Should I Visit Montreal Or Ottawa For Tourism?

Montreal Vs Ottawa Tourism: Planning a trip to Canada and torn between the vibrant metropolis of Montreal and the stately capital city of Ottawa? SIXT.VN is here to help you make the best choice. We’ll explore everything each city has to offer, ensuring your Canadian adventure is unforgettable. Let’s dive into a comparison tailored for tourists seeking the best travel destination, sightseeing spots and vacation experiences in Canada.

1. Montreal vs Ottawa: Which City Is Right for You?

Deciding between Montreal and Ottawa for your Canadian vacation depends on your travel style and preferences. Montreal offers a bustling, cultural atmosphere with a vibrant arts scene, while Ottawa provides a more relaxed, historical experience with numerous national museums. This guide will help you make the right choice.

2. What Are the Key Differences and Similarities Between Montreal and Ottawa?

Montreal and Ottawa share some similarities but also have distinct characteristics. Both cities offer rich cultural experiences, historical sites, and family-friendly activities. However, Montreal is known for its lively nightlife and fashion scene, while Ottawa is renowned for its political history and green spaces.

2.1. Montreal

Montreal, Quebec’s largest city, boasts a unique blend of European charm and North American modernity. Its vibrant arts scene, diverse culinary offerings, and lively festivals make it a top destination for tourists. The city’s bilingual culture adds to its allure, offering a unique experience for visitors.

• Pros:
  • Vibrant arts and culture scene
  • Diverse culinary experiences
  • Lively nightlife
  • Unique bilingual culture
  • Numerous festivals and events
• Cons:
  • Can be more expensive than Ottawa
  • Larger city, which can be overwhelming
  • Traffic congestion

2.2. Ottawa

As Canada’s capital, Ottawa is a city steeped in history and political significance. Its well-preserved historical sites, national museums, and beautiful parks make it an ideal destination for those interested in Canadian heritage. The city offers a more relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere compared to Montreal.

• Pros:
  • Rich in history and political significance
  • Numerous national museums
  • Beautiful parks and green spaces
  • More relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere
  • Generally less expensive than Montreal
• Cons:
  • Less vibrant nightlife compared to Montreal
  • Fewer shopping options
  • Smaller city with fewer activities

3. What Are the Pros and Cons of Visiting Montreal?

Montreal offers a unique blend of cultural experiences, entertainment, and historical attractions, but it also has some drawbacks to consider. Here’s a detailed look at the pros and cons of visiting Montreal.

3.1. Pros of Visiting Montreal

• Popular Museums and Historical Sights: Montreal boasts world-class museums such as the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and historical sites like Notre-Dame Basilica, providing enriching experiences for history and culture enthusiasts.
• Active Nightlife: The city’s vibrant nightlife scene offers a wide range of options, from lively bars and clubs to live music venues, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
• Good Music Scene: Montreal is a hub for music lovers, with numerous venues hosting local and international artists, spanning various genres from indie to jazz.
• Scenic Old Town: Vieux-Montréal, with its cobblestone streets and historic buildings, offers a charming glimpse into the city’s past, making it perfect for leisurely strolls and exploration.
• Fun Shopping: From trendy boutiques to bustling markets, Montreal offers diverse shopping experiences, catering to various tastes and budgets.
• Family-Friendly: With attractions like the Montreal Science Centre and La Ronde amusement park, Montreal provides plenty of entertainment for families with children.
• Good for Couples and Romance: The city’s romantic ambiance, highlighted by scenic parks, cozy restaurants, and sunset river cruises, makes it an ideal destination for couples.
• Good for Backpackers and Budget Travelers: Montreal offers affordable accommodation options like hostels and budget-friendly eateries, making it accessible for backpackers and budget travelers.
• Good for Students: Renowned as a top student city in North America, Montreal boasts a vibrant student population, lively nightlife, and numerous educational opportunities.
• Big City Activities: Montreal’s status as a major metropolis ensures a wide array of activities and attractions, from cultural events to sporting competitions.

