A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Boca Raton vs. Ottawa for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Boca Raton or Ottawa?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Boca Raton and Ottawa. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Boca Raton

Boca Raton is a posh, outdoorsy, and relaxed coastal city. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Ottawa

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

Boca Raton and Ottawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Boca Raton or Ottawa?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Boca Raton than Ottawa. While Ottawa is larger than Boca Raton, Boca Raton has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Boca Raton is more touristy than Ottawa and is known for its golf courses, outdoor recreational activities, and safe atmosphere. It is also well known for Red Reef Park. Ottawa is famous for its history, politics, and green space.

How is Boca Raton different from Ottawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Boca Raton or Ottawa?

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Ottawa and Boca Raton.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Boca Raton. While most visitors focus on the beaches and outdoor activities in the area, there are also a surprising number of museums that you can visit. On a rainy day head to the Boca Raton Museum of Art or the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum. Sports enthusiasts will like the Sports Immortals Museum and kids will want to check out the Children's Science Explorium.

Ottawa offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

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

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

Boca Raton has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find a mix of local and international flavors with both casual and upscale dining available. Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekend nights. For the health-conscious, there's also a nice selection of healthy eateries to choose from.

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 Boca Raton or Ottawa Better for Nightlife?

Boca Raton is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Ottawa is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Boca Raton has a large number of nightlife venues. You'll find plenty of upscale wine bars, cocktail bars, and live music venues that will keep you entertained late into the evening.

Ottawa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. 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 Boca Raton or Ottawa Better for Resorts?

Boca Raton is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Ottawa is not a resort destination.

Boca Raton is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find many luxury beachside resorts that offer all of the amenities, from access to golf course to family-friendly kids clubs.

Ottawa is not a resort destination.

Is Boca Raton or Ottawa Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Boca Raton is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Ottawa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Boca Raton has a few good snorkeling spots. Head to the "Aqua Zoo", which is just to the south of Boca Inlet to see stingrays, groupers, and moray eels. Red Reef Park offers excellent snorkeling as well.

Ottawa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Boca Raton or Ottawa Better for Beaches?

Boca Raton is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Ottawa is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Boca Raton. There's a two mile stretch of beautiful sandy beaches that are all monitored by lifeguards. The beaches offer all of the facilities that you might need such as picnic areas, restrooms, and showers. Many beaches are part of park land and some offer nice snorkeling. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Spanish River Park, Bark Park Dog Beach, Red Reef Beach, and South Beach Park.

Ottawa is not a beach destination.

Is Boca Raton or Ottawa Better for Hiking?

Boca Raton is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Ottawa is not a hiking destination.

Boca Raton is a good destination for hiking. There's a surprising number of nature parks in the area that have hiking trails, nature walks, and beach paths that are fun to explore.

Ottawa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Boca Raton or Ottawa?

Boca Raton is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Boca Raton. It's an upscale area, and you'll find no shortage of luxury shopping around town. Popular areas for shopping include Downtown Boca, Mizner Park, and the Town Center at Boca Raton.

Ottawa is a great destination for shopping. 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 Boca Raton or Ottawa Better for Families?

Boca Raton is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Boca Raton. It's an upscale area with a family-friendly atmosphere and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Many of the hotels have kids clubs that will keep the young ones entertained. The area also has nature centers, children's museums, and waterparks that will ensure everyone stays entertained.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ottawa. 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 Boca Raton or Ottawa Better for Couples?

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

Boca Raton makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There's an upscale vibe with plenty of nature trails and nice beaches. Many of the hotels offer a touch of luxury that honeymooning couples will appreciate. You can also head to the downtown area for music, events, and museums.

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 Boca Raton or Ottawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ottawa is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Boca Raton is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Ottawa. Although the city is often overlooked by tourists, there are a surprising number of hostels around town.

Boca Raton is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's known for its upscale luxury, and you won't find much in the form of hostels or backpacker-friendly accommodation.

Is Boca Raton or Ottawa Better for Students?

Ottawa is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Boca Raton 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.

Boca Raton is not popular with students.

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

Boca Raton and Ottawa both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Boca Raton offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The Downtowner is a fleet of free, oversized golf cars that shuttle visitors around town, passing by many top sites such as Mizner Park, Red Reef Park, and the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. There's also a public bus system, Palm Tran, that offers service around town.

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

Is Boca Raton or Ottawa a more walkable city?

Boca Raton and Ottawa are nice when it comes to walkability.

Boca Raton is a somewhat walkable coastal city. There are some communities within the city that are more walkable than others, particularly East Boca Raton, Royal Palm Place, and Mizner Park. There are also many pedestrian and bike paths around town. Even so, you really must have a car to explore the area in depth.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Ottawa or Boca Raton?

How long in Boca Raton or Ottawa?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Boca Raton and Ottawa. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Boca Raton than in Ottawa. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Boca Raton, and 2-3 days is enough time in Ottawa.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boca Raton than Ottawa 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 Boca Raton.

One day in Boca Raton or Ottawa?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Boca Raton. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and food around the friendly city of Ottawa, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Boca Raton or Ottawa?

Boca Raton is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With food and shopping around the destination of Ottawa, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Boca Raton or Ottawa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Boca Raton. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Ottawa, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Boca Raton or Ottawa?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the luxurious destination of Boca Raton. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Ottawa is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Boca Raton and Ottawa, we can see that Boca Raton is more expensive. And not only is Ottawa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ottawa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ottawa 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 Boca Raton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boca Raton than you might in Ottawa.

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

Which is Bigger, Boca Raton or Ottawa?

Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Boca Raton. When comparing the sizes of Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton or Ottawa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Boca Raton and Ottawa. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Boca Raton this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Ottawa for the family-friendly experiences.

Boca Raton is a little warmer than Ottawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Boca Raton averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ottawa this time of the year. In Boca Raton, it's very sunny this time of the year. Boca Raton usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during summer. Boca Raton gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.

Boca Raton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Boca Raton gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Ottawa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Boca Raton as well as Ottawa. Many travelers come to Boca Raton for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Ottawa in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Boca Raton is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Boca Raton in October average around 78°F (25°C), and Ottawa averages at about 9°C (48°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boca Raton this time of the year. In the autumn, Boca Raton often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Boca Raton gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.

Boca Raton receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Boca Raton usually gets more rain in October than Ottawa. Boca Raton gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Boca Raton is June to November.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Ottawa in the Winter?

Both Ottawa and Boca Raton are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Boca Raton in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Ottawa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Ottawa can be very cold during winter. In January, Boca Raton is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Boca Raton average around 65°F (19°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during winter. Boca Raton gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Boca Raton gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Ottawa in the Spring?

Both Ottawa and Boca Raton during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Boca Raton for the beaches during these months.

Boca Raton is much warmer than Ottawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Boca Raton averages around 74°F (23°C) in April, and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).

It's quite sunny in Boca Raton. In the spring, Boca Raton often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Boca Raton gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.

Boca Raton usually gets more rain in April than Ottawa. Boca Raton gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Boca Raton.

Typical Weather for Ottawa and Boca Raton