditions. For those seeking cultural experiences, the weather during this season offers the perfect conditions for visiting iconic landmarks in Ottawa, as well as outdoor markets and other cultural events that are celebrated outside. These months are also a great time to go for long walks in the city, visit the historic centre of Ottawa or enjoy the gastronomy in a nice local restaurant.
Hiking enthusiasts can also take advantage of the clear skies during this season to discover the natural beauty of the countryside. There are hundreds of possibilities for day trips and activities to test your adrenaline levels.
Top activities to do in Ottawa in the high season:
Here’s a recap with some of the top activities to do in Ottawa during the high season months:
- Cycling and hiking: explore Ottawa and its surroundings by bike or on foot, and get fully immersed in the natural landscapes. We recommend you visit the Ottawa tourism office for a guide to the main hiking and cycling routes to explore.
- Visit the outdoor markets: one of the most interesting highlights of any city lays in its gastronomy. You cannot visit the city without trying some of its local delicacies and taking home some gourmet souvenirs.
- Landscape photography: one of the most relaxing activities you can do while travelling is to get lost in the city streets or in the surrounding nature of the city with your camera. Capture the architecture of Ottawa, its street art, and its beautiful landscapes.
- Concerts and outdoor festivals: head back to the city’s tourist office, as many cities organise concerts and other cultural festivals outdoors during these months. Check their agenda for musical events and cultural or gastronomic activities.
- Explore the historic districts: simply spending the day outdoors walking around the oldest streets of the city is one of the most enriching activities you can do in Ottawa. Stroll through the main historic areas and discover their fascinating architecture.
Low season in Ottawa
This tends to be, without any doubt, the most popular time of year for those who prefer to book low-cost travel. If you enjoy the peace and quiet and don't mind the fact that the offer of activities will be more limited, then this is definitely the best time of year for you to visit Ottawa.
Travelling during the low season can be a very rewarding choice, as you’ll find that places are typically less crowded. This can also allow you to get a much more authentic experience, while at the same time you’ll be able to avoid the long lines in packed attractions. In addition to this, accommodation and flights are, in general, significantly cheaper at this time of year, and many local businesses offer special discounts and promotions during these periods.
All in all, low-season travel to Ottawa allows for much more meaningful interactions with locals, and to establish a deeper connection with the culture.
Top activities to do in Ottawa in the low season:
The low season months offer a unique opportunity for a more intimate and relaxed experience as a traveller. Here are some ideas on the things to do in Ottawa during those months:
- Take advantage of the low prices: enjoy a fine-dining experience, upgrade your hotel, or indulge in a luxury activity with the savings you’ll make when travelling in this season.
- Visit indoor attractions: since the weather might not be the best during these months in Ottawa, this is the best time to visit indoor attractions like museums, art galleries, or historical buildings.
- Relax and unwind in a local spa: the low season is also a great time to indulge in local spa relaxing activities, like getting a massage or enjoying some traditional health and beauty treatments.
- Feel part of the local traditions of Ottawa: with fewer tourists around the city, this is the best time to immerse yourself in more local traditions. Take a cooking class or sign up for a guided tour around some of the hidden corners in the city and enjoy a much more personalised experience.
- Capture the local life with your camera: if you’re into photography, there will be fewer people photobombing your shots during the low season, so it can be a great time to capture iconic views, and street scenes without all the crowds.