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The newly renovated and expanded Macdonald-Cartier [url=http://airticket-s.com/canada-flights.php]International Airport[/url] [url=http://ottawa-airport.ca]] is Ottawa's main airport with regular arrivals and departures from most major Canadian and many American cities. Services outside North America, however, are limited to a daily flight to [[London[/url]] Heathrow and a daily flight to [wiki=4312d5c8cdda027420c474e2221abc34]Frankfurt[/wiki] with Air Canada, plus seasonal service to London Gatwick. Air France, KLM, and Swiss International Airlines provide shuttle bus service between Ottawa and Montreal that facilitate connections with their flights operated from Trudeau International Airport. This trip takes about two hours. Via Rail also operates a shuttle bus from the Dorval train station to nearby Trudeau International Airport. This free shuttle service allows one to travel from Ottawa to Dorval (a suburb of Montreal) by rail, and then transfer directly to the airport on a dedicated on-demand bus.
Macdonald-Cartier is easily reached by public transit or taxi and most of the major car rental agencies have a presence at the airport terminal in the parking garage. A taxi to downtown hotels should cost between $20. and $30., while a taxi to nearby hotels should not cost more than $10.. YOW Airporter [url=http://yowshuttle.com/]]operates a mini-bus shuttle to most downtown [url=http://www.monterey.ca/]Ottawa hotels[/url[/url] for $14 one-way and $24 return.
To reach downtown via public transit, take the #97 bus (the only bus at the airport) and get out at the Mackenzie King transitway stop (14 stops away) at the Rideau Centre shopping mall. If you take this route before 6:00AM, you will likely follow the more meandering early morning route but will still get to Mackenzie King. To get to the train station, you still take the #97 bus but get out at Hurdman station (10 stops away) and transfer to the #95 eastbound bus to the next stop which is the train station. The bus fare is $3.30 ($2.60 with pre-purchased tickets) which gives you 1.5 hours of unlimited bus travel or $7.50 for an all-day pass. Exact change is required, Remember to ask the bus driver for a transfer even if you do not intend on transferring to another bus--OC Transpo security personnel may get on the bus at any given stop and ask passengers for proof of payment. You will be required to show your transfer or else you will be fined. It doesn't happen often, but when it does, it can be embarrassing and expensive.
There is a Voyageur/Greyhound [url=http://greyhound.ca]]terminal in Ottawa with regular service to [[Montreal[/url]] (departure on the hour from 6 a.m. to midnight), [wiki=948ce72be6c871b84f6d0dab24f209ed]Toronto[/wiki] and all other cities in North America. The bus terminal is downtown on the corner of Catherine Street and Kent Street, between Bronson Avenue and Bank Street. Though the bus terminal is downtown, a 15-20 minute walk will get you to most hotels and downtown attractions. Alternatively, a 5-10 minute local bus ride will do the same. (Bus #4, with its stop around the corner from the terminal on Kent Street, is the bus that you will want to take.)
Greyhound busses coming from Montreal also usually make an intermediary "University of Ottawa" stop (actually at Laurier Station near the corner of Laurier Avenue East and Waller Street) and stop before going to the Catherine Street terminal. This stop is closer walking distance to the Byward Market, the Rideau Canal, and Parliament Hill, and is a more central city transit hub. It may be necessary to request the stop with the driver.
A taxi to most downtown hotels should cost between $8 and $15, and buses are $3.30 one-way ($2.60 with pre-purchased tickets) or $7.50 (purchased only on the bus) for an all-day pass.
Passenger train service is run by VIA Rail [url=http://viarail.ca/]]in Canada and the main train station in Ottawa, Ottawa Station [url=http://viarail.ca/cgi-bin/genericXSLT?xml=OTTW.xml&xsl=en_station.xsl[/url],]is less than ten minutes from downtown by car, taxi or bus. There are six trains daily leaving for Montreal and intermediate points, with five trains daily to Toronto and points in between. Service is reduced on Saturday, Sundays and holidays.
Ottawa has two train stations, the Ottawa Station near downtown, and a secondary station, Fallowfield Station [url=http://viarail.ca/cgi-bin/genericXSLT?xml=FALL.xml&xsl=en_station.xsl[/url],]in the western suburb of Barrhaven, convenient for Nepean and Kanata points. All trains to Toronto stop at Fallowfield; two of the six weekday trains to Montreal originate or terminate at Fallowfield.
Ottawa Station is on a high frequency bus route (#94 or #95) and takes only 5 minutes to get you downtown, heading west. Fallowfield station is also on the #94' and #95 bus route but at the far south-west end.
