Custom-made Trip to Ottawa

Why choose Ottawa for your customized trip?

Ottawa seduces with its unique character as a bilingual capital, located on the border between English-speaking Ontario and French-speaking Quebec. This exceptional geographical position, only 193 kilometers from Montreal and 450 kilometers from Toronto, makes it a top destination for an authentic trip to Canada. Your custom trip will allow you to discover a city where history harmoniously blends with modernity.

The Canadian capital offers remarkable cultural richness with its 13 national museums, year-round festivals, and impressive architectural heritage. The Rideau Canal, spanning 202 kilometers and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2007, forms the backbone of the city and transforms into the world's largest natural skating rink during winter.

Our Travel Planners know Ottawa perfectly and will adapt your itinerary according to your desires. Whether you want to explore political institutions, immerse yourself in First Nations culture, or enjoy urban green spaces, your travel agency will customize each stage of your stay.

What to discover during your custom stay in Ottawa?

Your trip to Ottawa will reveal a destination with many facets, where each neighborhood tells a different story. The city has over 1 million inhabitants in its metropolitan area and offers a diversity of experiences suitable for all types of travelers.

The must-sees of the Canadian capital

Parliament Hill majestically dominates the city with its neo-gothic buildings constructed between 1859 and 1927. Your travel guide will lead you to the Peace Tower, standing 92 meters tall, which offers an exceptional panorama of the region. During the summer, attend the Changing of the Guard ceremony, a military tradition perpetuated since 1959.

ByWard Market, founded in 1826, is the beating heart of the city. This historic market spans four city blocks and brings together over 600 businesses. Here you will discover:

• Local specialties such as maple syrup and beavertails;
• First Nations crafts with authentic works;
• Farm products from the Ottawa Valley;
• Restaurants offering traditional Canadian cuisine.

The Rideau Canal deserves special attention during your custom trip. In summer, a cruise will allow you to admire the historic locks and urban architecture from the water. Winter transforms this waterway into the Rideau Canal Skateway, stretching 7.8 kilometers, where residents come to skate, play hockey, or simply take a stroll.

Cultural experiences and heritage

Your customized trip to Ottawa would not be complete without visiting the Canadian Museum of History, located in Gatineau, just across the Ottawa River. This museum, the most visited in Canada with over 1.2 million annual visitors, traces 20,000 years of human history in Canada.

The Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Ottawa, consecrated in 1890, impresses with its twin towers 70 meters high and its magnificent stained glass. This Catholic cathedral, seat of the Archdiocese of Ottawa, mirrors the French heritage of the region.

For a family in Canada, the Canadian Museum of Nature offers interactive exhibits on Canadian wildlife, including a collection of more than 14.6 million specimens. Children will particularly enjoy the Mammal Gallery and the 4D theater.

The neighborhoods of Little Italy and Chinatown reflect the multicultural diversity of Ottawa. Your stay will allow you to taste world flavors in these authentic neighborhoods, where over 120 languages are spoken daily.

When to go and how to organize your trip to Ottawa?

Planning your custom trip largely depends on your climatic preferences and desired activities. Ottawa experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons, each offering unique experiences.

Best times according to your desires

Summer remains the most popular time for a trip to Canada, with pleasant temperatures and a myriad of outdoor activities. Canada Day on July 1st transforms the city into a huge patriotic celebration with fireworks and free concerts on Parliament Hill.

Winter offers an authentic Canadian experience with Winterlude, a winter festival that attracts over 600,000 visitors each year. The Rideau Canal Skateway then becomes the gathering point for families and couples seeking romantic activities.

Practical tips for your stay

Your honeymoon or family getaway requires some specific preparations. Ottawa is in the EST time zone (UTC-5), which is 6 hours behind France. Macdonald-Cartier International Airport is located 10 kilometers from downtown, with direct connections to the main European cities.

The public transport system, OC Transpo, effectively serves the region with its 95 bus lines and the O-Train light rail. A daily pass costs 11.25 Canadian dollars and allows you to discover the city without constraints.

For your accommodation, our Travel Planners select establishments according to your criteria. The historic Château Laurier, a palace from 1912, offers an exceptional setting facing the Rideau Canal. Residential neighborhoods like Westboro or Glebe offer cozy bed & breakfasts for a more intimate stay.

Requesting a quote for your custom trip will allow you to obtain a personalized itinerary including activities that you are passionate about. Our local experts know the best addresses and can organize exclusive experiences like a private tour of Parliament or an ice wine tasting in the region.

The western Canadian region is relatively nearby, allowing for an extension to Toronto and the Niagara Falls, only 450 kilometers away. This combination greatly enriches your exploration of Canada and allows you to appreciate the diversity of Ontario's landscapes.

Our custom trips also integrate the beautiful national parks of the area, notably Gatineau Park, which spans 361 square kilometers of preserved nature. This park offers more than 165 kilometers of hiking trails and is home to a diverse fauna including black bears, white-tailed deer, and over 230 bird species.

Your tailored Ottawa experience will take shape thanks to the expertise of our Travel Planners who master this.destination. They can advise you on the best times to observe autumn colors or enjoy summer festivals, while respecting your budget and time constraints.