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ByNina ClappertonUpdated on
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Are you planning your next adventure in Canada’s capital but feeling a bit daunted by budgeting? Worry not! We’ve got something special that will make your travel planning as breezy as a stroll along the Rideau Canal. Introducing our Ottawa Trip Budget Calculator – your new travel buddy that’s going to take the guesswork out of your trip finances!
Figure out exactly how much your trip will cost you so you can start saving, or be pleasantly surprised you can get more bang for your buck!
Use the Calculator
How Our Calculator Works
Our calculator is as easy to use as it is helpful. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Step 1: Input Your Costs: Start by entering your estimated daily costs for accommodation, meals, and transportation. Whether you’re splurging on a luxury hotel or going budget-friendly with a hostel, just plug in the numbers.
- Step 2: Don’t Forget the Attractions: Ottawa is packed with must-see attractions. Add the total expected cost of museum tickets, tour fees, and any other attractions you plan to visit.
- Step 3: Set Your Trip Duration: How long will you be enjoying Ottawa’s charm? Enter the number of days for your trip.
- Step 4: Calculate and Plan: Hit the calculate button, and voilà! You’ll get an estimated total cost for your trip.
Benefits of Using the Calculator
- Budget Management: Keep your spending in check and avoid those post-vacation financial surprises.
- Tailored to Your Needs: Whether it’s a luxurious or a budget-friendly trip, the calculator adjusts to your travel style.
- Saves Time: Spend less time worrying about costs and more time planning the fun parts of your trip.
- Local Insights: Get a sense of what spending in Ottawa looks like, helping you make informed decisions.
Tips for Saving Money in Ottawa
Traveling on a budget? No problem!
Ottawa offers plenty of ways to save while still enjoying all the city has to offer. In this section, we’ll share some insider tips on how to stretch your dollar further in Canada’s capital.
From free museum days to affordable dining options and cost-effective transportation, we’ve got you covered.
Here are my best tips for saving money in Ottawa:
- Take public transport to save on rental car and taxi costs from the airport to the city. You really only need a car to get to Gatineau. Otherwise, public transport will get you far and wide!
- Ottawa has many bike paths and lanes, making it a great city for cycling. Rent a bike for day trips or use it as your main mode of transportation. Obviously, this is summer only.
- Take advantage of Ottawa’s many free attractions. Visit iconic sites like Parliament Hill and the Canadian Museum of History at no cost. The National Gallery and other museums offer free admission on certain days or evenings. Find the days here.
- Save on meals by dining at smaller, family-run restaurants. Places like Warehouse and Pub 101 offer meals at very affordable prices. You’ll not only save money but also get to experience authentic Canadian cuisine.
- For items you need temporarily, consider renting instead of buying. You can rent skates on the Rideau Canal. Or buy used from Kijiji.
- Split a hotel with friends. Most hotels allow up to 4 people with no additional charges, so make your hotel room go further by sharing it.
Making the Most of Your Ottawa Trip
There are so many amazing things to do in Ottawa for any budget. You can find free activities like hiking or skating the canal, or bucket list experiences like staying in a hotel with a hot tub in room or going on a helicopter tour.
Now that you know how much your trip will cost you, it’s time to pick places to eat that fit into your budget.
These are the best restaurants in the city with the more delicious options for any budget.
More fun things to do in Ottawa
- 60 Epic Things to Do in Ottawa in Summer (Local’s Guide)
- 25 Best Beaches in Ottawa From a Local!
- 35 Best Restaurants in Ottawa Ontario From a Local
- 35 Best Things to Do in Ottawa, Ontario (Local’s Guide)
- 33 Best Brunch Spots in Ottawa by Neighbourhood (Local’s Guide)
- Best Places to See Tulips in Ottawa at the Canadian Tulip Festival
- 8 Best Places to See Christmas Lights in Ottawa and Get in the Festive Spirit
- 17 Wonderfully Fun Things to Do in Ottawa in Winter
- 47 Best Hiking and Walking Trails in Ottawa (Including Dog Friendly Hikes)
- 15 Best Places to Go Apple Picking in Ottawa
- Ottawa Zipline Experience: Why You Need to Zipline Between Provinces!
- Chateau Laurier High Tea Experience
- 17 Best Museums in Ottawa to Visit (Local’s Guide)
- 16 Best Indoor Ottawa Activities for Rainy Days
- Ottawa Trip Budget Calculator to Plan Your Dream Trip
- 7 Best Ottawa White Water Rafting Tours
- Hop On Hop Off Ottawa: Local Guide to Seeing Ottawa in 1 Day
- 33 Best Gluten-free Restaurants in Ottawa From a Celiac
- 29 Best Things To Do in Ottawa in the Fall
Ottawa Travel Planning Guide
🚑Should I buy Ottawa travel insurance?
100%YES!— There’s a misconception that Canada has “free healthcare” for everyone. Nope! Only Canadians. So you’ll need to get travel insurance to visit Ottawa. I recommend this one.
💧Can you drink the tap water in Ottawa?
Yes – ish— While you can technically drink the tap water in Ottawa, as a local I don’t recommend it. Old hotels especially can have some nasty things in their pipes. Instead, get a filtered water bottle. (Read more)
🚙💨Do I need to rent a car in Ottawa?
Yes— Renting a car in Ottawa is one of the best ways to get around! You’ll be able to see more of the city and beyond, like the epic hiking trails. I recommend Discover Cars for the cheapest rates possible.
📲Do I need to know French in Ottawa?
Nope!— The primary language of Ottawa is English. While French is also spoken and on some signs, you can easily get by without knowing any French. (Read more)
🏩What’s the best way to book my Ottawa accommodations?
For Ottawa hotels,Bookingis the best site. If you’re considering an Ottawa Airbnb, don’t forget to also checkVRBO, which is often cheaper than Airbnb. My #1 hotel recommendation in Ottawa is the Fairmont Chateau Laurier.
✈️What’s the best site to buy Ottawa flights?
For finding cheap Ottawa flights, I recommendSkyscanner. You can even set a price alert to find out when flights are on sale.
🎫Do I need a Visa for Ottawa?
Likely Not— U.S. and most European Passport holders don’t need a Visa to visit Canada.
📍Where is Ottawa? And what’s nearby?
Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located in Ontario. It’s right on the border of Quebec. It’s about 2 hours from Mont Tremblant, 3 hours from Montreal, or 5 hours from Toronto. You can take a road trip to get to other places or fly.
Nina Clapperton
Nina Clapperton is the founder of Ottawa Things to Do. Nina has lived in 18 countries before deciding to settle in Ottawa, nearby Toronto where she grew up. She has spent years proving that Ottawa isn't the town "fun forgot" and helping locals and tourists alike find fun things to do. She helps over 60,000 people a month discover the amazing activities in Ottawa, Canada.