It is possible to get downtown from the main train station on foot, although it requires a bit of navigation. This path should not be taken alone after dark and may be flooded after periods of intense rain or snow melting. Have a street map with you so you can locate yourself once you have reached [[:wikipedia:Strathcona Park (Ottawa)|Strathcona Park[/url]]. The station to Strathcona Park takes about half an hour (2.5km). Another half hour from the Park to downtown. A map is available online [http://stepwhere.com/maps/route/Pedestrain-route-from-Ottawa-train-station-to-downtown].
#On exiting the station, walk along the west (left-hand) arm of the vehicle loop and across the Transitway bridge.
#Before reaching Tremblay Road, take the bike path to your left going west.
#The path will take you along the bus lanes and will pass over Riverside Drive.
#You will merge with a path coming up from Riverside Drive; continue walking west, away from the street.
#Shortly after that, you will come to a fork; go right (north) and continue until you see a pedestrian bridge on your left.
#Take the pedestrian bridge over the Rideau River.
#Immediately after the pedestrian bridge, turn right towards the north.
#Take the paved bike path, go under the highway bridge and keep following the Rideau River northward for about 1 km.
#Once you reach the end of of the path, you are in Strathcona Park.
#Use a street map or an on-line map service to find your way from Strathcona Park to your downtown destination; at the north end of the park is Laurier Avenue, a major east-west street; parallel to it and several blocks north is Rideau Street.
The city is also accessible via the [wiki=b9dfd9a832e3747c54f3ae43bf9d444c]Rideau Canal[/wiki], now recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site [url=http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1221/],]and which runs from the St. Lawrence River at [[Kingston (Ontario)|Kingston[/url]] to the Ottawa River at Ottawa where it empties via a series of locks. It is possible to dock at Dow's Lake Pavilion and at points along the Rideau Canal and Ottawa River near downtown.
By car, Ottawa is about a 4.5 hour trip from Toronto via the 401 and 416 highways, or via highway 7. Montreal is 2 hours away via highway 417. The American border at Ogdensburg, NY is only 1 hour 15 minutes away to the south, and the border at I-81 is a little further west at an additional 15 minutes' drive.
The city's public transit is run by OC Transpo [url=http://octranspo.com/]]and includes the bus service as well as the O-Train light rail system. The network includes the Transitway, a bus rapid transit system running through and out of downtown, with frequent service (on the order of 1 to 2 minutes, depending on your stop and final destination, at rush hour).
The bus fare for regular routes is $3.30 or two tickets. Tickets cost $1.30 each and are available from local stores in sheets of six (but some stores will sell smaller numbers at a time). Children 6 to 11 years of age require only one ticket. Upon boarding, make sure that you are given a transfer, which allows you to ride any number of buses or trains until its expiry (in roughly 1.5 hours). The transfer is also your proof of payment in case fare enforcers board the bus to check that passengers have paid. A day pass can be purchased on any bus for $7.75 and is good for both buses and the train. On Sundays, families (up to two adults and four children, age 11 and under) can share a day pass.
The O-Train operates on a "Proof of Payment" (POP) system. Valid proof of payment is a bus transfer (see above), or an O-Train ticket purchased from the automated vending machines for $2.75. Note that the vending machine does not accept bus tickets, nor are bus tickets acceptable proof of payment. Children 11 and under can ride the O-Train for free. Articulated buses (the long ones) use this same POP system as well, where rear boarding is available to pass holders.
Although the downtown is very walkable, if you are within the downtown area (Lebreton station to Campus station), you can take any bus going east-west. If you are going to the ByWard Market from the Transitway (#95, #96, #97, #85, #86, #87), get off at Rideau Centre and walk through the mall to the other end. To go North-South, take the #4 (to Catherine Street, edge of Centretown), the #7 (edge of Old Ottawa South) or the #1 (all the way down Bank Street to Ottawa South).
The Ottawa Transitway (dedicated roads on which only buses are allowed) offers speedy travel to outlying areas, where you can then transfer over to local buses, if walking is not an option. However, as of 2015, construction of Ottawa's [url=http://www.ligneconfederationline.ca/]planned light-rail line[/url[/url] has disrupted service on some major routes and stations. Check the OC Transpo website for updates.
Taxis are easy to find downtown; elsewhere, phone for a cab. All taxis should have a meter and the base charge is $2.45. A ride from downtown to the airport will be costly, running between $25 and C$35. Cabs will not take credit cards for fares below $10. Most cab drivers know Ottawa well, but have clear instructions if you're going anywhere in the suburbs as many developments in the outskirts are relatively new. Ottawa cabs aren't supposed to pick up customers off the street on the Quebec side; the converse applies to Quebec cabs in Ottawa. You may phone a Quebec cab if you are in Ottawa and vice versa.
