The short answer
- First visit: downtown, near Parliament Hill, or the ByWard Market.
- Food and nightlife: the ByWard Market.
- Quieter, still central: Centretown and the Golden Triangle.
- Budget, with a car: Gatineau, just across the river.
- Senators game or arena concert: Kanata.
Downtown and Parliament Hill
You're steps from Parliament, the Rideau Canal, the National Arts Centre and the O-Train. It's the most convenient base and the quietest at night, since it's a business district. Big-name hotels here include the Fairmont Château Laurier, the Lord Elgin, the Westin and Delta City Centre.
ByWard Market
The city's oldest neighbourhood and its busiest after dark: restaurants, patios, bars, the market stalls and the National Gallery nearby. It's lively and can be loud, and a few blocks feel gritty late at night. Options run from the Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market to the Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel, set in a converted 1800s jail.
Centretown and the Golden Triangle
Residential streets south of downtown, within walking distance of everything, with Elgin and Bank Street restaurants on your doorstep and the canal pathway for morning runs. A good pick for longer stays and couples.
The Glebe
Ottawa's best neighbourhood for walking and brunch, and right beside Lansdowne for Redblacks and 67's games. There are almost no hotels, so this is short-term-rental territory.
Gatineau (Quebec side)
Often cheaper than downtown Ottawa, and minutes across the bridges. The Hilton Lac-Leamy is attached to the casino; other hotels sit near the Canadian Museum of History. It's also the easy base for Gatineau Park, Chelsea and Wakefield.
Kanata
Only worth it if your trip is built around Canadian Tire Centre. Several hotels are a short walk or drive from the arena. See hotels near Canadian Tire Centre.
When to book early
Prices jump for Winterlude (late January to mid-February), the Tulip Festival in May, Canada Day, Bluesfest in July and big concerts. Book two to four months ahead for those dates.
Once you're here
FAQ
What is the best area to stay in Ottawa for first-time visitors?
Downtown near Parliament Hill or the ByWard Market. Both put most major sights within walking distance and are on or near the O-Train.
Is it cheaper to stay in Gatineau than Ottawa?
Often, yes. Gatineau hotels are usually a little cheaper and only a few minutes' drive or bus ride across the river from downtown Ottawa.
Where should I stay for a Senators game?
If the game is the main event, stay in Kanata near Canadian Tire Centre. If you want to see the city too, stay downtown and take the OC Transpo event bus.
Is the ByWard Market safe to stay in?
It's the city's busiest nightlife area and is generally fine for visitors, but a few blocks can feel rough late at night. Light sleepers may prefer Centretown or downtown.
The weekend, sorted
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