A capital place to visit
Get from Beantown to Bytown, with flights from Boston to Ottawa.
Ottawa is Canada’s capital, but there’s more to this city than just politics. Beyond Parliament Hill and Rideau hall, a bustling city is waiting to be explored. Between shopping in the ByWard Market and visiting the Bytown Museum you’ll discover the heart of Canada’s political centre.
A comprehensive collection of museums makes Ottawa a cultural vacation spot. Whether you’re touring through the tanks at the Canadian War Museum, or examining the specimens of the Canadian Museum of Nature, you’ll find something that piques your curiosity.
Canadian culture and arts are on display in Ottawa’s art galleries. The National Gallery of Canada frames the nation’s most important art in a mix of stunning granite and glass. Within the National Gallery, the Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography focuses on photography as art.
To see art in motion, catch a show at Ottawa’s National Arts Centre. Music, theatre, and musical theatre share the spotlight at this multipurpose venue. 100 years of performance history take the stage at the Ottawa Little Theatre. Having produced more than 1,000 plays over its lifetime, this theatre’s contribution to Ottawa’s arts scene is anything but little.
Entertainment spreads outside at Major’s Hill Park. This park hosts many of Ottawa’s outdoor events, including the Canada Day celebrations on July 1st. For year-round outdoor fun, stroll or skate along the Rideau Canal. In the winter, this canal becomes the world’s largest skating rink. Rent a pair of skates and lace up to enjoy one of the most romantic things to do in Ottawa.
With so many attractions, there’s no debating it, you’ll fall in love with Ottawa before you return to Boston.
Parliament Hill
The top of Ottawa’s attractions
See the best of Ottawa’s political attractions on your trip from Boston, with a visit to Parliament Hill.
Get up close and political with Parliament Hill as you tour the historic halls of Parliament’s Centre Block. The 1916 fire that scorched the building still lingers in the heated debates that take place in the Centre Block. Listen in on the action as you pass through the House of Commons and the Senate, before making your way to the quiet Library of Parliament.
The nearby East Block finished in 1866, contains recreations of offices of past occupants. The original 19th-century furniture is still present in these rooms, including a horsehair sofa in the office of first Canadian Prime Minister, Sir John A MacDonald. Tours are available seasonally, but the intricate gothic revival exterior is an excellent photo-op any time of the year.
The law of the land is doled out at the Supreme Court of Canada. You don’t need to stand trial to take a tour of this courthouse, which also houses an art gallery and library. If a hearing is happening during your visit, sit in on the proceedings of Canada’s highest court.
Once you’ve had your day in court, make your way down to the banks of the Ottawa River. Follow a small section of the 24,000 km Trans Canada Trail onto Canal Lane, leading to the Bytown Museum. After learning about Ottawa’s history in Ottawa’s oldest stone building, you can continue on your way along the locks of the picturesque Rideau Canal.
After touring the Hill, head south on Sparks Street. During the day, Sparks Street is a favourite stop for shopping. At night, it becomes the starting point for the Haunted Walk of Ottawa.
Experience the ghostly atmosphere of sites like the Carleton County Jail, which now serves as a hostel for those daring enough to sleep over. Even if you don’t spend the night in jail, you’re sure to remember this spooky tour long after you’re back in Boston.
Lowertown
Get the lowdown on Lowertown
After flying from Boston to Ottawa, head down to Lowertown to see a quiet side of the city.
Lowertown is home to high art at the Bytowne Cinema on Rideau Street. Independent features and foreign films are projected onto the single screen of this art house theatre, which has been open since 1947.
Walk the winding shores of the Rideau River in Lowertown’s Bordeleau Park. This waterfront park affords a scenic view of the river’s islands, including Porter’s Island (no relation to Porter Airlines).
On the other side of Lowertown, Nepean Point juts out into the Ottawa River. This park can point you towards some of the best things to do in Lowertown. Get the most bang for your buck on the west side of Lowertown by visiting both the Royal Canadian Mint and the National Gallery of Canada, located only minutes apart.
If you’re homesick for Boston, pass by the United States Embassy on your way into Major’s Hill Park. Since 1826, Ottawa has been enjoying the outdoors in this park. Regular cultural events and the BLINK Gallery in the Header House add artistic colour to this urban green space.
As you exit the park, you’ll be entering Ottawa’s famous Byward Market. Shopping and entertainment await in this next stop on your trip from Boston to Ottawa.
How to get to Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
Porter’s check-in desk is located in Terminal E.
Logan International Airport (BOS) is about 6 km / 4 mi from downtown Boston.
Hotels near Boston Logan International Airport
Looking for a hotel near Boston Logan Airport for accommodation before your flight? Here are some hotels close to the airport:
Hilton Boston Logan Airport
Hyatt Regency Boston Harbor
Hilton Garden Inn Boston Logan Airport
Courtyard by Marriott Boston Logan Airport
Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel
And more…
For pricing and reservations, please check the hotel website.
Transportation to Boston Logan International Airport
Water taxis from downtown cost about $15 USD.
Ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Lyft offer services to Boston Logan International Airport. Passengers may only be dropped off on the upper Departures level of each terminal at Boston Logan.
Take the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority Silver Line SL1 bus to any one of the airport terminal stops. The fare is $2.25 USD.
The Logan Express shuttle bus provides service to the airport from downtown. The fare is $3.00 USD by credit/debit only.
Please allow sufficient time to drop off your car rental before your departing flight.
Taxis from downtown cost about $25 USD. Car service costs about $80 USD.
Boston Logan International Airport Parking
Driving to Boston Logan International Airport? There are many parking options at Boston Airport with convenient access to all terminals. Choose from the Central Parking Garage, Terminal B Garage or Terminal E Lots, with rates starting at $35 USD per day.
The information and figures above are for reference only, and may not be current. Please visit each airport's website for up-to-date details.
Ottawa Airport Transportation to Downtown
There are many options for transportation to downtown Ottawa from Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW).
The quick trip is about 10 km / 6 mi from the airport to downtown Ottawa.
Transportation
Uber and Lyft pickup is available at Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport. To find your ride, exit on the Arrivals level and head to the rideshare pickup zone at Pillars 11 and 12. Fares from YOW to downtown Ottawa start at $22.
Car rental services are available in the Parkade, across the street from the passenger terminal of Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW).
Take the OC Transpo 97 Airport / Bayshore and Bells bus from the pick-up spot outside the arrivals area. The fare is $3.50 CAD.
Taxis to downtown Ottawa cost about $35 CAD. Car service costs about $90 CAD.
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport Parking
Driving to Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport? There are two main parking options at Ottawa Airport with convenient access to all terminals.
The Parkade is close to the terminal with rates of $5 for every 30 minutes with a daily maximum of $24. The Parkade also offers BIZ Park on Level 3, which includes a dedicated parking area with guaranteed space and easy in-and-out access. Rates are $10 for the first hour and a $28 flat rate for 24 hours.
The information and figures above are for reference only, and may not be current. Please visit each airport's website for up-to-date details.
Flights may be operated by Porter Airlines (Canada) Ltd or Porter Airlines Inc.
