A capital place to visit
Experience the culture of Canada’s capital, with flights from Chicago to Ottawa.
Ottawa may be the political centre of Canada, but this capital city still knows how to have a good time. From skating down the Rideau Canal to racing an F-16 flight simulator in the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum, there are always fun things to do in Ottawa.
The politics themselves are anything but boring. Take a tour through the Centre Block of Parliament Hill to see the Senate and House of Commons at work. Watch from the viewing balcony as politicians face off in fiery debates.
Catch a hockey game at the Canadian Tire Centre – if you're lucky, you might even get to cheer on your home team if they're playing in town.
After bonding over ice hockey, get to know your neighbours to the north a little better at one of Ottawa’s many museums. Canadian arts and culture are on display at the National Gallery of Canada. Along the Rideau Canal, the Bytown Museum will take you through the past of Canada’s capital.
Ottawa’s history is planted in the wilderness at the Vanier Museopark. Part museum, part park, the Vanier is dedicated to Ottawa’s francophone heritage. During tree-tapping season, sweeten the deal with a taste of the maple syrup goods made from the park’s trees available in the gift shop.
Before you go back to Chicago, be sure to visit Major’s Hill Park. Enjoy the outdoors and cultural events of the park, before heading to some of Ottawa’s other attractions like the ByWard Market and Royal Canadian Mint, both within walking distance of the park.
Parliament Hill
The top of Ottawa’s attractions
When you’re in town from Chicago, be sure to see one of Ottawa’s top attractions, on Parliament Hill.
Guided tours through Parliament Hill’s Centre Block building will take you through the building’s hundred-year history. After a fire in 1916 destroyed the old building, the current gothic revival style structure was built. All that remains of the old structure is the Library of Parliament. This 1876 building was spared from the flames, providing a window into the old structures architecture.
On your tour, you can pass through the quiet Victorian halls of the library’s reading rooms before heading to the heated debates of the Senate and House of Commons.
To the east of the Centre Block, you’ll find the aptly named East Block. Inside this Victorian High Gothic building, there are faithful recreations of the offices of past residents. In the office of Canada’s first Prime Minister, Sir John A. MacDonald, his original horsehair sofa and a double desk are incorporated into the decor. If you’re visiting from Chicago while tours are not in season, the exterior architecture is still worth a few photos.
From the East Block, head west to the Supreme Court of Canada. Take a walk through the court’s library and art gallery, or sit in on a hearing. This is the highest court in Canada and well worth a tour, even if only to see the intricate portraits of judges past.
After your visit to the Supreme Court is adjourned, it’s time to traverse the Trans Canada Trail. Also known as the Great Trail, this 24,000 km path stretches across Canada, from sea to shining sea. You’ll only have to take a small section of the trail to pass by the Ottawa River and the Bytown Museum, situated along the Rideau Canal.
After leaving the Hill, make your way to Sparks Street for some of Ottawa’s best shopping. If you’re here in the evening, the Haunted Walk of Ottawa will take you from Sparks Street to some of Ottawa’s darkest history. Walk through the past, listening to stories that will leave chills up your spine long after you’ve gone back to Chicago.
Gatineau Park
A getaway in Gatineau
Enjoy the getaway of Gatineau Park on your visit from Chicago. Just 15 minutes away from Ottawa, the wilderness of neighbouring Québec is waiting to be explored.
If you like to hike, get your walking shoes ready for over 165 km of trails that run throughout the park. Try your trekking skills at the 290-metre climb up the Eardley Escarpment along the Luskville Falls Trail. At the top, your efforts are rewarded with a sweeping view over the Ottawa River Valley. For a low-effort amble, the 1 km Des Fées Trail leads to some of Gatineau Park’s best bird watching.
After watching the skies, take to the water at one of Gatineau Park’s swimming spots. Between the park’s three lakes (Meech, Phillipe, and La Peche), there are six swimming beaches. Whether you relax at the popular Breton Beach or set out to see all six, the lakeside is always lovely.
When the waters freeze over, Gatineau Park is still a lively place to visit. Cross-country skiers cut through the snow along 200 km of trails, including 100 km of skate trails, and 45 wild km of backcountry trails. Ranging in length from 8 to 40 km, there are ski trails for every level of ambition and cold tolerance.
After a long day in Gatineau Park’s great outdoors, stay the night at one of the many camping options available. Get cozy in a yurt, or rough it in the tent campsites. After a good night’s sleep, you’ll be ready for another amazing day on your trip from Chicago.
Getting to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Porter’s check-in desk is located in concourse A.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is about 9 km / 6 mi from downtown Chicago.
Transportation
The Go Airport Express shuttle bus provides service to the airport from downtown. The fare is $27 USD.
Taxis from downtown cost about $20 USD per person. Car service is available.
Take the Chicago Transit Authority orange line train from the Midway stop. The fare is $2.50 USD.
Car rental services are available at Chicago Midway Airport (MDW). Take the shuttle to the rental car area from the pick-up location at door 3 of the lower level, near the baggage claim area.
Please allow sufficient time to drop off your car rental before your departing flight.
Uber and Lyft pickup is available at Chicago Midway Airport. To find your ride, exit at the baggage claims level, exit through door 4, and cross the street. Fares from MDW to downtown Chicago start at $23.
Chicago Midway International Airport Parking
Driving to Chicago Midway International Airport? There are many parking options at Chicago Airport. There are two economy parking lots with a rate of $2 USD for 30 minutes, $5 USD for 30 minutes to an hour, and a maximum of $15 USD for 24 hours. Or, choose the terminal garage, which offers hourly or daily rates. The daily lot has a 24-hour rate of $30 USD and is a long-term lot. You may also reserve a parking space ahead of time for a fee of $10 USD per space, 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.
