A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bordeaux vs. Ottawa for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bordeaux or Ottawa?

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

Should I visit Bordeaux or Ottawa? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Bordeaux or Ottawa?

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is the place to go for fine wines. It's a very mellow, cultural city where you can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of a quaint cafe or restaurant without being rushed. The city is the capital of Gironde, and the entire metropolitan area has over one million residents. The city also has a rather large and vibrant university and the population is known to be very tolerant and liberal. There is a very strong artistic vibe in the city and, due to it's history of English rule, there is an English flair to the area. The large student population means that there is no shortage of opportunities to see shows, hear music, or visit a museum.

Ottawa

Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located on the Ontario side of the Ottawa River. A city of many ethnic populations, Ottawa is uniquely bilingual with English as the first language of the population's majority and French as a close second.  It is best known as the nation's capital, which is centered on Parliament Hill, an architectural landmark as well as the seat of government.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Bordeaux?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bordeaux is €118, while the average daily cost in Ottawa is €114. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Bordeaux and Ottawa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bordeaux 63
    Ottawa 17
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bordeaux 126
    Ottawa 34
Compare Hotels in Bordeaux and Ottawa

Looking for a hotel in Bordeaux or Ottawa? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Bordeaux


Hotels in Ottawa


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Bordeaux Hotel Prices and Ottawa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bordeaux 15
    Ottawa 6.75

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bordeaux

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bordeaux:

  • Transfer Airport, Hotel, Station and others places: $97
  • Private Transfer from Bordeaux Airport to City of Bordeaux: $87
  • Private Transfer from Airport to Bordeaux City: $165
  • Private Transfer Bordeaux City to Bordeaux Airport BOD by Car: $97
  • Private Round Trip Transfer to Bordeaux from Bordeaux Airport: $165
  • Departure Private Transfers : Bordeaux to Bordeaux Airport BOD in Luxury Van: $108
  • Bordeaux to Airport Private Transfer in Premium Class: $147
  • Bordeaux Airport Transfers: Bordeaux to Bordeaux Airport BOD in Luxury Van: $108
  • Bordeaux Airport Transfers: Bordeaux to Bordeaux Airport BOD in Luxury Car: $137
  • Bordeaux Airport Transfers: Bordeaux Airport BOD to Bordeaux in Luxury Car: $137
  • Bordeaux Airport Transfers: Bordeaux Airport BOD to Bordeaux in Business Car: $103
  • Arrival Private Transfers : Bordeaux Airport BOD to Bordeaux in Business Car: $103

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ottawa

Also for Ottawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW Private Arrival/Departure Shuttle Transfer : $52
  • Ottawa to Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier Airport (YOW) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW: $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Bordeaux or Ottawa?

Prices for flights to both Ottawa and Bordeaux change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Bordeaux 45
    Ottawa 16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bordeaux

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bordeaux.

  • No Diet Club : Bordeaux Food Tour in Les Chartrons !: $64
  • Bordeaux - sweet food tour of the old city: $64
  • NO DIET CLUB - Unique food tour in Bordeaux !: $64
  • 2-Hour River Dinner Cruise: $74
  • Sweet Specialties Tasting Bakeries Food Tour: $82
  • Bordeaux : Afternoon Food Tour by a local guide: $85
  • Bordeaux Organic Food Tour - French Apéro Style: $93
  • Bordeaux : unforgettable Food Tour by a local guide: $96
  • Private Bakery, Chocolate & Patisserie Food Tour: $96
  • Bordeaux Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $103
  • Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $107
  • Pastry Cooking Class: $107

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ottawa

For Ottawa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Oh Canada Eh!? Dinner Musical : $71
  • Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $79
  • Evening Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $82

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bordeaux 7.89
    Ottawa 37

Tours and Activities in Bordeaux

Here are a few actual costs in Bordeaux for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • "Bordeaux by bicycle: a 3-hour tour immersive experience": $39
  • "Explore Saint-Émilion on e-Bikes: Small Group, Full-Day Tour": $197
  • 1-Hour Bordeaux Electric Scooter Tour: $27
  • 2 hours - Bordeaux Private tour with a native guide: $164
  • 4 Hours Gastronomic Tour in Bordeaux the Sandwiches of the World: $64
  • Aperitive guided cruise « Wine and Canelé »: $20
  • Blind Tasting: 5 Bordeaux Natural Wine + Cheese experience: $54
  • Bordeaux - Private Historic Walking Tour: $462
  • Bordeaux : Discovery Stroll and Reading Walking Tour: $2.14
  • Bordeaux : Must-See Attractions Walking Tour: $75
  • Bordeaux Bike Tour - Private: $217
  • Bordeaux Christmas Market Tour: $309