Parking at most attractions is convenient, though on-street parking in downtown areas is sometimes at a premium. If you are driving to downtown on the weekend, parking is free in the garage at the World Exchange Plaza. There are entrances to the garage on both Metcalfe Street and Queen Street. A map is useful if you are going to be driving around downtown as many of the streets are one-way and more than one visitor has complained about navigating the downtown core.
Most major car rental companies have several offices in Ottawa with all of them represented downtown and at the airport.
Ottawa is a great city to explore on foot. With pedestrian-friendly streets and the density of attractions, a car is expensive and unnecessary for the most part. An excellent place to start any tour of Ottawa is the Capital Information Kiosk, located at 111 Albert Street in the World Exchange Plaza. They have maps and brochures for most tourist attractions in Ottawa, many of which are within walking distance.
Popular pedestrian areas, especially during spring and summer months, are the various streets in the ByWard Market. Sparks Street, running through downtown parallel to the Parliament Buildings, is a popular pedestrian area during the day and night, particularly in the spring and summer months.
Guided walking tours are available with Ottawa Walking Tours [url=http://ottawawalkingtours.com]and]others such as Around About Ottawa [url=http://aroundaboutottawa.com[/url].]There is so much to see and do in the Nation's Capital that a tour guide will maximize a visitor's time and experience in this beautiful city. All tours include some history as well as other tidbits of trivia not commonly known. Especially popular is the Haunted Walk of Ottawa[http://hauntedwalk.com[/url] that provides a variety of walking tours focusing on the city's darker and more offbeat past.
Remember, Ottawa is a city with a truly continental climate. In winter, exposed skin can freeze in minutes or less, so layer up on the clothing and protect yourself by wearing a hat (toque or hunters cap), gloves and boots. Despite being closer to the North Pole than the equator,
summer temperature and humidity can be oppressively high, so bring water if you're doing any amount of walking or cycling. If you are on the public pathways near the canal or the river, there are drinking fountains to refill your bottles. Also, don't forget the mosquito repellent.
There are usually a few options for renting bicycles downtown [url=http://bikedump.com/],]and of course you can always bring your own. Ottawa is very accessible to cyclists. Again, you may want to start immediately opposite Parliament Hill to pick up a map of the area or find a bicycle rental. Cycling to the attractions around downtown Ottawa is a great way to get around, but don't ignore the Gatineau side of the river. They have several attractions along the river including the Museum of Civilization and if you want to really stretch your legs, Gatineau Park has many great cycling paths.
The city is criss-crossed by over 170km of bicycle paths, some of which are shared with motorists, and some are shared with pedestrians. The city provides Interactive Pathways and Other Maps [http://canadascapital.ca/bins/ncc_web_content_page.asp?cid=16297-16299-9970&lang=1[/url]. In addition, the city closes 50 km of roadways to cars every Sunday during the summer from Victoria Day to Labour Day allowing for cycling, in-line skating and walking on these roadways. The participating roads in Ottawa are: Sir John A MacDonald Parkway (along the Ottawa River), Colonel By Drive (along the Rideau Canal), and Rockcliffe Parkway. The other participating roadways are in Gatineau Park: Gatineau Parkway, Champlain Parkway, and Fortune Lake Parkway.
OC Transpo has bicycle racks on the front of many buses. You can load your bike on the rack and then ride the bus for the normal passenger fare. The O-Train will take bikes as well.
Ottawa probably has more shawarma (kebab and fixings in pita bread) restaurants than any other place on Earth and most of them will serve up a great shawarma for around $5. Their busy times are typically weekdays at lunch-hour, and on weekends after the bars close. The Market and Elgin St. both have several restaurants to choose from - the best in Ottawa being Maroush Lebanese food - known locally as "the Shawarma nazi", which has a place on Elgin street and one on Rideau street just outside the ByWard market. The usual range of diners, bagel shops and fast food restaurants can be found in shopping areas throughout the city.
You will also find "chip wagons" or "chip trucks" parked in various locations around the city at lunch time. They serve hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages, pogos (deep fried, breaded hot dogs on a stick), chips (french fries) and poutine (french fries covered with cheddar cheese curd and gravy - very popular in Quebec and eastern Ontario). In the summer month, upscale food trucks make an appearance as well, following the craze in other North American cities.
*3 Brothers, 160 Rideau (Byward Market) For a local fast-food chain, the food is surprisingly good, if you don't mind a limited menu: poutine or shawarma, take your pick.
