A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Rapid City vs. Ottawa for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Rapid City or Ottawa?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Rapid City and Ottawa can help you decide which place is right for you.

Rapid City

Rapid City is a friendly, fascinating, and activity-filled city. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Rapid City travel costs.

Ottawa

Ottawa is a friendly, welcoming, and cultural city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food. See Ottawa travel costs.

Rapid City and Ottawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rapid City or Ottawa?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Rapid City than Ottawa. While Ottawa is larger than Rapid City, Rapid City has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Rapid City is more touristy than Ottawa and is known for its proximity to Mount Rushmore and many other iconic parks. It is also home to Mount Rushmore. Ottawa is popular for its history, politics, and green space.

How is Rapid City different from Ottawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Rapid 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, Rapid City has many famous sights for visitors. You'll find a wide variety of museums and landmarks nearby. Popular places to visit that aren't far from town include the Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, the South Dakota Air & Space Museum, and the Journey Museum & Learning Center. There's also the Museum of Geology and the National Presidential Wax Museum. And of course, there's the iconic Mount Rushmore.

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 Rapid City or Ottawa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Rapid City and Ottawa can be an enjoyable experience.

Rapid City has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find local restaurants in town that serve local specialties such as chislic (grilled meat), fry bread, and walleye (a local fish.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Ottawa area. 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 Rapid City or Ottawa Better for Nightlife?

The decent nightlife scene is relatively similar in Rapid City and Ottawa.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Rapid City. You'll find some places with live music and good drinks, but the city isn't really known for its nightlife scene.

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 Rapid City or Ottawa Better for Hiking?

Rapid City is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Ottawa is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Rapid City. The region is filled with national parks, state parks, and natural areas with wonderful hiking trails. You don't have to travel far to get into nature and experience some of South Dakota's best natural beauty.

Ottawa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rapid City or Ottawa?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Rapid City and Ottawa.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Rapid City. Rapid City has some interesting local shops as well as larger malls and shopping centers.

Many visitors go to Ottawa to go 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 Rapid City or Ottawa Better for Families?

Rapid City is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Rapid City is a very family-friendly destination. Nearby national parks and outdoor activities, this is the perfect base for exploring the area with kids. Nearby you'll find the Big Thunder Gold Mine, which has tours and lets you pan for gold, and Custer State Park, which is filled with wildlife. Wall Drug is worth a stopoff, as is Dinosaur Park.

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 Rapid City or Ottawa Better for Couples?

Rapid City is a very popular place for couples. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Rapid City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy the amazing national parks in the area and the easy access to iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore. There are many opportunities for wildlife spotting as well as great hiking trails and unique landscapes.

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 Rapid City or Ottawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rapid 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 Rapid City. Backpackers will appreciate the surrounding natural beauty and the nearby national parks.

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 Rapid City or Ottawa Better for Students?

Ottawa is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Rapid City is not popular with students.

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

Rapid City is not popular with students.

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

Ottawa is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Rapid City is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Rapid City. While there are a few buses, this isn't a realistic option for traveling through the region.

Is Rapid City or Ottawa a more walkable city?

Ottawa is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Rapid City is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

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

Rapid City is generally not very walkable. While the downtown is walkable, most visitors use the city as a base for exploring the surrounding areas, and this requires a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Ottawa or Rapid City?

How long in Rapid City or Ottawa?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Rapid City and Ottawa. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Rapid City than in Ottawa. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Rapid City, and 2-3 days is enough time in Ottawa.

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

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

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

One day in Rapid City or Ottawa?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Rapid City. 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.

With museums and food around the cultural city of Ottawa, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Rapid City or Ottawa?

Rapid City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With food and shopping around the destination of Ottawa, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Rapid City or Ottawa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rapid City. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Ottawa, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Rapid City or Ottawa?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Rapid City. 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.

Ottawa is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.

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

Which is Bigger, Rapid City or Ottawa?

Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Rapid City. When comparing the sizes of Rapid City 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.