Ottawa

fast facts

Destination: Ottawa
Province: Ontario
Country: Canada
Primary Language: English, French
Timezone: Eastern
Currency: Canadian Dollar

Nearby Tourist Areas:
Niagara Falls
Quebec City
Montreal
Hotel de' Glace (Ice Hotel)

transportation

By Air
Generally speaking it is pretty easy to get in and out of Ottawa by air from major hubs in the US and Mexico. Major airlines include (but not limited to):
Air Canada
Westjet
American
United

the weather & seasonality

In my opinion, thebest time to visit Ottawa is from March to May and September to November. These are considered shoulder season months.

More about peak, value and shoulder seasons here.

visas and restrictions

Passport: Yes, Americans need a valid passport to enter Canada.
Visa: American citizens do not need a visa if traveling for vacation

More information on passports & visas can be found here.

where to stay

official tourism resources

Just about every country, city, region or state has an official tourism bureau.

Official tourism bureau of Canada
Official tourism bureau of Ottawa

tips on traveling outside the us

I love traveling abroad as much as I love traveling within the United States. However, I want you to be safe and be a good representative of your home country. Even in places that are very friendly to Westerners, remember that you are in a foreign country. Understanding local customs is critical. So, here are a few tips as you prepare for your adventure.

Call The US Embassy and tell them you are leaving the country. That way your country is aware of your whereabouts in case of emergency.
Carry only the credit cards you are using to charge expenses. Call those cards before you leave. Do not travel with your debit cards.
Clean out your wallet or purse and carry only what you need.
Solve your mobile phone situation before you depart.
Keep all medications with you in your carry on.
Leave a photo copy of all your travel documents (passport, itinerary, copy of your credit cards) with a friend or at your home.
Do not travel with expensive jewelry.
Make sure you travel with a valid passport or visa (if required). Also, bring another valid form of photo I.D., and photocopies of both I.D.s. in case of loss or theft.
Read up on local laws and practices before you get here.
Be a respective guest of the local customs and obey the local laws.
If English is not the primary language, then familiarize yourself with key phrases and make attempts in the country's primary language. Locals usually appreciate the effort.
Keep luggage, handbags or backpacks in view at all times.
Keep possessions close to your body.
Don’t take around large amounts of cash.
Avoid wearing expensive jewelry on road trips or excursions.

Visit the US State Department's website (for American citizens) before you travel abroad. Her'e's a direct link to get started.

MEET ERIK THE TRAVEL GUY

Erik Hastings, a.k.a. Erik the Travel Guy is an EMMY award-winning television personality who speaks directly to consumers who can't afford to "get their vacations wrong". He is the host and managing editor of the internationally syndicated television series "Beyond Your Backyard" for public broadcasting stations (PBS) and other networks/VOD platforms. Erik The Travel Guy is also host of the new podcast, Erik The Travel Guy - The Podcast. He leads an incredibly talented team of industry pros and is the editorial driving force of his platform. While the travel industry directly supports millions of families worldwide, Erik believes travel makes the world a better place. Through exploration and discovery, he has learned that travel brings cultures together and he eagerly shares that spirit with his viewers. Read Erik's Full Bio.