Ottawa Vacation Rentals Offer Great City and Countryside Attractions
Ottawa is Canada's capital and second largest city. It is located in the beautiful Ottawa Valley in Southern Ontario. The Ottawa River runs through the city, marking the boundary between Ontario and its French-speaking neighbor, Quebec. This capital region offers a wide range of natural wonders, historic attractions and entertainment to suit all ages and tastes. A vacation rental home in this area provides the ideal base for vibrant cultural city attractions, scenic wildlife or outdoor pursuits to suit all ages.
The Pros and Cons of Renting Ottawa Vacation Houses
Vacation homes offer plenty of space and freedom from the restrictions of a hotel. Although daily maid service is not usually offered in a vacation home, the flexibility of being able to cook for the family in a fully equipped kitchen is a good trade-off, especially for those on a tight budget. Visitors looking for a more rural retreat in Ottawa will find the lodges and vacation homes are well located amongst the woodland offering great scenery, privacy and peace which can rarely be found in a hotel.
Things to Do from Your Ottawa Lodging
Whatever your preferred activities may be, Ottawa can provide some stimulating activities close to your chosen vacation home. The city of Ottawa has 30 museums, 50 art galleries, several theaters for live performances, beautiful architecture, night clubs, world-class dining and fabulous shopping, although it can be more pricey than the U.S. Beyond the city, there are natural wonders and a host of sports including rambling and hill walking, mountain biking, canoeing and kayaking in the whitewater rapids, ATV riding, fishing and golfing. In the snowy winter months, the area is ideal for snowmobiling, cross country and downhill skiing, curling, skating and other family fun. During the summer, Ottawa is popular for its many outdoor festivals.
Ontario Vacation Rentals Provide Comfortable Bases for Exploring the Area
The Ottawa Valley runs from the city westwards towards the popular Algonquin Park and includes six million acres of wilderness, waterways and woodland. The Rideau Canal also offers walking, boating and cycling opportunities along its flat banks. The Gatineau Hills are perfect for skiing and outdoor activities in all seasons. In Ottawa city, walk to the parliament buildings, the National Art Gallery or the Canadian Museum of Civilization. The Bi-ward Market offers a great choice of local produce and crafts items.
The Best Way to Reach Your Ottawa Vacation Rentals
The Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport is just 11 kilometers (seven miles) from the center of Ottawa. Alternatively, fly to the Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport in Montreal and pick up a rental car to cover the remaining 153 kilometers (95 miles). Getting around the city is easy on foot or using local transport, such as buses and the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system along the dedicated bus lanes. Cycling is also a popular way of getting around as there are miles of bike paths and cycle lanes. Beyond the city, a car is necessary to explore the more remote areas of the Ottawa Valley.
Ontario Vacation Rentals – What to Expect from the Weather
Ottawa and the surrounding areas enjoy distinctly seasonal weather with warm, mild temperatures from April to October and freezing, snowy winters. Daytime temperatures in April can reach 15 C (41 F) but nights can be chilly. The summer is very pleasant though occasionally rainy and humid, and temperatures range from 20 to 30 C (68 to 86 F). The freezing winter temperatures transform the area when the Rideau Canal becomes the longest skating rink in the world and the snow opens up opportunities for a host of winter sports activities.