Affordable flights to Ottawa

As the national capital, this city sits at the confluence of the Ottawa River and the Rideau Canal; it is a major political and cultural centre.

Your journey into the heart of the city has a landscape defined by the copper-topped roofs of Parliament Hill and the stone walls of the ByWard Market. Art and history are preserved within the National Gallery of Canada and the Canadian Museum of Nature, which anchor the central districts.

The atmosphere in Ottawa balances the formality of a government seat with the relaxed pace of its many outdoor spaces. Visitors find a destination where seasonal festivals and a diverse culinary scene reflect a calm but deeply rooted civic identity.

High season in Ottawa

The arrival of the high season between May and August brings a surge of energy to the capital. After you land at Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, you will notice a city that lives outdoors, with temperatures often reaching 27°C. The streets are filled with people walking along the Rideau Canal or exploring the gardens of Parliament Hill. This period is defined by a bright, open atmosphere where the greenery of the parks provides a backdrop to a busy social calendar.

Culture takes centre stage during these warmer months as the city hosts numerous large-scale events. You can experience the Canadian Tulip Festival in the spring or join the massive crowds for Canada Day on 1 July. The pace of life is quick and celebratory, with outdoor markets and terrace dining becoming the norm. For those arriving by air, the view from above has a landscape of blue waterways and dense forest trails that are fully accessible for cycling and hiking throughout the summer.

Low season in Ottawa

When the low season arrives in December, the city undergoes a dramatic shift into a winter landscape. Temperatures frequently drop to -15°C, turning the Rideau Canal into the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink. The air is crisp and cold, creating a quiet, focused atmosphere that encourages people to gather in museums or cosy indoor spaces. Visitors arriving during this time see a city defined by snow-covered gothic architecture and the soft glow of winter lights.

Despite the cold, the social rhythm remains active through events like Winterlude in February. This festival celebrates the season with ice carvings and outdoor activities that embrace the sub-zero climate. Life moves at a steadier, more deliberate pace as residents swap bicycles for skates and skis. Landing in the city during these months has a starkly different perspective, where the frozen rivers and white-capped buildings create a still and peaceful environment.

Stepping off a flight at Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, you are met with a city that balances the energy of a national capital with a quiet, approachable charm. The short journey from the arrival gate leads into a landscape where historic stone architecture sits beside vast waterways, setting the stage for a trip defined by discovery.

Parliament Hill
The heart of the city's skyline is this gothic revival complex, where the Peace Tower is a landmark for all newcomers. You can walk the open grounds to see the Centennial Flame or watch the changing of the guards, an experience that captures the civic spirit of the capital.

ByWard Market
This historic district is one of the oldest public markets in the region and pulses with local life from dawn until late at night. It is a place to wander through stalls of fresh produce, browse artisan boutiques, and taste the famous local pastries that have become a culinary staple.

Rideau Canal
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this waterway winds through the city centre and transforms with the seasons. You can stroll or cycle along its banks in the warmer months, while winter turns the water into the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink.

National Gallery of Canada
Housed in a glass-and-granite masterpiece, this gallery is easily spotted by the giant bronze spider sculpture, Maman, standing outside. Inside, the collection tells the story of the land through indigenous and national art, providing a deep look into the cultural identity you encounter after landing.

Canadian Museum of History
Located just across the river, this museum has a flowing architectural design that mirrors the curves of the landscape. It has the world’s largest indoor collection of totem poles and offers a sweeping view of the city skyline back across the water.

Gatineau Park
Just a short distance from the urban core, this massive green space has hundreds of kilometres of trails and quiet lakes. It is the perfect spot to experience the wilderness that remains a core part of the local lifestyle.

Planning your next escape to Ottawa? To find the best flight deals for your journey, consider booking during the middle of the week when demand is lower and use the Opodo search tools to compare different airlines. Frequent travellers can also join Opodo Prime to access additional savings and benefits that make every flight towards the capital even more rewarding.