Plane tickets to Ottawa

Welcome to Ottawa -- the capital city of Canada! From the country's highest mountain peak in the rugged St. Lawrence Mountains to the vibrant downtown streets filled with theatre, restaurants, and exciting nightlife, Ottawa is a city of beauty and culture. From its world-renowned museums, galleries, and performing arts venues to its picturesque parks and gardens, Ottawa is a place where tourists and locals alike can experience something truly magical. Whether you're looking to explore the outdoors or experience the history and culture of Canada, Ottawa is the perfect place to explore.

Getting to Know Ottawa

Ottawa, the capital of Canada, is a city located in the province of Ontario. It has a population of 989,657 (as of 2016). The predominant language spoken in Ottawa is English. French is also widely spoken. Excluding Indigenous languages, Ottawa is home to many other languages such as Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Arabic and Vietnamese. Ottawa is in the Eastern Standard Time Zone (EST) which is 5 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). The currency used in Ottawa is the Canadian dollar (CAD).

Climate and Weather

The climate of Ottawa, Canada is classified as humid continental or hemiboreal. Winters are cold and snowy due to the city’s proximity to the Great Lakes and its inland location in the Canadian shield. The average coldest and snowiest months are January and February while temperatures can reach lows of -20°C (-4°F). Summers are warm and humid with hot and humid days and cool nights. The average hottest month is July with temperatures reaching highs of 30°C (87°F). Ottawa also experiences four distinct seasons, with spring and autumn being particularly pleasant. Precipitation is consistent throughout the year with an average of 110 cm (43 in) of snow and 643 mm (25 in) of rain annually. Ottawa experiences thunderstorms in the summer months which bring heavy rainfall and are occasionally accompanied by tornadoes.

Touring Ottawa: Airport and Transportation

There are two airports in Ottawa: Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (also known as YOW) and Ottawa/Rockcliffe Airport (YRO). The main airport is Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW). To get from the airport to downtown Ottawa, there are several options available. You can take the public bus (OCTranspo Route 97) which costs $3.40 and takes around 40 minutes, take a shared shuttle (AirRide) starting at around $20 depending on your destination, or take a taxi which typically costs around $35-$40. You can also change money at the airport, however the exchange rate is typically not as favorable as in other outlets (banks, currency exchange locations, etc.).

Exploring the Rich History and Culture of Ottawa

Ottawa is the capital of Canada, and the city is steeped in history and respectful of its Indigenous Peoples
Ottawa boasts iconic tourist attractions like the beautiful Rideau Canal and Changing of the Guard ceremonies, but visitors will also find an abundance of art galleries, tourist sites, rich culture and diverse communities throughout the city
Some of Ottawa’s historical sites, such as Parliament Hill and the National War Memorial, remind us to reflect on the consequences of the government’s actions in the past and their relevance to the present