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

Should you visit Hood River or Ottawa?

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

Should I visit Hood River 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: Hood River or Ottawa?

Hood River

The city of Hood River is the seat of Hood River County, Oregon, United States. It is a port on the Columbia River, and is named for the nearby Hood River. The dynamic town of Hood River is one of the best windsurfing and kiteboarding destinations in the world. Strong river currents, prevailing westerly winds and a vast body of water provide the perfect conditions for these wind sports, attracting sometimes hundreds of photogenic enthusiasts who zip back and forth across the wide Columbia River.

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 Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Hood River?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Hood River is $145, while the average daily cost in Ottawa is $122. 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 Hood River and Ottawa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hood River $78
    Ottawa $18
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hood River $156
    Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in Hood River and Ottawa

Looking for a hotel in Hood River 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 Hood River


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: Hood River Hotel Prices and Ottawa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hood River $46
    Ottawa $7.21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ottawa

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Hood River or Ottawa?

Prices for flights to both Ottawa and Hood River 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
    Hood River $40
    Ottawa $17

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hood River $18
    Ottawa $40

Tours and Activities in Hood River

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

  • Gift Basket Factory Tour: $31
  • Orchard Tour: $31
  • Railbikes Experience: $211
  • Portland: Multnomah Falls Scenic Air Tour: $199

Tours and Activities in Ottawa

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

  • 2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour: $59
  • A Self Guided Audio Tour of Ottawa's Hidden History: $6.99
  • Best of Ottawa Neighbourhoods & Nature Bike Tour: $82
  • Best of Ottawa Small Group Tour with River Cruise: $133
  • Best of Ottawa Small Group Walking Tour with Boat Cruise: $85
  • City Beers: Bus Tour of Ottawa Breweries: $75
  • Explore Canada Through Ottawa's Eyes with Walking Tours Through The City: $6.68
  • Full Day Montreal and Cruise Tour from Ottawa: $115
  • Gems and Surprises – Ottawa Walking Tour: $186
  • Helicopter Private Tour Over Ottawa 70KM in 20 min : $150
  • Hidden Ottawa Secrets Walking Tour: $25
  • Ottawa Boat Cruise - Paul's Boat Line: $36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hood River $19
    Ottawa $18

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hood River and Ottawa, we can see that Hood River 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 Hood River would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hood River 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 Hood River Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hood River or Ottawa?

Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Hood River. When comparing the sizes of Hood River 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 Hood River 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 Hood River or Ottawa in the Summer?

Both Ottawa and Hood River are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Hood River because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hood River is around the same temperature as Ottawa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hood River in July average around 68°F (20°C), and Ottawa averages at about 21°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Ottawa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hood River. Hood River usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during summer. Hood River gets 338 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hood River usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Hood River gets 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hood River 68°F (20°C) 
    Ottawa 21°C (71°F)

Should I visit Hood River or Ottawa in the Autumn?

Both Ottawa and Hood River during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hood River this time of year.

In October, Hood River is generally a little warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Hood River average around 55°F (13°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the autumn, Hood River often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Hood River gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.

Hood River usually gets less rain in October than Ottawa. Hood River gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hood River 55°F (13°C) 
    Ottawa 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Hood River or Ottawa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hood River and Ottawa. Many travelers come to Hood River for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ottawa can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Hood River. Hood River is much warmer than Ottawa in the winter. The daily temperature in Hood River averages around 40°F (4°C) in January, and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

Hood River usually receives less sunshine than Ottawa during winter. Hood River gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.

Hood River gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hood River usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Hood River gets 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hood River 40°F (4°C) 
    Ottawa -10°C (14°F)

Should I visit Hood River or Ottawa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hood River as well as Ottawa. Many visitors come to Hood River in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Hood River is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hood River in April average around 51°F (11°C), and Ottawa averages at about 6°C (44°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hood River this time of the year. In the spring, Hood River often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Hood River gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.

Hood River usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Ottawa. Hood River gets 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hood River 51°F (11°C) 
    Ottawa 6°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Ottawa and Hood River

Hood River Ottawa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm) -10°C (14°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 44°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) -9°C (16°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 47°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) -2°C (28°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 51°F (11°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 6°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 57°F (14°C) 2 inches (51 mm) 13°C (56°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jun 64°F (18°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm) 19°C (65°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 68°F (20°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm) 21°C (71°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 69°F (20°C) 1 inches (25 mm) 20°C (68°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 63°F (17°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm) 15°C (59°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Oct 55°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 9°C (48°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 5.4 inches (136 mm) 2°C (36°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 40°F (5°C) 6.1 inches (156 mm) -7°C (20°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)