3.2. Cons of Visiting Montreal

• Higher Costs: Montreal can be more expensive compared to other Canadian cities, particularly in terms of accommodation and dining.
• Language Barrier: While Montreal is a bilingual city, French is the predominant language, which may pose a challenge for some tourists.
• Weather: Montreal experiences harsh winters with heavy snowfall, which may not be ideal for all travelers.
• Traffic Congestion: The city’s traffic can be heavy, especially during peak hours, making it challenging to get around by car.
• Construction: Montreal often has ongoing construction projects, which can disrupt transportation and pedestrian access.

4. What Are the Pros and Cons of Visiting Ottawa?

Ottawa, as the capital of Canada, offers a unique blend of historical significance and cultural attractions, but it also has some limitations. Let’s explore the pros and cons of visiting Ottawa.

4.1. Pros of Visiting Ottawa

• Popular Museums and Historical Sights: Ottawa is home to numerous national museums such as the Canadian Museum of History and the National Gallery of Canada, providing rich cultural and historical experiences.
• Family-Friendly: With attractions like the Canada Science and Technology Museum and the Ottawa Children’s Museum, Ottawa offers plenty of engaging activities for families with children.
• Good for Couples and Romance: The city’s scenic parks, romantic restaurants, and charming hotels make it an ideal destination for couples seeking a romantic getaway.
• Good for Backpackers and Budget Travelers: Ottawa offers affordable accommodation options and budget-friendly eateries, making it accessible for backpackers and budget travelers.
• Green Spaces: Ottawa boasts numerous parks and green spaces, providing opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation.
• Political and Historical Significance: As the capital of Canada, Ottawa offers a deep dive into the country’s political history and heritage.
• Clean and Safe: Ottawa is known for being a clean and safe city, providing a comfortable and secure environment for tourists.
• Walkable Downtown: The downtown area of Ottawa is easily walkable, allowing visitors to explore the city’s attractions on foot.
• Bilingual City: Ottawa is a bilingual city, with both English and French widely spoken, making it easier for international tourists to navigate.
• Festivals and Events: Ottawa hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, offering entertainment and cultural experiences for visitors.

4.2. Cons of Visiting Ottawa

• Less Popular for Nightlife: Ottawa’s nightlife scene is less vibrant compared to Montreal, with fewer options for bars and clubs.
• Less Popular for Shopping: The shopping options in Ottawa are more limited compared to Montreal, with fewer high-end boutiques and trendy stores.
• Less Popular for Students: Ottawa is not as renowned as a student city compared to Montreal, with fewer student-oriented activities and venues.
• Limited Public Transportation: While Ottawa has public transportation, it may not be as extensive or efficient as in other major cities.
• Weather: Ottawa experiences cold winters with heavy snowfall, which may not be ideal for all travelers.
• Quiet Atmosphere: Some visitors may find Ottawa’s atmosphere too quiet and lacking the vibrancy of larger cities.
• Limited Culinary Scene: The culinary scene in Ottawa is less diverse and innovative compared to Montreal.
• Distance from Other Major Cities: Ottawa is relatively isolated compared to other major Canadian cities, making it less convenient for multi-city trips.
• Fewer Cultural Attractions: While Ottawa has national museums, it may have fewer unique cultural attractions compared to Montreal.
• Government Town: Ottawa’s strong focus on government and politics may not appeal to all tourists seeking a more diverse experience.

5. How Do Montreal and Ottawa Compare in Terms of Museums and Historical Sights?

Both Montreal and Ottawa offer a wealth of museums and historical sites, but each city has its unique attractions. Montreal boasts iconic landmarks like Notre-Dame Basilica and St. Joseph’s Oratory, while Ottawa is home to national museums such as the Canadian Museum of History and the National Gallery of Canada.

5.1. Montreal’s Museums and Historical Sights

Montreal is a world-class destination for its museums and historical sites. The city is filled with world-class museums and historic sites such as Notre-Dame Basilica, St. Joseph’s Oratory, the Biosphere, and the Fine Arts Museum.

