This Charming Canadian City Is Less Than 2 Hours From the U.S.—and It's the Perfect Summer Escape for Nature Lovers

Travel + Leisure

22-07-2025

Top 5 Can't Miss Take a stroll or bike along the scenic Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that cuts through the heart of downtown.
Book a table at Atelier, a top-ranked restaurant on Canada's 100 Best list, for an unforgettable tasting menu experience.
Spend a night in the historic Fairmont Château Laurier, just steps from Parliament Hill and the National Gallery of Canada.
Head to Gatineau Park for canoeing, hiking, or zip lining through the treetops—only a short drive from the city core.
End the day with cocktails and skyline views at Copper Spirits & Sights, the tallest rooftop bar in Ottawa.
When I tell my American friends I live in Ottawa, I'm usually met with a polite nod—or a puzzled pause. Canada's capital doesn't get the same buzz as Toronto or Montreal, and frankly, that's undeserved. I was born and raised here, but like many millennials, I once believed that culture lived elsewhere. At 21, I moved to Italy in search of something more exciting, only to realize—years (and a pandemic) later—that what I'd left behind was actually everything I had taken for granted: summers at the lake, biking along the canal, and a city that quietly balances nature and culture in a way few others do.
In Ottawa, you can paddleboard across the city's canal and end up enjoying one of the country's best tasting menus. With its blend of historic landmarks, lush green spaces, and a vibrant (and growing) food scene, you don't have to choose between the best of the outdoors and the perks of a city.
From a stay in a storybook château to cocktails on the city's highest rooftop, it offers just enough glamour to surprise you—and more than enough charm to keep you coming back.
Best Hotels & Resorts
The lobby of the Fairmont Chateau Laurier.
Fevzi Ondu/Courtesy of Fairmont Château Laurier
Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Straight out of a fairy tale, the Fairmont Château Laurier is one of Ottawa's most recognizable landmarks—and a National Historic Site of Canada. Opened in 1912, this grand railway-era hotel blends old-world elegance with an unbeatable location: steps from Parliament Hill and close to the Rideau Canal, and downtown's top museums and restaurants. Inside, you'll find Tiffany stained-glass windows, Belgian marble floors, and soaring Gothic architecture that nods to its castle-like silhouette.
Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market
Celebrating Canadian culture, artists, and artisans, the Andaz, a modern luxury hotel from the Hyatt collection, proudly showcases local art, minibars stocked with regional treats, and standout dining. Feast + Revel serves up inventive New Canadian cuisine, while Copper Spirits & Sights—Ottawa's tallest rooftop bar—offers sweeping views and expertly crafted cocktails.
The Metcalfe
This stylish boutique hotel is perfectly located—just a short walk from Parliament Hill and the ByWard Market. Housed in a historic 1906 building that originally operated as a YMCA (and once the site of Sir George-Étienne Cartier's residence, a Father of Confederation), it was converted into a hotel in 2017. On site, Cocotte Bistro offers French-inspired brunch, lunch, and dinner, along with coffee and snacks available throughout the day.
Best Things to Do
A lake in Gatineau Park.Explore Gatineau Park.
With more than 120 miles of accessible, dog-friendly hiking trails, it's no surprise Gatineau Park is one of the most visited in the country. It's a dream for outdoor adventurers: Canoe, kayak, or paddleboard on Lac Philippe or Lac La Pêche; hit the biking or mountain biking trails; or spend the night under the stars—just be sure to book campsites months in advance, as they fill up fast.
Cycle the Capital Pathway and Rideau Canal.
A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rideau Canal was constructed in 1832 and is best known for its role as the world's largest skating rink during the winter. But come summer, it transforms into a scenic corridor perfect for exploring the city. As Tobi Nussbaum, chief executive officer of the National Capital Commission, puts it, 'As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rideau Canal is a defining feature of Canada's capital region. Navigating through its historic locks, swimming at Dow's Lake, relaxing at a waterfront bistro, or strolling along its shores on the Capital Pathway provides everyone who visits with a quintessential capital experience.'
Walk, bike, or in-line skate alongside it—or get on the water with a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard. Rentals are available at Dow's Lake Pavilion, making it easy to spend a few hours soaking up the views and passing by major city landmarks.
Test your nerve at Arbraska's Aerial Park.
Calling all thrill-seekers: Arbraska Laflèche is your forest playground. Zip through the trees, cross suspended bridges, swing across rope nets, and conquer high-up obstacle courses designed to push your limits. Once you've caught your breath, head underground to explore the Laflèche Cave—the largest tourist-accessible cave in the Canadian Shield.
Relax at the Nordik Spa Village.
