Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Ottawa?

Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Ottawa?

Many travelers spend two to three days in Ottawa during their visit. After all, the friendly city has plenty to explore such as the famous sights and museums, the restaurant scene, and the many shops.

Ottawa is the capital of Canada and, while it's often overlooked by tourists, it is actually filled with culture, history, and friendly people. There are many parks and green spaces that are great when the weather is warm. There are also tons of museums and plenty of ice skating opportunities when the weather is cold.

Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Ottawa? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is 3 days enough time in Ottawa?

Many visitors choose to spend around three days in Ottawa. This would give you the chance to experience this medium-sized city's highlights such as the famous sights and museums, the restaurant scene, and the many shops. Since many visitors prefer to spend around two to three days here, we have a few suggestions of things to do in the friendly city.

How to spend 3 days in Ottawa

A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Ottawa, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. As the country's capital, there are a large number of museums to explore. There are summer national museums in town which include the National Gallery of Canada, the Museum of History, the Science and Technology Museum, the Aviation and Space Museum, the Agriculture and Food Museum, the Museum of Nature, and the War Museum.

A few tour suggestions include:

Ottawa Landmarks ($44)
Canadian War Museum Admission ($15)

You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. The culinary scene highlights many Canadian classics like poutine and maple donuts (and, of course, the classic Tim Horton's), but you'll also find plenty of international options like shawarma.

The public transit in Ottawa is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. There is both a public bus and light rail system.

Perhaps the most famous spot in Ottawa is Parliament Hill, so make sure you set aside some time to check it out. It might not be at the top of your list, but it's worth experiencing during your trip.

Shopping in Ottawa is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. You'll find large malls, outlets, and shopping streets that are fun to browse. Some of the favorite shopping areas include ByWard Market, Sparks Street, and CF Rideau Centre.

Is 4 days enough time in Ottawa?

Four days is more than enough time to see everything that Ottawa has to offer. After all, it's not such a huge city. Many visitors prefer to spend two to three days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the famous sights and museums, the restaurant scene, and the many shops at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then you can take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.

Ottawa, Canada

How to spend 4 days in Ottawa

With 4 days in Ottawa, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.

After you've explored most of Ottawa, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.

A few tour suggestions include:

Full Day Pontiac Wine & Cider Tour - Day Trip From Ottawa & Gatineau ($127)

Is 5 days enough time in Ottawa?

Five days is more than enough time to see pretty much everything in Ottawa, as it's not as large as some other cities. You can move at your own pace and relax in your hotel. Wander through the museums, dine out at amazing restaurants, and browse the shops. You could also use Ottawa as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region.

How to spend 5 days in Ottawa

If you have more than 5 days in Ottawa, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.

With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Ottawa. Plenty of amazing options are available.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Ottawa, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.