• Notre-Dame Basilica: A stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture, featuring intricate stained glass windows and ornate decorations.
• St. Joseph’s Oratory: One of the largest churches in the world, offering breathtaking views of Montreal from its dome.
• Montreal Museum of Fine Arts: Home to an extensive collection of Canadian and international art, spanning various periods and styles.
• Pointe-à-Callière, Montreal Archaeology and History Complex: An underground museum showcasing Montreal’s history from its earliest days.
• McCord Museum: Dedicated to preserving and celebrating Canadian history and culture through its vast collection of artifacts and documents.

5.2. Ottawa’s Museums and Historical Sights

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.

• Canadian Museum of History: Explore Canada’s rich history and cultural diversity through interactive exhibits and artifacts.
• National Gallery of Canada: Admire masterpieces of Canadian and international art, from historical paintings to contemporary installations.
• Canadian War Museum: Discover the stories and artifacts of Canada’s military history, from early conflicts to modern peacekeeping missions.
• Parliament Hill: Witness the iconic architecture of Canada’s Parliament Buildings and learn about the country’s political system.
• ByWard Market: Explore a historic marketplace offering local produce, crafts, and dining options.

6. How Do Montreal and Ottawa Compare in Terms of Food and Restaurants?

Both Montreal and Ottawa offer diverse culinary experiences, but Montreal is renowned for its vibrant food scene and unique local specialties. Montreal boasts a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are both local and international restaurants that serve up excellent dishes. Ottawa offers a number of good local restaurants to choose from.

6.1. Montreal’s Culinary Scene

Montreal has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are both local and international restaurants that serve up excellent dishes. Some of the local recipes that you should try include tourtiere (a meat pie), a smoked meat sandwich, and, of course, poutine.

• Poutine: A quintessential Quebec dish consisting of french fries, cheese curds, and gravy.
• Smoked Meat Sandwich: Thinly sliced smoked meat piled high on rye bread with mustard.
• Montreal Bagel: A unique bagel variety, sweeter and denser than its New York counterpart, often baked in a wood-fired oven.
• Tourtière: A savory meat pie, typically made with pork or beef and spices.
• Schwartz’s Deli: A legendary deli serving up some of the best smoked meat sandwiches in Montreal.

6.2. Ottawa’s Culinary Scene

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.

• BeaverTails: A fried dough pastry topped with various sweet toppings, such as cinnamon and sugar or chocolate and bananas.
• Shawarma: Middle Eastern-style meat cooked on a spit and served in a wrap with vegetables and sauces.
• Poutine: Similar to Montreal, Ottawa offers its own versions of this classic Quebec dish.
• Maple Syrup Products: Indulge in maple syrup candies, cookies, and other treats made with locally sourced maple syrup.
• ByWard Market Restaurants: Explore a variety of restaurants in the ByWard Market, offering cuisines from around the world.

7. What Are the Nightlife Options in Montreal vs. Ottawa?

Montreal is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Ottawa is lacking in good options for nightlife. People head to Montreal just to party. The city’s nightlife scene is centered around its live music scene, which is excellent. There are also many bars and clubs, as well as a young population that keep evenings lively. Ottawa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around.

7.1. Montreal’s Nightlife

Montreal’s nightlife is legendary, offering a diverse range of options for every taste. The city’s nightlife scene is centered around its live music scene, which is excellent. There are also many bars and clubs, as well as a young population that keep evenings lively.

• Live Music Venues: Catch performances by local and international artists at venues like the Montreal Jazz Festival and the Osheaga Music and Arts Festival.
• Trendy Bars: Explore stylish bars and lounges in neighborhoods like Old Montreal and Mile End, offering creative cocktails and sophisticated ambiance.
• Dance Clubs: Dance the night away at high-energy clubs featuring DJs spinning the latest hits.
• Comedy Clubs: Enjoy a night of laughter at comedy clubs showcasing local and international comedians.
• Pubs: Relax and unwind at cozy pubs serving up craft beers and classic pub fare.

7.2. Ottawa’s Nightlife

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.