After all those excursions, treat yourself to the largest thermal spa in North America—Nordik Spa Village in Chelsea, Quebec, just a 20-minute drive from downtown Ottawa. Spend the day moving between unique experiences like the saltwater floating pool (one of only two in the world), steamy aufguss rituals, and more than 10 saunas and steam rooms. You'll also find all the classic spa treatments, including massages, facials, and mani-pedis.
Best Restaurants
Interior dining room inside Riviera.
Riviera
Riviera
Once a jewelry store and later the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Riviera is a striking art deco space that exudes old-school glamour. Dining here feels like stepping into another, more elegant era. The menu includes items like steak frites, freshly made pastas, and a towering seafood platter. It's a go-to for a stylish night out, so reservations are a must.
Supply and Demand
Comforting and cozy, Supply and Demand is the kind of spot you return to for birthdays, celebrations, or just because you want a delicious meal. A neighborhood favorite in Westboro for over a decade, it's known for its focus on seafood and house-made pasta. Expect freshly shucked oysters and seasonal dishes that keep regulars coming back.
Atelier
Of the four Ottawa restaurants featured on Canada's 100 Best Restaurants list, Atelier ranks highest—and it's easy to see why. This boundary-pushing spot serves a multicourse tasting menu that celebrates modern Canadian cuisine with seasonal, artful dishes. It's a splurge at $250 per person, but for adventurous diners, it's worth every bite.
Best Time to Visit
A bench in Major's Hill Park facing the Parliament of Canada.Ottawa comes alive in the spring and summer. As soon as the snow melts—even if there's still a little lingering on the ground—you'll spot locals peeling off layers and heading outdoors en masse. From April through October, the city is in full swing: It's peak season for hiking, biking, and strolling along the Rideau Canal, which transforms from a frozen skating path into a lush, winding trail framed by blooming trees and wildflowers.
It's also festival season in Ottawa. May bursts into bloom with the Canadian Tulip Festival (typically early to mid‑May), showcasing more than a million tulips across Commissioners Park, Dow's Lake, Major's Hill Park, and along the Rideau Canal—it's the world's largest tulip festival.
June brings not one but two major music events: Escapade Music Festival, which fills downtown with EDM fans and high-energy performances, and the Ottawa Jazz Festival, offering a mix of big-name acts and intimate concerts in Confederation Park.
Then in July, it's time for the Ottawa Bluesfest, one of the country's biggest outdoor music festivals, known for its eclectic lineup of international stars.
How to Get There
Aerial view of busy streets in Ottawa.
redtea/Getty Images
Ottawa is surprisingly easy to reach—just a 1.5-hour flight from major U.S. cities like New York, Boston, and Washington, D.C., and around two hours from Chicago. Flying is faster than driving, especially since Ottawa International Airport (YOW) is just 20 minutes from downtown. It's a small, well-run airport, which means quick arrivals, short security lines, and easy access to car rentals or ride-shares.
How to Get Around
Buses and Light Rail
You don't need a car to explore Ottawa—OC Transpo, the city's public transit system, makes it easy to get around. It includes a safe and reliable network of buses and light rail trains, known as the O-Train, which covers most of the city.
Line 1 (Confederation Line) runs east-west through the downtown core, connecting major hubs like Parliament Hill, the Rideau Centre, and the University of Ottawa. It's fast, frequent, and ideal for sightseeing or commuting across the city.
Line 2 and the new Airport Link reopened in 2025 and connect the city's south end and Ottawa International Airport to the main system—useful if you're staying farther out or flying in.
A single fare is $4 CAD and includes 90 minutes of travel time. Day passes and weekend family passes are also available. You can download the OC Transpo app for real-time updates and route planning.
Ride-share and Taxis
Uber and Lyft are both available in Ottawa, along with local taxis. They're especially useful for late-night travel or getting to places not easily reached by public transit, like Nordik Spa Village. Just keep in mind surge pricing can kick in during rush hour or big events.
Walking and Biking
Downtown Ottawa is compact, safe, and easy to explore on foot, so it's great for families or anyone without a car. The city is also bike-friendly, with designated bike paths along the Rideau Canal and Ottawa River. Rent a bike, or grab an e-scooter from Lime during warmer months.
Renting a Car
Ottawa is in Ontario, but it borders the French-speaking province of Quebec and is just a quick 10- to 15-minute drive from downtown. If you plan to cross into Quebec—say, for a day at Nordik Spa Village or a hike in Gatineau Park—a car is your best bet. Major rental companies like Enterprise and Budget operate out of both Ottawa International Airport and downtown. Be sure to reserve in advance, especially on weekends or during peak travel season, as availability can go quickly.