Travel tips · Ottawa · Canada
Ottawa travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
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
Ottawa is a government town, with many residents working for the federal public service, and it shuts down earlier than Toronto or Montreal. It is officially bilingual: signs are in English and French, many residents switch easily between them, and across the river Gatineau is largely French-speaking. Canadians are polite and orderly; queueing and saying sorry are part of daily life.
Key facts
- Language
- English and French
- Currency
- CAD
- Plugs
- Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is safe to drink.
- Emergency
- 911
Things to know
- Greet staff with 'Hello' or 'Bonjour'; in Gatineau, starting in French is appreciated.
- Queue patiently and wait your turn at bus stops and counters.
- Remove your hat during ceremonies at the National War Memorial and stand quietly.
- In winter, take off snowy boots when entering a private home.
- Stay off canal ice and frozen rivers unless the Skateway is officially open.
- Book Parliament Hill ahead: Free tour tickets are limited; reserve online or collect them early in the day in summer.
- Book Royal Canadian Mint ahead: Tours are small and fill up in summer; reserve ahead online.
- Several national museums offer free admission at set times, such as certain evenings; check each museum's website.
Tipping
Tip 15–20% on the pre-tax amount at restaurants and bars, about $1–$2 per drink, and 10–15% for taxis. Card machines usually suggest percentages; you can enter a custom amount.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Bonjour | Hello |
| Merci | Thank you |
| L'addition, s'il vous plaît | The bill, please |
| Parlez-vous anglais ? | Do you speak English? |
| Bonne journée | Have a good day |
What to wear
Casual and practical; in winter you need a proper insulated coat, hat, gloves and waterproof boots, as temperatures often drop below −15°C.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is safe to drink.
- Emergency number
- 911
- Phone and internet
- Free Wi-Fi is available in many cafés, museums and public buildings; Canadian mobile coverage is good throughout the city.
- Time zone
- America/Toronto
Ottawa is generally calm for visitors. Take normal precautions in the ByWard Market late at night, where some street disorder and rowdiness occur around bar closing time. In winter, the main risks are extreme cold, wind chill and icy pavements, so dress properly and wear boots with good grip.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Canada's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Ottawa?
Tip 15–20% on the pre-tax amount at restaurants and bars, about $1–$2 per drink, and 10–15% for taxis. Card machines usually suggest percentages; you can enter a custom amount.
+Can you drink the tap water in Ottawa?
Tap water is safe to drink.
+What plugs are used in Ottawa?
Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
+What language is spoken in Ottawa?
English and French.