*Ahora, 307 Dalhousie (Byward Market). A good little Mexican canteen. It serves up mains, zippy margaritas, and drinks imported from Mexico.
* La Bottega Nicastro, 64 George Street (Byward Market). A fantastic little Italian specialty market, La Bottega also features the best $5 sandwiches the city knows, featuring amazing bread (esp. the focaccia) usually baked on the premises. The sit-down lunch kitchen is also well worth a visit.
* Co Cham, 780 Somerset St West (Chinatown). Their inexpensive bánh mì (Vietnamese submarine sandwiches) are sure to please even the most thrifty eater. My Hang (just down the street at 788 Somerset St W) is another great choice for bánh mì. Both serve phở (noodle soup) as well.
* DiRienzo's Deli, 111 Beech Street (just west of Preston Street). This little deli tucked away in Little Italy, a secret known to many locals, is famous for the best and freshest deli sandwiches in the city for $6 (taxes included). During the week the lineup can stretch outside the packed little store, but they are arguably the fastest sandwich makers anywhere so don't worry about a long wait. There is also another newer location run by the family at Meadowlands Drive and Fisher Avenue.
* Elgin Street Diner, 374 Elgin Street (downtown). A popular 24-hour diner. One of its specialties is the ESD (Elgin Street Diner) Poutine (though true Quebecers should probably abstain). Generally, poutine is French fries, served with cheese curds and gravy on top; they have several versions including the addition of caramelized onions and bacon, Montreal smoked meat, Philly steak, a four cheese blend or Chili. The substitution of mashed potatoes fried with onions and seasoning (called their home fries), or onion rings instead of regular French fries is also an option. Expect the adventure to set you back $6-8 depending on toppings. The diner's hamburgers/cheeseburgers are significantly better than typical fast food fare, and breakfast is served 24/7 365 days a year with no exception.
* Habesha, 574 Rideau St (Charlotte and Rideau, east of the Byward Market). Serves a variety of Ethiopian food, including platters for 2 or 3 people. Licensed.
* The Horn of Africa, 364 Rideau Street (Rideau and King Edward, east of the Byward Market). Serves reasonably priced and tasty Ethiopian food. A platter for two sampling various vegetable and meat dishes will run you around $20. They are also licensed to serve liquor.
*Rangoon, 114 Gloucester (Centretown, near O'Connor). Family-run Burmese restaurant, with lunch specials for around $10. Try the mohinga, a fish noodle soup, or one the chicken or eggplant curry. Hard to beat for something a little bit different, delicious and cheap!
* Rose's Cafe, (in the Market and one on Gladstone). Indian.
* Shanghai, 651 Somerset (Chinatown). A local favourite since 1971. Handed down through a local family since the beginning, it boasts drag-queen karaoke on Saturday nights, frequent vernissages for Ottawa's up-and-coming artists, and some of the best Asian cuisine in town.
* Zak's [http://zaksdiner.com/], 14 Byward Market Square (Byward Market). A 24-hour diner in the ByWard Market, has Ottawa's best milkskahes. They're really good, made with ice-cream, and for the $5.50 they cost you get a large glass full plus the shaker with what didn't fit in the glass. Other dishes are quite good, with a "more calories for your money" attitude (as illustrated by the massive amount of milkshake served), which is nicely honest about fast food; however it may seem a bit expensive as some of the burgers are in excess of $12. Late on week-end nights (2 - 3AM) it's packed as people go for their after-bar poutine.
Major restaurant areas can be found on Elgin Street, on Bank Street in Centretown, on Bank Street in the Glebe, in Westboro and in the Byward Market, with entrees ranging from $12-$25. Similar restaurants can be found in major suburban shopping areas too.
* Bite, 108 Murray St (Byward market). Burgers, but good ones. Entrees $11-15.
* The Buzz, 374 Bank Street (downtown). A favourite for those looking for a meal in a little bar with great ambience and attractive people. Great mixed drinks.
* da Sergio 338 Preston Street, is an owner operated authentic Italian Bistro with attention to detail in its appetizers, pasta, sauces and secondi. Calamari are fresh and melt-in-your-mouth, and the Carpaccio served simply with capers, olive oil and parmesan curls. They have a large patio with shade making it a good spot for a sunny summer afternoon or evening.
* East India Company (Somerset, between Metcalfe and Elgin).
* El Camino, 380 Elgin St (Elgin) Excellent Mexican fusion food. Take-out available (tacos only) or eat-in. Tacos $4-6, entrees $15-$20, prices pretty good considering the quantity.