• ByWard Market: Explore bars and pubs in the ByWard Market, offering a mix of casual and upscale options.
• Live Music Venues: Catch performances by local bands at venues like the Ottawa Bluesfest and the TD Ottawa Jazz Festival.
• Irish Pubs: Enjoy traditional Irish music and drinks at cozy pubs like Heart & Crown and D’Arcy McGee’s.
• Wine Bars: Relax and unwind at wine bars offering a selection of local and international wines.
• Craft Breweries: Sample craft beers at local breweries and pubs, such as Beyond the Pale Brewing Company and Tooth and Nail Brewing Company.

8. Is Montreal or Ottawa Better for Music Lovers?

Montreal is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Ottawa is not a live music destination. Montreal has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The music scene is thriving and world class. One of the most unique aspects of the city’s music scene is its impromptu nature. You’ll find many talented street performers and you’ll likely stumble into many high quality performers. There’s also a great indie scene as well as hip hop, classical, jazz, and heavy metal at the many live music venues.

8.1. Montreal’s Music Scene

Montreal has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The music scene is thriving and world class. One of the most unique aspects of the city’s music scene is its impromptu nature. You’ll find many talented street performers and you’ll likely stumble into many high quality performers. There’s also a great indie scene as well as hip hop, classical, jazz, and heavy metal at the many live music venues.

• Montreal Jazz Festival: One of the largest jazz festivals in the world, featuring performances by renowned jazz musicians.
• Osheaga Music and Arts Festival: A multi-day music festival showcasing a diverse lineup of indie, rock, and electronic artists.
• Pop Montreal: An annual music festival celebrating independent music and art.
• Numerous Live Music Venues: Explore a variety of venues hosting local and international artists, spanning various genres from indie to jazz.
• Street Performers: Discover talented street performers showcasing their music in public spaces throughout the city.

8.2. Ottawa’s Music Scene

Ottawa is not a live music destination. While Ottawa has some live music venues and festivals, it does not have the same level of recognition or diversity as Montreal’s music scene.

• Ottawa Bluesfest: An annual music festival featuring blues, rock, and pop artists.
• TD Ottawa Jazz Festival: A jazz festival showcasing local and international jazz musicians.
• Live Music Venues: Explore a few venues hosting local bands and artists, primarily in the ByWard Market and downtown area.
• National Arts Centre: Catch performances by classical musicians and orchestras at the National Arts Centre.
• Local Pubs: Enjoy live music performances at local pubs and bars, primarily featuring local artists.

9. How Do the Old Towns Compare Between Montreal and Ottawa?

Montreal is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Ottawa does not have a historic old town. Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Montreal. Vieux-Montreal is the historic part of the city, and it’s filled with cobblestone streets and historic buildings. This is also where you’ll find the Old Port, which has a waterfront promenade.

9.1. Montreal’s Old Town (Vieux-Montréal)

Montreal is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Ottawa does not have a historic old town. Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Montreal. Vieux-Montreal is the historic part of the city, and it’s filled with cobblestone streets and historic buildings. This is also where you’ll find the Old Port, which has a waterfront promenade.

• Cobblestone Streets: Stroll along the charming cobblestone streets lined with historic buildings and boutiques.
• Historic Architecture: Admire the well-preserved architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries, reflecting the city’s French colonial past.
• Old Port: Explore the Old Port, offering waterfront promenades, recreational activities, and stunning views of the St. Lawrence River.
• Place Jacques-Cartier: A vibrant square filled with street performers, artists, and vendors, offering a lively atmosphere.
• Notre-Dame Basilica: Visit the iconic Notre-Dame Basilica, a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture.

9.2. Ottawa’s Lack of an Old Town

Ottawa does not have a historic old town. While Ottawa has historic buildings and landmarks, it does not have a distinct “old town” area with the same charm and character as Montreal’s Vieux-Montréal.

10. Which City Offers Better Shopping: Montreal or Ottawa?

Montreal 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 Montreal specifically to go shopping. It’s known for its fashion scene and there are many independent and local vendors around town. Ottawa is a great destination for shopping. You’ll find large malls, outlets, and shopping streets that are fun to browse.