Tours and Activities in Ottawa

For Ottawa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.46
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $6.46
  • Ottawa Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Explore Canada Through Ottawa's Eyes with Walking Tours Through The City: $6.68
  • Ottawa's Hidden History: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • A Self Guided Audio Tour of Ottawa's Hidden History: $6.99
  • Ottawa Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Ottawa by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Ottawa by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Ottawa by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bordeaux 26
    Ottawa 17

Sample the Local Flavors in Bordeaux

Also in Bordeaux, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wine and Trade Museum Entry Ticket & Wine Tasting: $11
  • Bordeaux Wine and Trade Museum Admission Ticket with Wine Tasting: $11
  • Distillery Tour in Bordeaux with Spirits Tasting: $16
  • Wine Tasting Cruise: $23
  • Cité du Vin Direct Ticket and Wine Tasting: $24
  • Bordeaux Pub Crawl: $25
  • Taillan-Médoc: Château Visit and Wine Tasting in Bordeaux: $27
  • Wine Tour and Tasting: $29
  • Unusual Wine Tasting Experience - Wood & Wine: $30
  • Discover Bordeaux vineyard : special wine tasting with two cellar men brothers: $32
  • Wine Country Vineyards Tour w/ Local Wine Tastings: $59
  • Bordeaux Vineyards Wine Tasting Half-Day Trip: $62

Sample the Local Flavors in Ottawa

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ottawa:

  • Epic Ottawa Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12


When comparing the travel costs between Bordeaux and Ottawa, we can see that Bordeaux 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. Even though Bordeaux is in Europe and Ottawa is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Bordeaux or Ottawa?

Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bordeaux. When comparing the sizes of Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux or Ottawa in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bordeaux as well as Ottawa. The summer months attract visitors to Bordeaux because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bordeaux is around the same temperature as Ottawa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bordeaux in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Ottawa averages at about 21°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ottawa. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bordeaux this time of the year. In the summer, Bordeaux often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ottawa. Bordeaux gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun.

Bordeaux usually gets less rain in July than Ottawa. Bordeaux gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bordeaux 21°C (69°F) 
    Ottawa 21°C (71°F)

Should I visit Bordeaux or Ottawa in the Autumn?

Both Ottawa and Bordeaux are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year.

In October, Bordeaux is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Bordeaux average around 14°C (58°F), and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Bordeaux usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during autumn. Bordeaux gets 165 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bordeaux usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Bordeaux gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bordeaux 14°C (58°F) 
    Ottawa 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Bordeaux or Ottawa in the Winter?

Both Ottawa and Bordeaux during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bordeaux for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ottawa can get quite cold in the winter. Bordeaux is much warmer than Ottawa in the winter. The daily temperature in Bordeaux averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

In the winter, Bordeaux often gets less sunshine than Ottawa. Bordeaux gets 86 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bordeaux. Bordeaux usually gets more rain in January than Ottawa. Bordeaux gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bordeaux 6°C (43°F) 
    Ottawa -10°C (14°F)

Should I visit Bordeaux or Ottawa in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bordeaux and Ottawa. Many visitors come to Bordeaux in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bordeaux is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bordeaux in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Ottawa averages at about 6°C (44°F).

Bordeaux usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ottawa during spring. Bordeaux gets 190 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bordeaux usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Bordeaux gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bordeaux 12°C (53°F) 
    Ottawa 6°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Ottawa and Bordeaux

Bordeaux Ottawa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (43°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) -10°C (14°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 7°C (45°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) -9°C (16°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 76 mm (3 in) -2°C (28°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 6°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 77 mm (3 in) 13°C (56°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jun 18°C (65°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 19°C (65°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 21°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 21°C (71°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Oct 14°C (58°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Nov 9°C (49°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 2°C (36°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) -7°C (20°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)


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