* The Empire Grill, Clarence St, [url=http://empiregrill.com/].]Has a great patio in the summer and delicious food year-round. Expect to pay about $25+ for an entree.
* Johnny Farina's, Elgin St, [url=http://johnnyfarina.com/[/url].]
* The French Baker, 19 Murray St (Byward Market). Ottawa's best croissants. In the back is Benny's Bistro which offers a great constantly-evolving breakfast menu, but at prices higher than your typical greasy spoon.
* Mello's, Murray Street. (Byward Market) Good diner, has gone somewhat upscale since its greasy spoon days (RIP Leila), but still boasts lots of local colour. Good for breakfast after a night of drinking. OTTAWA TRIVIA: one former Mello's employee went on to achieve notoriety as a serial killer.
* Ola Cochina, 62 Barrette St (Beechwoord/Vanier North). Delightful Mexican eatery situated in the small lower floor of a house. Great, filling breakfasts. Located behind the Beechwood Metro.
* Pressed cafe, 750 Gladstone (Centretown west). Locally semi-famous waffle brunch.
* Pub Italia, 434 1/2 Preston Street (near Dow's Lake and the Experimental Farm), [url=http://pubitalia.ca/[/url].] An Irish/Italian pub with hundreds of bottled beers listed in its "Beer Bible". Noted for its intimate faux Medieval/Gothic décor.
* The Highlander Pub, The Highlander Pub in the Byward Market is a solid restaurant with good pub fare, and traditional Scottish food, such as haggis. It is a good place also after a long day of sightseeing and you need a drink, with any spirit, wine or beer you can think of. It has a warm, friendly environment, with plenty of patio room. An average tab for a full meal for 2 should be about $40 CND.
* Santé Restaurant, 45 Rideau St, [url=http://santerestaurant.com/[/url].]At the corner of Rideau and Sussex, across from the Rideau Centre, is cosmopolitan yet casual. It’s a delicate line to walk, but Santé Restaurant does it with panache - offering exotic Asian Fusion and Thai cuisine in a comfortably elegant setting.
* Shawarma Palace, 464 Rideau St (Sandy Hill). Not the cheapest shawarma joint, but one of the best. Expect a lineup around dinnertime.
* Vineyards, in the ByWard Market, [url=http://vineyards.ca/[/url].]An excellent restaurant with the widest selection of world beers and wines in Ottawa.
* The Works 362 Richmond Road in Westboro, 580 Bank Street in the Glebe, 363 St. Laurent Boulevard in Manor Park, and various suburban locations, [http://worksburger.com/[/url]. Hard to argue that these are not the best burgers around. The selection is top notch and toppings are bountiful. Also served are delicious onion rings, milk shakes and cold beer, all in a funky industrial decor. Expect to pay $12 for a burger with sides, and not to regret it.
Ottawa has excellent options for fine dining if you feel like spending a bit extra. Budget C$150 for a three course dinner for two, including wine and gratuity.
* Atelier, 540 Rochester St (Preston/Little Italy). For the foodie's foodie, this modern restaurant boasts a dozen-course menu of impeccable quality with no substitutions available and prices in the sell-your-kidney range. An experience you'll tell your kids about, if you can afford to have any.
* [url=http://beckta.com/main.php]Beckta[/url], 226 Nepean St (Elgin). Excellent modern restaurant with a variety of tastes centred around locally available foods. Extensive wine list.
* [url=http://restaurant18.com/]E18hteen[/url], 18 York St (Byward Market). Upscale, modern restaurant and bar located in a renovated 19th century heritage building. It is THE place to see and be seen.
* Fauna 425 Bank St (Centretown). Relatively new foodie restaurant serving a variety of locally sourced small-plate dishes. Good food, but priced accordingly.
* Issac's 64 Hundred [url=http://issacs.ca/],]6400 Hazeldean Road (West End/Stittsville), is a fine dining restaurant with a Mediterranean flair.
* [url=http://merlotottawa.com]Merlot[/url[/url], 100 Kent St (Centretown) Located in the Marriott Hotel, has received glowing reviews for its cuisine. Ottawa's only revolving restaurant.
* [url=http://brookstreet.ca/dining/dining_perspectives_restaurants.htm]Perspectives[/url], 525 Legget Drive (Kanata). Fine dining featuring a fusion of Oriental flavours with top-quality regional ingredients.
* [url=http://lcbottawa.com/English/signatures/index.cfm]Signatures[/url], 453 Laurier Ave. East (Sandy Hill). Located at Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute, this French restaurant boasts a five-diamond rating from CAA/AAA and is considered among the very best in the city.
