A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Beaufort vs. Ottawa for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Beaufort or Ottawa?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Beaufort or Ottawa, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Beaufort

Beaufort is a historic, character-filled, and southern town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Ottawa

Ottawa is a cultural, friendly, and welcoming city. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Beaufort and Ottawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beaufort or Ottawa?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Beaufort than Ottawa, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Beaufort is better known for its food, beaches, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Ottawa is more popular for its museums & sights. Beaufort is more touristy than Ottawa and is popular for its Lowcountry cuisine and historic homes. Also, Beaufort is famous for Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. Ottawa is well known for its history, politics, and green space.

How is Beaufort different from Ottawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Ottawa and Beaufort. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Beaufort or Ottawa?

Ottawa is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Beaufort is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Ottawa can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Beaufort offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The town's museums highlight the region's past. There are four popular museums that you can visit - the Beaufort History Museum, Parris Island Museum, Verdier House Museum, and York W. Bailey Museum.

Is the Food Better in Beaufort or Ottawa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beaufort is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Beaufort has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Soak up the charming atmosphere by dining at one of the local restaurants. Many serve Lowcountry cuisine which includes She-crab soup, fried green tomatoes, shrimp burgers, and barbecue.

Ottawa offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

Is Beaufort or Ottawa Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are respectable in both Beaufort and Ottawa.

Most people don't head to Beaufort specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. You'll find bars, grills, and taverns in town, but most people don't visit for the nightlife scene.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Ottawa. It's not the first place that comes to mind when you think about partying, but there are live music venues and a some great bars around town.

Is Beaufort or Ottawa Better for Beaches?

Beaufort is a popular place for the beach. However, Ottawa is not a beach destination.

Beaufort is a good option for a beach vacation. The town has a nice waterfront, but you have to head about half an hour out of town for a real beach. One of the best options is Hunting Island State Park.

Ottawa is not a beach destination.

Is Beaufort or Ottawa Better for its Old Town?

Beaufort is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Ottawa does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Beaufort. Historic homes, some that were built before the Civil War, offer a glimpse into the past. Beaufort is the second oldest town in South Carolina and it holds on to much of its charm and character.

Ottawa does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Beaufort or Ottawa?

Both Beaufort and Ottawa are notable shopping destinations.

Beaufort is a great destination for shopping. Head downtown for some souvenir shopping or to check out the art galleries or fashion boutiques.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Ottawa. 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 Beaufort or Ottawa Better for Families?

Ottawa is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for its kid-friendly activities.

Ottawa is a family-friendly place to visit. As the country's capital, you'll find a number of museums that will keep a kid's attention. In particular, check out the aviation, science, and nature museums. If you have a car, you can head out to Calypso Water Park, which is fun as well.

Beaufort is not always a place people visit with their families. There are parks and outdoor activities in the area, but one of the best options is to head out of town to the beach.

Is Beaufort or Ottawa Better for Couples?

Beaufort is a very popular place for couples. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Beaufort makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many charming and romantic spots around town as well as historic inns where you can stay. Couples will enjoy the waterfront area or exploring one of the nature parks that are nearby. There are also quaint local restaurants that make for a nice date night.

Ottawa is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with parks and green spaces where you can enjoy flowers or peaceful walks. Commissioners Park is particularly nice and known for its tulips during the spring season. Dow's Lake is a nice place for ice skating in the winter or kayaking in the summer. The city also offers a number of romantic restaurants and charming hotels.

Is Beaufort or Ottawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ottawa is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Ottawa. Although the city is often overlooked by tourists, there are a surprising number of hostels around town.

Beaufort is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. There aren't any real places for backpackers to stay in the area.

Is Beaufort or Ottawa Better for Students?

Ottawa is a nice place to visit for students. However, Beaufort is not popular with students.

Ottawa is a good city to visit for students. It appeals to international and Canadian students alike. It's known for its livability and diverse cultural scene.

Beaufort is not popular with students.

Is Beaufort or Ottawa Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ottawa is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Ottawa has a few public transit options. There is both a public bus and light rail system.

Public transit is quite limited in Beaufort. There is no reliable public transportation system in the area.

Is Beaufort or Ottawa a more walkable city?

Beaufort is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Beaufort is a very walkable destination. The quaint downtown is walkable and offers easy access to art galleries, restaurants, and shops.

Ottawa is somewhat walkable. Many of the urban neighborhoods are very walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Beaufort Worth Visiting? and Is Ottawa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ottawa or Beaufort?

How long in Beaufort or Ottawa?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Beaufort and Ottawa. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Beaufort, and 2-3 days is enough time in Ottawa.

Families should spend more time in Ottawa than Beaufort. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Ottawa, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Beaufort than Ottawa. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Beaufort that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ottawa than Beaufort if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Ottawa.

One day in Beaufort or Ottawa?

Beaufort might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

The city of Ottawa offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Beaufort or Ottawa?

Beaufort is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Ottawa is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ottawa, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Beaufort or Ottawa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beaufort. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Ottawa is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Beaufort or Ottawa?

Beaufort is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Ottawa is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Beaufort and Ottawa, we can see that Beaufort is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beaufort Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Beaufort or Ottawa?

Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Beaufort. When comparing the sizes of Beaufort and Ottawa, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Beaufort or Ottawa?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Beaufort or Ottawa in the Summer?

Both Ottawa and Beaufort during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Beaufort in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Ottawa for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Beaufort is generally a little warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Beaufort average around 82°F (28°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).

In Ottawa, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Beaufort. In the summer, Beaufort often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ottawa. Beaufort gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Beaufort. Beaufort usually gets more rain in July than Ottawa. Beaufort gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beaufort or Ottawa in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Beaufort and Ottawa. Most visitors come to Beaufort for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Ottawa because of the shopping scene.

Beaufort is much warmer than Ottawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Beaufort averages around 68°F (20°C) in October, and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In Beaufort, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beaufort usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during autumn. Beaufort gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Beaufort usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ottawa. Beaufort gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Beaufort or Ottawa in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Beaufort as well as Ottawa. The winter months attract visitors to Beaufort because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ottawa this time of year.

It's quite cold in Ottawa in the winter. In the winter, Beaufort is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Beaufort in January average around 48°F (9°C), and Ottawa averages at about -10°C (14°F).

In the winter, Beaufort often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Beaufort gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun.

Beaufort usually gets more rain in January than Ottawa. Beaufort gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beaufort or Ottawa in the Spring?

Both Ottawa and Beaufort are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Beaufort this time of year.

In April, Beaufort is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Beaufort average around 67°F (19°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beaufort. Beaufort usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during spring. Beaufort gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Beaufort usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Beaufort gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ottawa and Beaufort