A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Big Sur vs. Ottawa for Couples, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Big Sur or Ottawa?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Big Sur and Ottawa can help you decide which place is right for you.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a remote, breathtaking, and scenic natural area. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches.

Ottawa

Ottawa is a welcoming, cultural, and friendly city. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Big Sur and Ottawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Big Sur or Ottawa?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Big Sur. Although Big Sur and Ottawa are popular destinations, Big Sur has more sights and attractions for tourists. Big Sur is very popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Ottawa attracts visitors for its museums & sights, nightlife, and shopping. Big Sur is more touristy than Ottawa and is known for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. It is also well known for Bixby Bridge. Ottawa is famous for its history, politics, and green space.

How is Big Sur different from Ottawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Big Sur or Ottawa?

Ottawa is great for its historical sights. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Ottawa specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Big Sur offers a few options for museum-goers. Nature is what brings visitors to the area, so most people don't prioritize museums or manmade landmarks.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Big Sur and Ottawa can be an enjoyable experience.

Big Sur is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Most of the restaurants offer a breathtaking view. Many use locally-sourced ingredients and they range in style from fine dining to casual eateries.

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 Big Sur or Ottawa Better for Nightlife?

Ottawa is adequate for its evening party scene. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for nightlife.

Ottawa doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. 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.

People don't go to Big Sur for the nightlife. There's a taphouse and lounge, but the area is mostly undeveloped with no real nightlife.

Is Big Sur or Ottawa Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is a very popular place for the beach. However, Ottawa is not a beach destination.

Big Sur is considered a top beach destination. The coastline and beaches are dramatic and beautiful, particularly Pfeiffer Beach, which has a dramatic waterfall. The water is filled with rip tides and strong currents, so swimming isn't advisable in most places.

Ottawa is not a beach destination.

Is Big Sur or Ottawa Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Ottawa is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Big Sur. The dramatic hikes take you along the coastline, to beautiful beaches and through Redwood forests. There are a number of state parks along the route and some of the best hikes include Salmon Creek Trail, Pacific Valley Bluff Trail, and Ragged Point Cliffside Trail.

Ottawa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Big Sur or Ottawa?

Ottawa is very good for its shopping areas. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for shopping.

Ottawa has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Big Sur has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some galleries and gift shops, but most visitors aren't in the area to go shopping.

Is Big Sur or Ottawa Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Big Sur or Ottawa.

Big Sur offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy the hiking and beaches, particularly the Carmel Lagoon at Carmel River State Beach. There are a number of state parks where kids can run around and stretch their legs.

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.

Is Big Sur or Ottawa Better for Couples?

Big Sur is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Big Sur makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Stunning viewpoints and breathtaking coastline make this a wonderful destination for couples. There are romantic inns and impressive hikes along the water's edge or through the dramatic Redwoods.

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 Big Sur or Ottawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Big Sur and Ottawa are nice places to visit.

Big Sur is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but budget travelers often prefer vacation rentals, which are more common.

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.

Is Big Sur or Ottawa Better for Students?

Ottawa is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Big Sur is not popular with students.

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

Big Sur is not popular with students.

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

Ottawa is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Ottawa offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is both a public bus and light rail system.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Big Sur. There is no real public transportation in the area.

Is Big Sur or Ottawa a more walkable city?

Ottawa is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its walkability.

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

Big Sur is not a walkable natural area. While there are hiking trails, Big Sur is a stretch of road that runs along the coast and requires a car to fully access.

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

Should I spend more time in Ottawa or Big Sur?

How long in Big Sur or Ottawa?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Big Sur and Ottawa. In our opinion, Ottawa has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Ottawa than Big Sur. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Big Sur, and 2-3 days is enough time in Ottawa.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ottawa than Big Sur 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 Big Sur or Ottawa?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Big Sur. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Ottawa, you'll find museums and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Big Sur or Ottawa?

Big Sur 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.

In Ottawa, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ottawa has to offer.

Five days in Big Sur or Ottawa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Big Sur. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Big Sur or Ottawa?

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the remote destination of Big Sur. This natural area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ottawa. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Ottawa. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Big Sur and Ottawa, we can see that Ottawa is more expensive. And not only is Big Sur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Big Sur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Big Sur and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Ottawa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ottawa than you might in Big Sur.

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

When is the best time to visit Big Sur or Ottawa?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Big Sur or Ottawa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Sur and Ottawa. Most visitors come to Big Sur for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Ottawa because of the family-friendly experiences.

Big Sur is cooler than Ottawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Big Sur averages around 63°F (17°C) in July, and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).

In July, Big Sur usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Big Sur gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Big Sur or Ottawa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Big Sur as well as Ottawa. The autumn months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the shopping scene are the main draw to Ottawa this time of year.

In the autumn, Big Sur is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Big Sur in October average around 62°F (17°C), and Ottawa averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Big Sur usually gets less rain in October than Ottawa. Big Sur gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Big Sur or Ottawa in the Winter?

Both Ottawa and Big Sur are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The cuisine are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ottawa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ottawa. In January, Big Sur is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Big Sur average around 51°F (11°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

In January, Big Sur usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Big Sur gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Big Sur or Ottawa in the Spring?

Both Ottawa and Big Sur during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Big Sur for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Big Sur is much warmer than Ottawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Big Sur averages around 56°F (13°C) in April, and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).

Big Sur usually gets less rain in April than Ottawa. Big Sur gets 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ottawa and Big Sur