CafeMyHouse[url=http://www.cafemyhouse.com]]at 1729 Bank St. offers vegan friendly cuisine and is located within 10 minutes of both the airport and the train station. The restaurant specializes in brunch and lunch options, and average around $15 a meal.
* The Green Door at 198 Main St offers a vegetarian and vegan buffet and is the oldest vegetarian restaurant in Ottawa. It offers private and communal tables. Meals are priced by weight, and average around $12 for a full plate.
* The Table, 1230 Wellington St in the Westboro neighbourhood, also offers a vegetarian buffet with many vegan options. Meals are priced by weight.
* ZenKitchen[http://zenkitchen.ca[/url], 634 Somerset St. W, is opened in mid-June 2009. Named Ottawa's Best New Restaurant in 2009, it is completely vegan, with full table service, a wine program and summer patio. They also offer vegetarian cooking lessons and special events like wine tastings. Reservations can be made online at www.zenkitchen.ca.
* Govinda's Restaurant on Somerset East (just off the University of Ottawa) offers a simple vegan buffet for $5-$7. The best cheap eats in town. Operated by ISCKON (Hare Krishna movement). Only open weekdays from 17:00 to 20:00
* So Good Restaurant on Somerset (1.5 blocks West of Bronson) has a separate vegetarian menu (dishes are also vegan unless stated) and there are many choices . Try anything "Wu Se" (peanut sauce). Dinners are about $10 (entree and rice).
* Fully vegetarian with a great vegan selection. "Unquestionably some of the best vegetarian food in the city" - Ottawa Xpress, 2007.
Avant Garde Bar, 135 Besserer St (Byward Market). This intimate lounge, favoured by young people and art students, is decorated in a Russian revolutionary theme and serves accordingly Slavic appetizers, interesting cocktails and 1 or 2 beers on tap. Hosts indie and punk shows on the weekend.
* Babylon, Bank St (Centretown). This sweaty nightclub hosts some popular recurring dance parties, including Mod Night on Sundays and the monthly Electric Powwow (a First Nations/moombahton/dubstep bash curated by local artists A Tribe Called Red).
* Barrymore's, Bank St. (Centretown). An old converted movie theatre, their 80's night is the place to be in Ottawa on Sundays. They also have a 90's night on Thursdays and live concerts on most other nights.
* Club 292, 292 Elgin St.
* The Chateau Lafayette, 42 York St (Byward Market, across the street from Dominion). Claiming to be "Ottawa's oldest tavern", this casual dive bar is popular with all types of crowds, making for some unique experiences. Lucky Ron, a local country singer and cult favourite, plays the "Laff" every Saturday afternoon without fail (seriously: he has been doing this for like 20 years).
* The Dominion Tavern, York St. (Byward Market). A nonjudgmental kind of place, the "Dom" offers simplicity: beers and pool. Picture your friend's basement apartment, serving 40's of beer. But don't let the decor fool you: the Dom has some surprisingly good beers on tap, too.
* E18hteen, 18 York St. (Byward Market).
* Edge, A popular gay bar, especially with younger people, is located at Sparks St and Bank St. Best on Saturday nights. Through the summer months the Edge has a rooftop patio that is chic, but be prepared to climb up 7 stories!
* Foundation York St. in the alley behind E18hteen. Restaurant during the week that is open for lunch and dinner. Excellent food and one of the only restaurants in Ottawa to serve fondue. On Friday and Saturday nights it transforms into an upperclass nightclub. Dress to impress, no logos or running shoes, and be prepared to spend a few bucks on drinks.
* The Lookout, is located in the Byward Market at 41 York St. They have a very popular "bois night" on Thursday that attracts lots of people. Friday and Saturday are mostly lesbian nights.
* Mercury Lounge, (Byward Market). An awesome bar that changes its themes nightly ranging from African beats to hip-hop to house (depending on the night). Spread out over 3 (relatively small) floors, this bar offers different DJs and atmospheres throughout: hip-hop on the lower level, house on the second and deep/disco on the top floor. Hump Night is one of the best gay nights in the city and occurs on Wednesday (4$ cover).
* Nice decor and nice cocktails.
* Options Bar located off the main lobby of the Brookstreet Hotel, 525 Legget Drive. A relaxing and sophisticated lounge, sometimes good for celebrity sightings.
* [url=http://pubitalia.ca/]Pub Italia[/url], 434 1/2 Preston St (Little Italy). An Irish/Italian pub, best known for stocking hundreds of bottled beers from around the world in its "Beer Bible". Excellent pizza and pastas. Also noted for its intimate faux Medieval/Gothic décor. Offers a pleasant outdoor patio during the summer.
