A Travel Price Comparison for Canada Ottawa vs. Quebec City for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Ottawa or Quebec City?

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

Should I visit Ottawa or Quebec City? 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.

Ottawa

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

Quebec City

Quebec City is a charming, historical, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Ottawa and Quebec City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ottawa or Quebec City?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Quebec City than Ottawa. While Ottawa is larger than Quebec City, Quebec City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Quebec City is more touristy than Ottawa and is popular for its charming streets and classic Old Town. Also, Quebec City is famous for Château Frontenac. Ottawa is well known for its history, politics, and green space.

How is Ottawa different from Quebec City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ottawa or Quebec City?

Quebec City is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Quebec City has many famous sights for visitors. Historic sites include La Citadelle de Québec and Quebec National Historic Site. There are many iconic buildings in town as well like the Parliament Building and Château Frontenac. Also make sure you visit the Musée de la Civilisation and the stunning Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré.

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.

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

Quebec City is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Quebec City is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city offers a mix of Canadian favorites and French dishes with a local twist. Favorite dishes that you must try include tourtières, pâté chinois, pea soup, and fèves au lard. There are also many local desserts to sample. You'll find some of the best French Canadian cuisine in the Old Town.

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 Ottawa or Quebec City Better for Nightlife?

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

Quebec City has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene consists mainly of bars and pubs that you'll find along Rue Saint-Jean and in the Saint-Jean-Baptiste neighborhood. You'll also find clubs in Saint-Roch along Rue du Parvis and Avenue Saint-Joseph.

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 Ottawa or Quebec City Better for its Old Town?

Quebec City is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Ottawa does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Quebec City is revered around the world. The walled Old Town has fortifications that date back to the 17th century. It has a European charm with cobblestone streets, charming restaurants, beautiful squares, and historic architecture. Many visitors feel like they've stepped into old world Europe.

Ottawa does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ottawa or Quebec City?

Quebec City is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Quebec City specifically to go shopping. The Old Town has many local boutiques and artisan shops that are fun for browsing. There are many shopping streets in town like Petit-Champlain Street, Rue Saint-Joseph, and Avenue Cartier.

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 Ottawa or Quebec City Better for Families?

Quebec City 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 Quebec City. There are tons of kid-friendly activities like visiting the Aquarium du Québec, having an adventure at Terrasse Dufferin, or exploring Chute de Montmorency.

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 Ottawa or Quebec City Better for Couples?

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

Quebec City makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's one of the most European city's in North America, and it's filled with romance. Couples can enjoy exploring the Old Town by carriage or taking a boat ride on the Saint Lawrence River. For a truly romantic evening, enjoy a French meal at the famous Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, but for many couples, simply exploring and soaking up the city's charm offers the simple romance that they're looking for.

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 Ottawa or Quebec City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Quebec City is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Quebec City. There are a decent number of hostels around town and backpackers consider this a favorite destination in the area.

Ottawa is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Although the city is often overlooked by tourists, there are a surprising number of hostels around town.

Is Ottawa or Quebec City Better for Students?

Both Ottawa and Quebec City are notable destinations for students.

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

Quebec City is popular with students. It's a beautiful and charming city that is fun for international students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Ottawa and Quebec City.

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

You'll find some public transit in Quebec City, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses and ferries around town.

Is Ottawa or Quebec City a more walkable city?

Quebec City is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Quebec City. The Old Town is compact and easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Quebec City or Ottawa?

How long in Ottawa or Quebec City?

It's fun to spend time in either Ottawa or Quebec City. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Quebec City due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Ottawa, and 2-4 days is enough time in Quebec City.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Quebec City 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 Quebec City.

One day in Ottawa or Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the welcoming city of Ottawa. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Quebec City. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Ottawa or Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Ottawa. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Quebec City 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.

Five days in Ottawa or Quebec City?

The friendly city of Ottawa offers museums and food. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Quebec City. 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.

A week in Ottawa or Quebec City?

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Ottawa. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Quebec City. This city 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada, The Best Camping Tours in Canada, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Ottawa and Quebec City, we can see that Quebec City 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 Ottawa Expensive? and Is Quebec City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ottawa or Quebec City?

Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 54% larger than the population of Quebec City. When comparing the sizes of Ottawa and Quebec City, 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.