Ottawa Tourism
Why Choose Ottawa?
Ottawa puts your event on a national stage — and surrounds it with experiences you won’t find anywhere else. As Canada’s capital, the city offers direct access to national decision-makers, embassies, and thought leaders across cleantech, health sciences, engineering, defence, and beyond. Whether you’re planning a global summit or an intimate leadership retreat, Ottawa connects you with the people and perspectives that matter. What sets Ottawa apart: - One of North America’s highest concentrations of tech talent - Proximity to national institutions, policymakers, and R&D hubs - Home to 400+ national associations - A compact, walkable downtown just 15 minutes from the airport - Bilingual and globally minded, yet rooted in authentic local culture Here, your attendees can network over cocktails beneath towering totem poles, dine alongside dinosaur fossils, or skate the world’s largest rink — all steps from their hotel. The award-winning Rogers Centre, overlooking the UNESCO-listed Rideau Canal, anchors the city’s meeting district and connects directly to the Westin Ottawa and CF Rideau Centre. With over 6,000 hotel rooms nearby and a new light rail system linking the city, everything — and everyone — is within reach.
Need dates
- 07/11/2025 – 07/31/2026
- 09/01/2026 – 12/31/2029
Awards
Getting Here
Ottawa, the heart of Canada and the national capital region, is an easily accessible destination for travellers across Canada, the U.S., and beyond. With seamless transportation options and a walkable downtown, getting here and exploring the city is effortless. Delegates can arrive plane at the Ottawa International Airport (YOW) offering direct flights to destinations worldwide. The airport offers a range of services to support flyers, including accessible washrooms, parking spaces and mobility assistance. It also offers the Hidden Disabilities’ global Sunflower Program, which helps passengers with invisible disabilities signal for extra support. Ottawa is also served by VIA Rail, which connects the city with Toronto, Montreal and other major hubs. Ottawa’s main train station at 200 Tremblay Road, is centrally located, making it simple to transition from travel directly to your event. The train station also includes an O-Train station (Tremblay Station on Line 1) that helps connect you to even more destinations, including downtown. Navigating Ottawa once you're in the city is straightforward, thanks to its comprehensive and accessible public transit system and walkability. Ottawa is designed to be walked, especially in the downtown area, where many hotels and event venues are just steps away from one another. Attendees can move from meetings to networking events to attractions without the need for complicated transportation planning. The city’s public transit network, operated by OC Transpo, includes buses and the O-Train, both of which are fully accessible. For those with mobility challenges, the O-Train features dedicated spaces for wheelchairs and strollers, along with audible and visual announcements to ensure everyone can move around easily. While Ottawa’s public transit is fully accessible, Para Transpo offers specialized door-to-door service for individuals who may not be able or want to use regular public transport due to a disability. Visitors can also gain temporary access to Para Transpo, making it a flexible option for those in need of extra assistance while in Ottawa. Ottawa visitors and residents can also access Whimble, on-demand support that provides personal care attendance services. Whether assistance is needed for navigating the city, attending events or exploring attractions, Whimble ensures a comfortable and tailored experience.
Distance from airport
- Ottawa International Airport
8 mi. from city center
Local Attractions
Rideau Canal
More
Seasonality
Additional Information
Ottawa Tourism: Your On-the-Ground Planning Partner Ottawa Tourism connects you to the city’s full hospitality network — over 450 member businesses — through one central source. Our Business Events team offers complimentary, personalized support before, during and after your event to help you deliver an unforgettable experience. Before You Choose Ottawa We’ll help you evaluate the city with services like: Lead generation: We’ll coordinate customized proposals from our hotel and venue partners Bid development: Tailored presentations with city insights, venue options, and value-adds Site inspections: Hosted visits to accommodations, venues, and local attractions Bid presentations: Our team can present directly to your decision-makers Once You’re Confirmed We’ll support your team with tools to enhance your event, including: Flash Your Badge program: Exclusive discounts for delegates at local attractions, restaurants, and shops Attendance-building strategies: Including co-branded outreach and marketing support Conference microsite: Custom-designed to promote your event and destination highlights Volunteer coordination: Access to Algonquin College's Work Placement Program for on-site staffing Team-building and social programming: Localized, custom-curated experiences Food recovery assistance: Help connecting with organizations to redistribute excess food Community engagement: Support in coordinating charitable or give-back initiatives Social media amplification: Extend your reach with destination-aligned content Discount travel codes: Access preferred rates from transportation partners Plus, we’ll connect you to trusted local suppliers, restaurants, and experiences to ensure your event reflects the best of Ottawa.