* The Standard, 360 Elgin St. A restaurant during the day, pumping club/lounge at night. The Standard is popular Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights with a different style of music each night. Friday is excellent old-school and modern hip-hop/R&B while Saturday is a little of everything. Excellent beer tap selection and daily drink specials.
* Zaphod's Beeblebrox, York St (Byward Market, next to Dominion). Alternative rock/new age punk, hip-hop nights on Thursday. Recently short-listed in CBC Radio 3's "Searchlight: The Best Live Venue in Canada" competition. And yes, they do offer a drink they call a "Pan-Galactic Gargle Blaster"!
Since the mid-1990's there has been an explosion in Irish-/British-style pubs across the city. In the core you will find:
* Black Thorn, Clarence St. Upscale, great food, huge patio with good views.
* Centretown pub (CPs) A gay pub located near the corner of Bank and Somerset.
* Chez Lucien, 137 Murray St. (Byward Market, corner Dalhousie): one of the few pleasant, non-faux-Irish pubs downtown (a favourite along with the Manx). Serves good pub fare (including excellent fries), can get busy especially after work. A good selection of microbrew beers.
* Clocktower, Clarence St. A microbrewery with 4 locations throughout downtown. Excellent beer at a good price with a very tasty and well priced menu. Also a location on Bank St. and Pretoria.
* D'arcy McGee's Sparks Street & Elgin St. Beautiful architecture with impressive food selection
* Irene's Pub, 885 Bank St (The Glebe). Cozy neighbourhood pub with friendly atmosphere and standard pub fare. Bluegrass music on weekends (usually with cover charge after 9pm).
* Irish Village, Clarence St. Ottawa's largest pub complex, including the eponymous Irish Village (loud, lots of live music) and The Heart and Crown.
* Lieutenant's Pump, Elgin St. British style pub with a good variety of food selections and inexpensive draught.
* The Manx, 370 Elgin (Elgin street). Cozy little pub, perfect for taking the edge off a cold winter's day. Great microbrews, wide scotch selection, bohemian/hipster feel.
* Patty Boland's, Clarence St. (Byward Market). Feels like an old tavern, but big. Friday and Saturday nights Patty's has live music so expect to pay cover, and mandatory coat check in the winter. During the musician breaks there is a dance floor with Top 40 music.
* Quinn's, 1070 Bank St. (Old Ottawa South). Small but cozy neighbourhood bar and pub located next to the Mayfair theatre. Expect good pub fare, a nice ambiance and good selection of beers, including some local brews.
A member of Hostelling International, this hostel is in the old Ottawa Jail; the bedrooms are actually old jail cells. It's close to the Byward Market and downtown. Tours available.
* Part of Backpackers Hostels Canada, includes kitchen, free wireless internet and free coffee/tea. In a converted house into hostel, in the market block. The staff and the atmosphere are very friendly. Allergy warning: they have a cat
*Barefoot Hostel, 455 Cumberland St, 613-237-0335, [http://barefoothostel.com]. A clean, modern hostel located downtown. Included for use is a mini-kitchen, back patio with lounge chairs, common room with a huge HDTV, computer (with internet), free WiFi, plush bed linens, lockers and three shared bathrooms. Rates start at $29/night/per person and you can book online. Make sure to check their website or Twitter page for current promotions.
Albert at Bay Suite Hotel [url=http://albertatbay.com/],]435 Albert Street (corner of Bay St.). The building is nicely located downtown within easy walking distance of the main attractions, shops and restaurants. The hotel itself is a converted apartment building where you'll find large one and two bedrooms suites. Rates range from $119/night to $229/night for the one and two bedroom suites respectively.
*Albert House Inn, 478 Albert Street, [url=http://albertinn.com/history.html[/url].]The house is old but kept well, the people are very nice and the breakfast is generous. The bedrooms are clean and cosy and you can borrow books and newspapers.
*Well-preserved Victorian architecture packed with character. Free parking and WIFI.
*A well reviewed downtown Ottawa Bed and Breakfast. Turn of the century home with modern decor. A 15 minute walk to the BiWard Market. Free parking and WIFI.
*Best Western Victoria Park Suites, 377 O'Connor St. (near Elgin St.). The hotel is downtown near the Museum of Nature. $100 (and up).
*The Bostonian - Executive Suites [url=http://thebostonian.ca/[/url],]341 Maclaren St. Centrally located contemporary boutique hotel offering apartment style suites and terrific service. Rates start at $104.