10.1. Montreal’s Shopping Scene

Many people travel to Montreal specifically to go shopping. It’s known for its fashion scene and there are many independent and local vendors around town. Bonsecours Market is both historic and fascinating, but also make sure you check out Mont-Royal Avenue, which is the main shopping and dining street in town.

• Sainte-Catherine Street: Montreal’s main shopping street, offering a mix of department stores, boutiques, and restaurants.
• Underground City: Explore a network of underground tunnels connecting shops, restaurants, and metro stations, providing a unique shopping experience.
• Mile End: Discover trendy boutiques and independent shops in the Mile End neighborhood, known for its fashion-forward offerings.
• Jean-Talon Market: Explore a bustling farmers market offering local produce, artisanal products, and culinary delights.
• Bonsecours Market: A historic marketplace offering local crafts, souvenirs, and dining options.

10.2. Ottawa’s Shopping Scene

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.

• ByWard Market: Explore a historic marketplace offering local crafts, souvenirs, and dining options.
• CF Rideau Centre: A large shopping mall located in downtown Ottawa, offering a mix of department stores, boutiques, and restaurants.
• Sparks Street: A pedestrian-only street lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes, offering a relaxed shopping experience.
• Westboro: Discover trendy boutiques and independent shops in the Westboro neighborhood, known for its fashion-forward offerings.
• Bayshore Shopping Centre: A large shopping mall located in the west end of Ottawa, offering a mix of department stores, boutiques, and restaurants.

11. Which City Is More Family-Friendly: Montreal or Ottawa?

Montreal 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 Montreal. You’ll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ottawa.

11.1. Montreal’s Family-Friendly Attractions

You’ll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Montreal. Kids and teens will love the many science museums, parks and gardens, and the nearby La Ronde Amusement Park. If your kids are music lovers, there are many talented street performers in the city that will entertain the young and old alike.

• Montreal Science Centre: An interactive science museum offering engaging exhibits and IMAX films for all ages.
• Montreal Biodome: Explore diverse ecosystems and animal habitats in this unique indoor nature center.
• La Ronde Amusement Park: Enjoy thrilling rides and attractions at this Six Flags amusement park.
• Montreal Botanical Garden: Discover beautiful gardens and greenhouses, offering a peaceful escape from the city.
• Montreal Insectarium: Learn about the fascinating world of insects at this unique museum.

11.2. Ottawa’s Family-Friendly Attractions

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.

• Canada Science and Technology Museum: An interactive museum exploring the history of science and technology in Canada.
• Canadian Museum of Nature: Discover exhibits on dinosaurs, mammals, and other natural wonders.
• Canada Aviation and Space Museum: Explore the history of aviation and space exploration in Canada.
• Parliament Hill: Take a tour of Canada’s Parliament Buildings and learn about the country’s political system.
• Calypso Water Park: Enjoy thrilling water slides and attractions at this water park located near Ottawa.

12. Which City Is Better for Couples: Montreal or Ottawa?

Montreal is a very popular place for couples. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance. Montreal makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is filled with romance, from the world class music scene to the romantic restaurants and sunset river cruises. Ottawa is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with parks and green spaces where you can enjoy flowers or peaceful walks.

12.1. Romantic Activities in Montreal

Montreal makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is filled with romance, from the world class music scene to the romantic restaurants and sunset river cruises. If you’re in town during the fall months, check out the Botanical Gardens, which come to life with the annual Gardens of Light.

• Sunset River Cruises: Enjoy a romantic sunset cruise on the St. Lawrence River, offering stunning views of the city skyline.
• Romantic Restaurants: Dine at cozy restaurants offering gourmet cuisine and intimate ambiance in neighborhoods like Old Montreal and Mile End.
• Montreal Botanical Garden: Stroll through beautiful gardens and greenhouses, offering a peaceful escape from the city.
• Mount Royal Park: Hike to the top of Mount Royal for panoramic views of the city skyline.
• Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides: Take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through the streets of Old Montreal.

12.2. Romantic Activities in Ottawa

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.

