Comparison · Ottawa vs Toronto · Canada
Ottawa vs Toronto
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: No machine-readable author provided. Arctic.gnome assumed (based on copyright claims)., CC BY 2.5
Quick answer
Choose Ottawa for Parliament Hill, Rideau Canal Skateway and lower day-to-day costs; choose Toronto for CN Tower, Multicultural food and beaches. Ottawa is generally less expensive, and the two are about 352 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 352 km
- Less expensive
- Ottawa
- Best time for Ottawa
- May–June and September–October
- Best time for Toronto
- May–October
Side by side
| Ottawa | Toronto | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Canada | Canada |
| Known for | Parliament Hill, Rideau Canal Skateway and National museums | CN Tower, Multicultural food and Toronto Islands |
| Best time to visit | May–June and September–October | May–October |
| Ideal stay | 3 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $170–$280 | $200–$350 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 27°C (81°F) | July, 27°C (81°F) |
| Coldest month | January, -6°C (21°F) | January, -1°C (30°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 9 | 8 |
| Day trips in our guide | 7 | 5 |
| Beaches | — | Woodbine Beach |
| Airports | YOW | YYZ, YTZ |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Ottawa for…
Parliament Hill, Rideau Canal Skateway and lower day-to-day costs. Canada's capital sits on the south bank of the Ottawa River, facing Gatineau, Quebec, across the water. Its compact core holds Parliament Hill, the ByWard Market and the start of the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose downtown stretch freezes…
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Choose Toronto for…
CN Tower, Multicultural food and beaches. Toronto is Canada's largest city, spread along the north shore of Lake Ontario around a compact downtown of glass towers, Victorian streets and the CN Tower. Visitors come for big museums such as the ROM and the AGO, food from every corner of the world in…
Top sights compared
| # | Ottawa | Toronto |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Parliament Hill | CN Tower |
| 2 | Rideau Canal and the Ottawa Locks | Ripley's Aquarium of Canada |
| 3 | Rideau Canal Skateway | Royal Ontario Museum |
| 4 | ByWard Market | Art Gallery of Ontario |
| 5 | National Gallery of Canada | St. Lawrence Market |
Food compared
| Ottawa | Toronto |
|---|---|
| BeaverTails | Peameal bacon sandwich |
| Shawarma | Butter tart |
| Poutine | Jamaican beef patty |
| Maple taffy | Trinidadian roti |
Which is cheaper?
Ottawa is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $170–$280 per person there, against $200–$350 in Toronto (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Ottawa on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Ottawa and Toronto are about 352 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 3 days in Ottawa and 4 in Toronto.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Ottawa or Toronto cheaper?
Ottawa is usually less expensive: about $170–$280 a day mid-range against $200–$350 (estimates).
+Is Ottawa or Toronto better for a first trip?
Pick Ottawa for Parliament Hill, Rideau Canal Skateway and lower day-to-day costs, or Toronto for CN Tower, Multicultural food and beaches.
+How far is Ottawa from Toronto?
About 352 km in a straight line.