*ByWard Blue Inn, 157 Clarence Street, [url=http://bywardblueinn.com[/url].]Welcome to Ottawa’s only B & B hotel in the picturesque ByWard Market. This charming inn offers people traveling for business or pleasure fantastic room rates in a great location. $79-149
*Cartier Place Suite Hotel, 180 Cooper Street, [url=http://suitedreams.com[/url].]Features unique pet friendly downtown suite lodging accommodations minutes from Parliament Hill. Discover unique studios, one or two bedrooms, and VIP suites with Jacuzzis, close to tourist attractions.
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* Complimentary high speed internet access & complimentary parking. 395 guest rooms, each with wet bar. Indoor pool, whirlpool, 24 hour exercise room, 24 hour business center and The Market is also open 24 hours. Bistro and meeting facilities on-site.
*Novotel Hotel located across the street from the east side of the Rideau Centre on Nicholas Street. Modern hotel with an emphasis on energy conservation. Modern restaurant and banquet facilities. This location has free internet kiosks in the main lobby open to the public.
*Sheraton Ottawa Hotel is located in the heart of downtown - steps from Parliament Hill, the National Gallery, and other major attractions. Each room features the signature Sheraton Sweet Sleeper bed, and the Link@Sheraton lobby connectivity hub offers complimentary internet and PC workstation use.
*On a quiet residential street, within walking distance from downtown and half a block from the Rideau River cycling/walking path. Two queen-bedded rooms, one with ensuite, the other with private bath. Centrally air conditioned, complimentary parking, snacks and WiFi. Delicious breakfasts featuring home baking.
*University of Ottawa located within a quick walk to Rideau Centre and downtown, the university runs a guest house with private rooms in one of its newer housing complexes. As of May 2005, the rate for a single was $90 with a discount for University of Ottawa students.
*The Black Lab Inn [http://blacklabinn.com[/url] Welcome to Ottawa's only truly dog friendly bed & breakfast. Located in the south end of Ottawa with plenty of places to take your dog to play and walk with the Rideau River just down the street. Delicious full breakfasts with all the amenities to cater to guests and their dogs.
*A charming, cozy, 22-room hotel located in the heart of Ottawa. The Inn was built in 1872 from limestone in a 19th Century Vernacular Classical Revival. Swiss Hotel offers traditional Swiss hospitality with modern comfort. Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, rooms are equipped with iPads. Optional healthy buffet breakfast is offered daily with Bircher-Muesli and fresh ground Swiss espresso.
The Ottawa Marriott Hotel is in downtown Ottawa one block from the Parliament Buildings and steps away from museums and shopping. This Ottawa hotel includes a revolving restaurant, Kids’ Zone as well as an indoor pool, sauna and fitness centre.
*Arc, Slater Street (near Parliament Hill), [url=http://arcthehotel.com/].]A trendy boutique hotel with prices to match its style.
*Chateau Laurier, (near Parliament Hill), [url=http://fairmont.com/laurier/[/url].]The city's [[grand old hotels | grand old hotel[/url]]: its oldest and most famous luxury hotel as well as one of its landmarks. Rooms facing west overlook the Rideau Canal locks and have stellar views of the Parliament buildings.
*This newly renovated hotel is also connected to the Rideau Centre and the soon to open Ottawa Convention Centre by a walkway. It is steps from Parliament Hill and the Byward market and each of the 496 rooms features the ten-layer Heavenly Bed.
*The Delta Ottawa Hotel [url=http://deltahotels.com/hotels/hotels.php?hotelId=14].]361 Queen Street. Located downtown, a few blocks west of Parliament Hill, near the Supreme Court of Canada. The outside decor is not much to look at but the one and two bedroom rooms are spacious and have kitchenettes, comfortable for a longer stay. Rates for standard hotel rooms start at $159 / night.
*Lord Elgin [url=http://lordelginhotel.ca/[/url]]is centrally located on Elgin Street across from the National Arts Centre, a stone's throw from Parliament Hill, and is one of Ottawa's two classic hotels (the other being the Chateau Laurier). It has recently been upgraded. While it has "splurge" rates, most rooms are reasonably priced. Good value, and a Starbucks off the lobby.
*The Brookstreet [url=http://brookstreet.ca/[/url]]in [[Kanata[/url]] is a newer luxury hotel and resort popular with technology companies and visiting sports teams. Facilities include a full-service spa with 11 treatment rooms, a championship golf course (The Marshes), a European PGA-approved short course (Marchwood), a four-diamond restaurant (Perspectives) and a fitness studio with whirlpools, steam rooms and indoor and outdoor pools.
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