Ottawa on a Budget: Sights, Food, and Fun!

Discover Ottawa on a dime - budget-friendly fun in Canada's capital!

21 June 2023

A trip to Ottawa, Canada on a limited budget can still be enjoyable with some strategic planning. Luckily, many of the city's most popular attractions, such as Parliament Hill and the National Gallery of Canada, offer free admission. In addition, there are plenty of affordable dining options and public transportation to help keep costs low.

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Day trip plan

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Day

Budget Friendly Ottawa Tour

  • Start your morning with a hearty breakfast at Zak's Diner. Their all-day breakfast menu offers a wide variety of options that won't break the bank.
  • Take a stroll through the ByWard Market, where you can browse the stalls of local vendors and artisans. Look out for the maple syrup vendors for a true Canadian experience.
  • Visit the National Gallery of Canada, where you can see an impressive collection of Canadian and international art. Admission is free on Thursdays from 5-8pm.
  • For lunch, head to Shawarma Palace, where you can get a delicious chicken shawarma wrap for under $10.
  • Spend the afternoon exploring the historic Parliament Hill, where you can join a free tour to learn about Canada's government and history.
  • End the day with dinner at El Camino, a trendy taco joint that offers tasty bites at affordable prices. Make sure to try their famous fish tacos!

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Ottawa by plane is to fly into Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) from major cities such as Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.

Car

The best way to get to Ottawa by car is via Highway 401, which connects Ottawa to major cities such as Toronto and Montreal.

Train

The best way to get to Ottawa by train is via Via Rail Canada from major Canadian cities such as Toronto and Montreal.

Boat

While Ottawa doesn't have direct access by boat, travelers can take a cruise down the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which connects Ottawa to other cities in Ontario including Kingston and Brockville.

Bus

The best way to get to Ottawa by bus is to take Greyhound or Megabus from cities such as Toronto, Montreal, or New York City.

Destination

Ottawa

If you enjoy beavers, hockey, and extreme temperature changes, then Ottawa is the city for you! This capital city has all the cultural and political attractions you could ask for, as well as the occasional maple syrup-induced food coma.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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