A visit to Ottawa is a capital idea
Vote to visit Canada’s capital, with flights from Windsor to Ottawa.
Whether you want to get up close and political with Canada’s government or go on a museum marathon, Ottawa’s points of interest can point you in the right direction. With so many things to do in Ottawa, it’ll take two terms to see the whole of this capital city.
Canada’s arts and culture are on display in Ottawa’s galleries and museums. The National Gallery of Canada frames the country’s most important artworks, while the National Arts Centre provides a stage for Canada’s performing arts.
Between Canadian Aviation and Space Museum, Canadian Museum of Nature, Canadian War Museum, and other educational attractions, Ottawa has a comprehensive collection of the country’s best museums.
Cast your ballot for Ottawa’s political activities with a visit to Parliament Hill. Whether you elect to sit in on debates in the Centre Block or listen to a hearing in the nearby Supreme Court of Canada, you’ll get an inside look at Canada’s parliamentary process.
After visiting the Senate, head to the Canadian Tire Centre to watch hockey teams face off. If you're visiting from Windsor during the ice hockey off-season, you can catch a football game at Ottawa's TD Place.
Get on the field for yourself in one of Ottawa’s parks. The rolling lawns of Major’s Hill Park host regular cultural events, adding colour to this expansive green space. For the most popular outdoor attraction, look to the nearby water. Whether you’re skating on it, or walking alongside it, the Rideau Canal offers kilometre after kilometre of scenic beauty.
Before you return to Windsor, you’ll want to spend an afternoon or two exploring this famous Ottawa waterway.
Hintonburg
Take the hint
What was once a working class Ottawa neighbourhood is now an eclectic collection of boutique businesses and artist communities. When you’re visiting from Windsor, hip Hintonburg is well worth a visit. Hintonburg’s wine bars, clothing stores, and coffee shops are slowly being joined by knitting clubs and gourmet doughnut shops as the neighbourhood’s trendy reputation spreads.
Get a taste of the neighbourhood at the Parkdale Market. Seasonal vegetables are displayed side-by-side with flowers and herbs harvested by local growers, in this expansive market. Offering a low-key alternative to the busy ByWard Market, the Parkdale Market is perfect for relaxed perusing.
If it’s getting chilly, head to the adjacent Parkdale Field House. This indoor market was the first of its kind in Ottawa and has a year-round bounty of goods available. Pop in for a pint at the cozy Elmdale Tavern, which has served thirsty Hintonburgers (and visitors) since 1934.
Home of the QUAD arts district, Hintonburg’s creative energy is everywhere in the neighbourhood. On Wellington Street, artwork takes a cheeky turn with the Wellington Marbles. Topped with everything from an ear of corn to a computer screen, these marble carvings of fire hydrants take their inspiration from local businesses.
One of the most famous local businesses is the Fairmont Chateau Laurier. French Renaissance-inspired design makes this century-old building an iconic feature in Ottawa’s architecture. Perched above the Rideau River, this hotel’s hidden patio has one of the best views of the city.
Before going back to Windsor, take the time to take in the spectacular view of the city from this exclusive spot.
The Glebe
Go for the Glebe
If you’re going on names alone, the Glebe warrants a visit. This neighbourhood’s quirky name comes from the original purpose of the area. St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church was given the space as a ‘glebeland’, to support the parish priest’s livelihood.
Of all the uses of this neighbourhood’s name, the best is probably the Great Glebe Garage Sale. If you miss out on attending this annual area-wide garage sale, you can still drop in on the Glebe’s other shopping opportunities.
The Glebe’s streets are fully stocked with independent businesses, offering everything from pet accessories to fashion accessories. Bank Street’s boutiques are a one stop shop for one of a kind goods. Write a letter home to Windsor with a visit to The Papery. Pick up supplies at this stationery store, which has been providing fountain pens and paper stock for any occasion for the past 30 years.
Once you've put pen to The Papery, touchdown at TD Place for a little football. Fans come to this large outdoor stadium to cheer on their favourite teams. TD Place also hosts live performances, concerts and other special events throughout the year.
After the game, take a stroll through Central Park. This 100-year-old Ottawa park looks good for its age, with a well-kept landscape and stately trees. A walk through Central Park will take you to the Rideau Canal, where you can continue to more of Ottawa’s attractions.
Getting to Windsor International Airport (YQG)
Porter’s check-in desk is located in the departures area.
Windsor International Airport (YQG) is about 10 km / 6 mi from downtown Windsor.
Transportation
Please allow sufficient time to drop off your car rental before your departing flight.
Taxis from downtown cost about $25 CAD. Car service costs about $35 CAD.
Take the Transit Windsor 8 Walkerville bus to the airport stop. The fare is $3.00 CAD.
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.
