How many days should I spend in Ottawa?

Two full days is ideal to explore Ottawa’s major attractions, enjoy a walking tour, and take in some cultural highlights without rushing.

Is public transit good in Ottawa?

Yes, Ottawa has a reliable public transit system (OC Transpo), including light rail and buses. Fares start around $4 CAD and transfers last up to 105 minutes.

What are the top things to do in Ottawa?

Must-sees include Parliament Hill, Rideau Canal, ByWard Market, the Canadian Museum of History, and various seasonal walking or audio tours.

What festivals should I attend in Ottawa?

Winterlude (January–February), the Canadian Tulip Festival (May), Bluesfest (July), and the Dragon Boat Festival (June) are popular with visitors.

What should I pack for a trip to Ottawa?

Pack layers. Summers are warm but evenings cool, while winters can be frigid. If visiting between December and March, bring insulated gear.

Discover Ottawa’s Rich Heritage with a Tourism App Built for Storytelling

Q: When is the best time to visit Ottawa?

The best time to visit Ottawa is between June and September, when the weather is warm and the city comes alive with festivals and outdoor events.

Q: How do I get from the airport to downtown Ottawa?

You can reach downtown Ottawa from the airport via OC Transpo’s Line 4, an express bus route, or taxi/rideshare. Public transit takes around 25–30 minutes.

Driftscape
Jun 18, 2019
3 min read

Updated: Aug 4

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a curious local, the Driftscape tourism app lets you experience the city's stories like never before—with self-guided tours, interactive maps, and even Augmented Reality.

Working closely with content partners like the Ottawa Museum Network, Goulbourn Museum, Heritage Perth, Canadiana, and Cancarta Historic Sites, Driftscape transforms everyday streets into immersive learning adventures. With just your phone, you can explore local attractions, events, and walking tours tailored to your interests—from architecture and curiosities to lesser-known history.

The best part? You don’t have to plan a thing.Driftscape’s mobile-first tourism app notifies you when you’re near a point of interest you’ve selected. Want to focus on museums? Architecture? Folklore? Just tap your filters and start wandering.

“We’re thrilled to be expanding to Ottawa. We hope that visitors will use Driftscape as a unique way to explore the city and that other organizations in and around Ottawa will learn about Driftscape as a great way to share their stories. ”

- Driftscape CEO, Chloe Doesburg

If you’re using iOS, turn on AR mode and see the city unfold around you. Driftscape will overlay markers on your screen—tap one to discover historical photos, community insights, or hidden gems from local experts.

For example:

Did you know Canada’s most notorious murder happened on Sparks Street?
Or that Stanley’s Corners was once named after a schoolteacher and his wife, who welcomed travellers with warmth and pie?

Stories like these make destinations unforgettable—and Driftscape makes them accessible to everyone. It's a tourism app built not just to guide, but to deepen the visitor experience.

Why Tourism Professionals Choose Local Tourism Apps

Unlike other apps, Driftscape is designed with local organizations in mind. It empowers tourism boards, museums, and BIAs to:

Highlight hidden gems and heritage sites
Engage visitors with AR, audio, and walking tours
Customize and update content on the fly
Boost foot traffic and dwell time through mobile storytelling
Deliver insights with real-time visitor analytics

With Driftscape, you're not just listing places—you’re inviting people into the story.

Ready to tell yours? Explore the platform and discover how this tourism app helps destinations shine—one story at a time.

1. When is the best time to visit Ottawa?

The ideal window is June through September, when temperatures average 18–25 °C, sunshine is at its peak, and the city buzzes with outdoor festivals and events.

2. How many days should I plan in Ottawa?

To fully enjoy downtown highlights—Parliament Hill, ByWard Market, the Rideau Canal—and visit a few museums or take a walking tour, two full days is considered sufficient.

3. How do I get from the airport to downtown?

Ottawa Macdonald‑Cartier International Airport connects efficiently via OC Transpo’s Line 4 (airport link) or express bus routes. The O‑Train and Presto payment system make fare payment easy and transfers valid for up to 105 minutes.

4. What is Ottawa’s public transit like?

OC Transpo operates a fully integrated light rail (O‑Train lines) and bus network. Adult fares using Presto or O‑Payment are around $4.00, with free transfers within 90–105 minutes.

5. What must‑see attractions and experiences should I plan?

Top picks include:

Parliament Hill & its views
Skating the Rideau Canal (7.8 km in winter)—world’s largest naturally frozen rink
The Capital Pathway network for walking or cycling
ByWard Market’s food, arts, and outdoor vibes
National museums like the National War Memorial and more

6. Are there seasonal festivals I should know about?

Yes—Ottawa has standout events year-round:

Winterlude (late January to mid-February), with ice sculptures and skating on the canal
Canadian Tulip Festival (May), Dragon Boat Festival (June), Bluesfest (July), and more summer festivals

7. What should I pack for an Ottawa visit?

Pack layers! Summers can be warm but evenings cool. Winters are very cold—ribbed socks, mitts, and insulated outer layers are essential if visiting between December and March.

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