A Travel Price Comparison for Canada Ottawa vs. Vancouver for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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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.

Where Should I go: Ottawa or Vancouver?

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.

Vancouver

Vancouver is a beautiful and cosmopolitan city in Western Canada. It is also the largest city in British Columbia, and is dramatically positioned between the coast and mountains. It's a very international city, with a high level of energy and countless activites that you can enjoy while you're in town. In addition to offering all of the activities and entertainment of a modern city, it is also in jumping off distance to any number of outdoor activities.

Which place is cheaper, Vancouver or Ottawa?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Ottawa is $124, while the average daily cost in Vancouver is $143. 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 Ottawa and Vancouver in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ottawa $18
    Vancouver $88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ottawa $36
    Vancouver $176
Compare Hotels in Ottawa and Vancouver

Looking for a hotel in Ottawa or Vancouver? 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 Ottawa


Hotels in Vancouver


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: Ottawa Hotel Prices and Vancouver Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ottawa $7.31
    Vancouver $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ottawa

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

  • Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier Airport (YOW) to Ottawa - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $131
  • Private Airport Transfer: Ottawa International Airport (YOW) to/from Ottawa: $85
  • Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier Airport (YOW) to Ottawa City - Arrival Private Transfer: $66
  • Ottawa to Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier Airport (YOW) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
  • Private Transfer from Ottawa City hotels to Ottawa Airport YOW: $66
  • Private Transfer from Ottawa Airport (YOW) to Ottawa City: $66
  • Private Arrival Transfer in Ottawa Airport : $53
  • Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW Private Arrival/Departure Shuttle Transfer : $53
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW: $40
  • Private Departure Transfer to Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW: $40

Typical Local Transportation prices in Vancouver

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vancouver are as follows:


  • SkyTrain from Airport
    $6.44
  • Taxi from Airport to Downtown
    $21
  • 15 min Taxi Ride
    $8.83
  • SkyTrain DayPass
    $6.62

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vancouver

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

  • YVR - Vancouver's Airport <=> Whistler( Private Transfer Sightseeing Tour): $452
  • White Rock to Vancouver Airport (YVR) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
  • Whistler to Vancouver Private Transfer: $1,128
  • Private Transfer from YVR Airport To Whistler: $514
  • City Highlights Tour with Hotel Transfers: $58
  • Vancouver-Whistler Private Transfer for Skiing: $1,128
  • Vancouver to Whistler Transfer: $1,128
  • Vancouver to Whistler - SUV Private Transfer - One Way: $556
  • Vancouver to Victoria: Ferry with Bus Transfer: $72
  • Vancouver to Victoria - Vancouver Hotel Pickup - Coach Bus Transfer: $83
  • Vancouver to Victoria - Vancouver Cruise Terminal Pickup - Coach Bus Transfer: $89
  • Vancouver to Victoria - Vancouver Airport (YVR) Pickup - Coach Bus Transfer: $87

Is it cheaper to fly into Ottawa or Vancouver?

Prices for flights to both Vancouver and Ottawa 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
    Ottawa $17
    Vancouver $31

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 : $72
  • Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $87

Typical Food prices in Vancouver

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Vancouver:


  • All You Can Eat Sushi Lunch
    $8.92

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vancouver

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

  • North Vancouver Shipyards Food Tour: $82
  • Gastown Historic Walking Food Tour: $97
  • Vancouver Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $97
  • Private Historical Food Tour of Gastown : $105
  • 3-Hour Bowen Island Boat Cruise with Dinner: $126
  • Vancouver Authentic Chinese Food Tour: $127
  • Bowen Island Dinner and Zodiac Boat Tour by Vancouver Water Adventures: $142
  • Festive Dinner Cruise: $145
  • Vancouver Holiday Festive Dinner Cruises: $147
  • New Year's Eve Dinner Cruise through Vancouver Harbor: $155
  • 4-Hour Bowen Island Festival of Lights Boat Tour with Dinner from Vancouver: $195
  • Private Food Tour Tailored to You by a Local: $228

