THE WORLD WITH MILESOPEDIA
Ottawa, Canada’s federal capital, stands out for Parliament Hill, its national museums, and the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It attracts visitors for winter skating on the canal, tulips in the spring, and its proximity to Gatineau, on the other side of the Ottawa River.
Downtown Ottawa has the majority of hotels accessible with points, within walking distance of Parliament Hill and the ByWard Market.
YOW remains more modest than the major Canadian airports, with two main lounges. Access generally depends on your credit card or your loyalty status.
Ottawa is best visited in combination with Gatineau, just across the Ottawa River. Our guides cover the best outings by season.
A good travel card speeds up point accumulation and often provides access to airport lounges. Here are three of the most popular options, or see our best travel credit cards page to compare all options.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $191.88 | |||
| $799 | |||
| $399 |
The Fairmont Château Laurier remains the most iconic address, right next to Parliament. For Marriott or Hyatt points, the Westin Ottawa and the Andaz ByWard Market offer good points value.
Yes, YOW has the Aspire Lounge and the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge. Access depends on your credit card, your loyalty status or your flight class.
Yes, the two cities are separated by a bridge spanning the Ottawa River, a few minutes’ walk or drive. Many visitors combine Parliament Hill in the morning and the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau in the afternoon.
Spring attracts visitors for the Canadian Tulip Festival, while winter allows skating on the Rideau Canal when conditions permit. Fall also offers beautiful colors along the river.
Ontario · Destination
Planning a trip to Toronto or looking to maximize your points on a flight or stay near one of its two airports? Here you’ll find all our verified Reviews of hotels, flights, and airport lounges in the area,…