• Commissioners Park: Stroll through Commissioners Park, known for its beautiful tulip displays in the spring.
• Dow’s Lake: Enjoy ice skating in the winter or kayaking in the summer on Dow’s Lake.
• Romantic Restaurants: Dine at cozy restaurants offering gourmet cuisine and intimate ambiance in the ByWard Market and downtown area.
• Gatineau Park: Hike or bike through Gatineau Park, offering scenic trails and stunning views of the Ottawa River.
• National Arts Centre: Catch a performance by the National Arts Centre Orchestra or a theatrical production.

13. Which City Is Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers: Montreal or Ottawa?

For backpackers, both Montreal and Ottawa are nice places to visit. Montreal is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There’s a decent number of hostels as well as a great nightlife scene and plenty of younger visitors looking to meet other travelers. It’s common for backpackers to visit Ottawa. Although the city is often overlooked by tourists, there are a surprising number of hostels around town.

13.1. Budget-Friendly Options in Montreal

Montreal is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There’s a decent number of hostels as well as a great nightlife scene and plenty of younger visitors looking to meet other travelers.

• Hostels: Stay at affordable hostels offering dorm-style accommodation and social atmosphere.
• Budget-Friendly Eateries: Explore local eateries and food trucks offering affordable meals and snacks.
• Free Activities: Take advantage of free activities like walking tours, parks, and public art installations.
• Public Transportation: Use Montreal’s efficient public transportation system to get around the city on a budget.
• Free Events: Attend free events and festivals throughout the year, offering entertainment and cultural experiences.

13.2. Budget-Friendly Options in Ottawa

It’s common for backpackers to visit Ottawa. Although the city is often overlooked by tourists, there are a surprising number of hostels around town.

• Hostels: Stay at affordable hostels offering dorm-style accommodation and social atmosphere.
• Budget-Friendly Eateries: Explore local eateries and food trucks offering affordable meals and snacks.
• Free Activities: Take advantage of free activities like walking tours, parks, and public art installations.
• Public Transportation: Use Ottawa’s public transportation system to get around the city on a budget.
• Free Museums: Visit national museums offering free admission on certain days or evenings.

14. Which City Is Better for Students: Montreal or Ottawa?

Montreal is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students. Many students frequent Montreal. It’s regularly ranked as one of the top cities in North America for students. There are many students around town, a great nightlife scene, and plenty of opportunities to receive a world-class education. Ottawa is popular with students. It appeals to international and Canadian students alike.

14.1. Student Life in Montreal

Many students frequent Montreal. It’s regularly ranked as one of the top cities in North America for students. There are many students around town, a great nightlife scene, and plenty of opportunities to receive a world-class education.

• Top Universities: Attend renowned universities such as McGill University and Université de Montréal.
• Vibrant Nightlife: Enjoy a lively nightlife scene with numerous bars, clubs, and live music venues catering to students.
• Affordable Accommodation: Find affordable accommodation options near university campuses.
• Student Discounts: Take advantage of student discounts at museums, attractions, and restaurants.
• Cultural Events: Attend cultural events and festivals throughout the year, offering entertainment and social opportunities.

14.2. Student Life in Ottawa

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

• Top Universities: Attend reputable universities such as the University of Ottawa and Carleton University.
• Student-Friendly Atmosphere: Enjoy a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere with numerous student-oriented activities and events.
• Affordable Accommodation: Find affordable accommodation options near university campuses.
• Student Discounts: Take advantage of student discounts at museums, attractions, and restaurants.
• Cultural Events: Attend cultural events and festivals throughout the year, offering entertainment and social opportunities.

15. How Easy Is It to Get Around in Montreal vs. Ottawa?

Montreal is a very popular place for times when you don’t have a car. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit. The public transit in Montreal can get you to most places easily. You’ll find some public transit in Ottawa, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere.

15.1. Public Transportation in Montreal

The public transit in Montreal can get you to most places easily. There’s an efficient and reliable metro and bus system.

• Metro System: Use Montreal’s extensive metro system to quickly and easily get around the city.
• Bus Network: Take advantage of the city’s bus network to reach destinations not served by the metro.
• BIXI Bike Sharing: Rent a BIXI bike to explore the city’s bike-friendly streets and paths.
• Walking: Explore the city’s walkable neighborhoods and attractions on foot.
• Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Use taxis and ride-sharing services to get around the city, especially during late hours.

