Capital city in Ontario, Canada
Ottawa
Calm, safe capital with free-ish national museums, bike paths and a skating canal in winter. It is quieter than Toronto or Montreal, bilingual, and very cold from December to March.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$2,460–3,370Comfortable, one person · C$3,500–4,800Details
- Value for money38/100Better value than 37% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–SepWarmest: Jul, 26°CDetails
- Air quality9 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2023) · Fairly cleanDetails
- Internet258 MbpsFixed broadband, Canada medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableOttawa River water is treated and safe.Details
- LGBTQ+5/5Very welcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$105–197Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and tap to pay work almost everywhere, including OC Transpo.Details
Where to stay in Ottawa
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Byward Market–Lowertown | Central bars, restaurants and hostels near sights |
| Centretown | Business district; transit and gyms |
| Glebe | Leafy, cafés and the canal; good for longer stays |
| Hintonburg–Wellington West | Indie cafés, breweries, light rail access |
Apps that work in Ottawa
Ride-hailing
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber Eats | Widest restaurant choice |
| DoorDash | Frequent promos |
| SkipTheDishes | Common local app |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: iMessage/SMS
- Transit: real-time public transport in most cities
- ArriveCAN: optional customs declaration before landing
- Taxis: Taxis (Blueline, Capital) take cards and are easy at the airport and downtown; Uber is usually cheaper.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Canada.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and tap to pay work almost everywhere, including OC Transpo. Carry a little cash for ByWard Market stalls.
- Currency: Dollar (CAD). US$1 ≈ C$1.42 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs charge foreign cards about C$3–5; private ATMs in bars and shops often more. Decline the ATM's currency conversion.
- Tipping: Expected: 15–20% at restaurants and bars, 10–15% for taxis, a few dollars per night for hotel housekeeping. Card machines prompt for tips.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted. Interac e-Transfer needs a Canadian bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Visa-exempt travellers flying in need an eTA (C$7) from canada.ca; it isn't needed by land or sea, and US citizens are exempt.
- Visitors may work remotely for a foreign employer; any job with a Canadian employer needs a work permit.
- Past criminal convictions, including drunk driving, can make you inadmissible; sort out rehabilitation or a permit before travelling.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid SIMs from carrier stores and budget brands, roughly C$35–60 for 30 days; mobile data is pricey. A travel eSIM is often cheaper. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Canada
Going to Ottawa solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.