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

Should you visit Ottawa or Vancouver?

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

Should I visit Ottawa or Vancouver? 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. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Ottawa travel costs.

Vancouver

Vancouver is a outdoorsy, scenic, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Vancouver attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Vancouver travel costs.

Ottawa and Vancouver: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ottawa or Vancouver?

You'll generally find more things to do in Vancouver than Ottawa. Vancouver is bigger than Ottawa, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Vancouver is more touristy than Ottawa and is known for its beautiful setting, sweeping views, and welcoming atmosphere. Also, Vancouver is famous for Stanley Park. Ottawa is well known for its history, politics, and green space.

How is Ottawa different from Vancouver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Vancouver 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 Vancouver?

Vancouver 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, Vancouver has many famous sights for visitors. There are tons of museums and sights around town such as the Vancouver Aquarium, the Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Vancouver, and Science World. Also make sure you take a walk over the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

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 Vancouver? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Vancouver has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find diverse restaurants and fresh ingredients. Local seafood is a staple in many restaurants so make sure you try the prawns, salmon, and even sea urchin. Asian food is also excellent around town. Sushi, Japanese hot dogs, and dim sum are all worth sampling.

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 Vancouver Better for Nightlife?

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

Vancouver has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has a vibrant nightlife scene. Most of the activity is centered around The Granville Entertainment District in the downtown area. It runs along Granville Street between Robson Street and Davie Street. In the area you'll find a high concentration of bars and nightclubs.

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 Vancouver Better for Hiking?

Vancouver is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Ottawa is not a hiking destination.

People visit Vancouver specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The city is surrounded by water and mountains, making it one of the best hiking cities in the world. You don't have to go far to enjoy spectacular vistas, serene rainforests, and rugged coastline. The trails range from casual strolls to more strenuous day long hikes.

Ottawa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ottawa or Vancouver?

Vancouver 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 Vancouver specifically to go shopping. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. You can enjoy strolling through Chinatown, hitting up a public market, or wandering around a large shopping mall.

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 Vancouver More Beautiful?

Vancouver is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Ottawa is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Vancouver attracts visitors from all around. It sits between the Pacific Ocean and high reaching mountains, so the city offers spectacular views.

Ottawa is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ottawa or Vancouver Better for Families?

Vancouver 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 Vancouver. There are great kid-friendly museums like the Science Museum, as well as outdoor markets, public parks, and easy access to the nearby nature. A visit to Grouse Mountain is a must for many families. You can see the bears, take a gondola, and see the a lumberjack show.

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 Vancouver Better for Couples?

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

Vancouver makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Most of the activities take advantage of the beautiful outdoor setting. You can take a carriage ride in Stanley Park or visit the Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden. Eat dim sum in Chinatown and then wander through the diverse neighborhood. End the day with a show at Orpheum Theater.

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 Vancouver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vancouver 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 Vancouver. It's a favorite city for backpackers who enjoy the many outdoor activities. There are also many hostels available around town.

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 Vancouver Better for Students?

Vancouver is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Vancouver is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The cities friendly personality and fun energy make it a great place to study.

Ottawa is popular with students. It appeals to international and Canadian students alike. It's known for its livability and diverse cultural scene.

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

Vancouver is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Vancouver can get you around easily. Public transit is efficient and comfortable. The Translink system includes buses, the SeaBus ferry, and the SkyTrain light rail system.

You'll find some public transit in Ottawa, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is both a public bus and light rail system.

Is Ottawa or Vancouver a more walkable city?

Vancouver 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 Vancouver. The downtown area is very compact and fun 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 Vancouver Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vancouver or Ottawa?

How long in Ottawa or Vancouver?

In either Ottawa or Vancouver, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Vancouver than Ottawa because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Ottawa, and 3-5 days is enough time in Vancouver.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Vancouver 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 Vancouver.

One day in Ottawa or Vancouver?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Ottawa. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Vancouver is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Ottawa or Vancouver?

You'll find museums and food around the friendly destination of Ottawa. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Vancouver is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Ottawa or Vancouver?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural city of Ottawa. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vancouver. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Ottawa or Vancouver?

Ottawa is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the outdoorsy big city of Vancouver. This city 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Ottawa or Vancouver?

Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Ottawa. When comparing the sizes of Ottawa and Vancouver, 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 Ottawa or Vancouver?

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 Ottawa or Vancouver in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ottawa and Vancouver. Most visitors come to Ottawa for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Vancouver because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Ottawa is a little warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ottawa in July average around 21°C (71°F), and Vancouver averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vancouver this time of the year. In Ottawa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ottawa usually receives less sunshine than Vancouver during summer. Ottawa gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ottawa usually receives more rain than Vancouver. Ottawa gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ottawa or Vancouver in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ottawa as well as Vancouver. The autumn months attract visitors to Ottawa because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Vancouver this time of year.

In October, Ottawa is generally cooler than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Ottawa average around 9°C (48°F), and Vancouver fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Ottawa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vancouver. Ottawa gets 116 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Ottawa usually gets less rain in October than Vancouver. Ottawa gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ottawa or Vancouver in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Vancouver. It's quite cold in Ottawa in the winter. Ottawa is much colder than Vancouver in the winter. The daily temperature in Ottawa averages around -10°C (14°F) in January, and Vancouver fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Ottawa usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during winter. Ottawa gets 93 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. In January, Ottawa usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Ottawa gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ottawa or Vancouver in the Spring?

Both Vancouver and Ottawa during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Vancouver in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Ottawa is cooler than Vancouver. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ottawa in April average around 6°C (44°F), and Vancouver averages at about 9°C (49°F).

In the spring, Ottawa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vancouver. Ottawa gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun.

Vancouver gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ottawa usually gets less rain in April than Vancouver. Ottawa gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Vancouver and Ottawa