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ottawa $40
    Vancouver $37

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
  • 4-Hour Private Tour of Ottawa: $579
  • Best of Ottawa Neighbourhoods & Nature Bike Tour: $83
  • Best of Ottawa Small Group Tour with River Cruise: $105
  • Best of Ottawa Small Group Walking Tour with Boat Cruise: $90
  • City Beers: Bus Tour of Ottawa Breweries: $76
  • Explore Canada Through Ottawa's Eyes with Walking Tours Through The City: $6.77
  • Gems and Surprises – Ottawa Walking Tour: $186
  • Haunted Ottawa Jail Tour: $26
  • Helicopter Private Tour Over Ottawa 70KM in 20 min : $147
  • Ottawa Boat Cruise - Paul's Boat Line: $35
  • Ottawa Boat Cruise - Rideau Canal Cruise: $35

Tours and Activities in Vancouver

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vancouver.

  • BEST Victoria BC Ferry Mile Zero 1 Day City Tour from Vancouver : $150
  • Guided Bike /E-bike Tour in Whistler From Vancouver: $222
  • Half-day Hike and Bike Tour in Vancouver: $132
  • Kayaking Vancouver Tour: $526
  • Private Vancouver Squamish EUC E-Scooter Bike Tour: $59
  • Spirit Of Vancouver Bike or Ebike Tour: $102
  • Sunshine Coast Escape (Around Vancouver) Small Group Tour: $147
  • Vancouver 1-Day city tour: $101
  • Vancouver City Tour with Cherry Blossom Festival Private: $335
  • Vancouver City tour for Couples Half-Day Private : $369
  • Vancouver Day Tour | Visit The Most Unique Places! Private: $376
  • Vancouver Family Tour for History Geeks Private: $407

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ottawa $18
    Vancouver $16

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Vancouver

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Vancouver:

  • Gastown Pub Crawl: $23
  • 3.5-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $85
  • Vancouver Craft Brewery Tour: $90
  • Vancouver Craft Brewery Tour Led by a Local: $90
  • Vancouver Behind-the-Scenes Brewery Tour: $94
  • Brewery Tour of the Sunshine Coast: $112
  • Vancouver Wine Tour (Fraser Valley): $124
  • Taste of the Valley Wine Tour: $127
  • Fraser Valley Wine Tour with a light Lunch from Vancouver: $136
  • Fraser Valley Wine Tour: $136
  • From Fraser Valley Wine Tour: $139
  • Fraser Valley & White Rock Premium Public Wine Tour: $150

How are these travel costs calculated?

When comparing the travel costs between Ottawa and Vancouver, we can see that Vancouver 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.

Which is Bigger, Ottawa or Vancouver?

Vancouver is bigger, and its population is about 2.3 times larger than the population of Ottawa. When comparing the population of Ottawa vs. 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 and the activities 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.

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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ottawa 21°C (71°F) 
    Vancouver 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Ottawa or Vancouver in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ottawa as well as Vancouver.

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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ottawa 9°C (48°F) 
    Vancouver 11°C (51°F)

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.

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.


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

Should I visit Ottawa or Vancouver in the Spring?

Both Vancouver and Ottawa during the spring are popular places to visit.

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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ottawa 6°C (44°F) 
    Vancouver 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Vancouver and Ottawa

Ottawa Vancouver
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -10°C (14°F) 51 mm (2 in) 4°C (40°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Feb -9°C (16°F) 50 mm (2 in) 6°C (42°F) 179 mm (7.1 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Apr 6°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 9°C (49°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 13°C (56°F) 77 mm (3 in) 13°C (55°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 19°C (65°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 21°C (71°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 9°C (48°F) 75 mm (3 in) 11°C (51°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 234 mm (9.2 in)
Dec -7°C (20°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 4°C (40°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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Ottawa vs. Vancouver Travel Comparison

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