15.2. Public Transportation in Ottawa

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.

• OC Transpo: Use Ottawa’s public transportation system, OC Transpo, to get around the city.
• Light Rail Transit (LRT): Take advantage of the city’s light rail system, the O-Train, to travel between key destinations.
• Bus Network: Use the city’s bus network to reach destinations not served by the LRT.
• Walking: Explore the city’s walkable neighborhoods and attractions on foot.
• Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Use taxis and ride-sharing services to get around the city, especially during late hours.

16. How Walkable Are Montreal and Ottawa?

Montreal is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability. Montreal is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable, particularly in the areas that are popular with tourists. Ottawa is somewhat walkable. Many of the urban neighborhoods are very walkable.

16.1. Walkability in Montreal

Montreal is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable, particularly in the areas that are popular with tourists.

• Old Montreal: Explore the historic streets and attractions of Old Montreal on foot.
• Downtown: Discover the shops, restaurants, and attractions of downtown Montreal on foot.
• Mile End: Explore the trendy boutiques and cafes of the Mile End neighborhood on foot.
• Mount Royal Park: Hike to the top of Mount Royal Park for panoramic views of the city skyline.
• Lachine Canal: Stroll or bike along the scenic Lachine Canal path.

16.2. Walkability in Ottawa

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

• Downtown: Explore the shops, restaurants, and attractions of downtown Ottawa on foot.
• ByWard Market: Discover the historic marketplace and surrounding streets on foot.
• Parliament Hill: Walk around Parliament Hill and admire the iconic architecture.
• Rideau Canal: Stroll along the scenic Rideau Canal path.
• Glebe: Explore the trendy boutiques and cafes of the Glebe neighborhood on foot.

17. How Long Should You Spend in Montreal vs. Ottawa?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Montreal and Ottawa. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Montreal than in Ottawa. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Montreal, and 2-3 days is enough time in Ottawa.

17.1. Ideal Length of Stay in Montreal

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Montreal and Ottawa. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Montreal than in Ottawa.

• 3-5 Days: A good amount of time to explore Montreal’s main attractions, cultural sites, and culinary scene.
• One Day: A quick visit to Montreal can provide a taste of the city’s charm, but it may not be enough time to see everything.
• Weekend: A weekend in Montreal is a great way to experience the city’s nightlife, shopping, and cultural events.
• Five Days: With five days in Montreal, you can explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods, museums, and parks at a leisurely pace.
• One Week: One week in Montreal allows you to delve deeper into the city’s culture, cuisine, and history, with opportunities for day trips to nearby attractions.

17.2. Ideal Length of Stay in Ottawa

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Montreal and Ottawa. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Montreal than in Ottawa.

• 2-3 Days: A good amount of time to explore Ottawa’s main attractions, national museums, and historical sites.
• One Day: A quick visit to Ottawa can provide a taste of the city’s political history and cultural attractions.
• Weekend: A weekend in Ottawa is a great way to experience the city’s museums, parks, and outdoor activities.
• Five Days: With five days in Ottawa, you can explore the city’s surrounding natural areas, such as Gatineau Park.
• One Week: One week in Ottawa allows you to delve deeper into the city’s history, culture, and natural beauty, with opportunities for day trips to nearby towns and attractions.

18. Which City Is Cheaper to Visit: Montreal or Ottawa?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montreal and Ottawa, we can see that Montreal is more expensive. And not only is Ottawa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination.

18.1. Average Daily Cost

• Montreal: $233 per person, per day
• Ottawa: $133 per person, per day

The average daily cost (per person) in Montreal is $233, while the average daily cost in Ottawa is $133. These costs include accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment.

18.2. Accommodation Costs

• Montreal: $130 (hotel or hostel for one person), $260 (typical double-occupancy room)
• Ottawa: $18 (hotel or hostel for one person), $36 (typical double-occupancy room)

18.3. Local Transportation Costs

• Montreal: $20
• Ottawa: $7.15