RV Rental Ottawa, Canada

Ottawa, Alberta RV Rentals

Ottawa is the proud and pristine capital city of Canada. Located in Ontario, but perched on the cusp of the french-speaking province of Quebec, Ottawa is an eclectic and bilingual melting pot that you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in North America. Its rather close proximity to the American border makes it an ideal destination for your next RV road trip. 

With so much to see and explore in this beautiful countryside, you’ll wish you could stay longer to fit more in. The welcoming culture and plethora of museums, parks, theaters, and events offer something for everyone. RV rentals in Ottawa are fast becoming a comfortable and economical way to vacation there.

The region has some of the most well-maintained RV campgrounds with plenty of top-notch amenities to make your stay comfortable. So check out some of the cool attractions and events that make Ottawa distinctly Canadian, and start planning your next RV holiday.

Popular RV Destinations in Ottawa

Parliament Hill

There’s no way that you can visit the capital city of a country and not see its main government buildings. Ottawa has some of the most visually stunning and gorgeous buildings in the country, and the main government house, the Parliament Building, is one of the best examples. This towering Victorian Gothic sandstone structure is an impressive sight.

Sitting high atop the 50-meter Parliament Hill, overlooking the Ottawa River, the three Parliament Buildings and their immense formal gardens are a major tourist hub. Tours are available daily and can last anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes. Be sure to check out the Parliament Library.

The Library is an opulently furnished octagonal structure that was spared from a major fire in 1916. Depending on the time of day you tour, you may also get lucky enough to see the famous Royal Canadian Mounted Police. It’s a treat to witness these dashingly uniformed officers patrolling the city.

Also, be sure to try to catch the changing of the guard. It’s a sight to behold with the formal procession of the regimented band and pipers. The changing of the guard is one of the most popular free things to do in the city.

The ByWard Market

The ByWard Market is Ottawa’s number one tourist attraction. Located in the heart of the city center, it’s one of the oldest markets in the nation. Since 1846, the market has been a thriving and vibrant part of Ottawa’s identity.

Browse through the numerous and varied open-air stalls, as well as the market’s main building. Open seven days per week, year-round, it won’t be difficult to fit this attraction on your itinerary. Find fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers, obscure and specialty foods and baked goods, and much more at this colorful venue.

While you’re there, be sure to explore the surrounding restaurants and different boutiques for some truly Canadian food and culture. 

National Gallery of Canada

Ottawa is home to seven of nine of Canada’s National Museums. If you don’t have time to fit them all in, at least make it a point to see the National Gallery of Canada. Just the modern prism-like glass towers and architecture of the building itself are reason enough to visit.

Standing in stark juxtaposition to the massive and medieval-looking Chateau Laurier, the museum stands out as an otherworldly contrast. Inside, you’ll find the largest gallery of Canadian Aboriginal art in the world. One of the largest museums in all of North America, you can easily spend an entire day here.

Peruse a large number of religious works from the famed Group of Seven. Lose yourself in the wonder of the Canadian Photography Institute’s amazing examples of artistic license. There’s also plenty of fun stuff for kids to enjoy, as well as lots of rotating, temporary exhibits.

Depending on the length of your stay, we also highly recommend visiting the Canadian War Museum and the Canada Science and Technology Museum.

Rideau Canal

One of the most iconic features of Ottawa has to be the 200-kilometer-long Rideau Canal. At only 1.6 meters deep, this vast waterway connects Ottawa all the way to Lake Ontario at the city of Kingston. It was originally designed for military strategy routing between Montreal and Lake Ontario.

In the summer, it’s a bustling canal filled with tour boats that go on either day trips or overnight cruises. Stroll for hours along the well-maintained and lushly landscaped banks of the canal. Duck into some of the numerous boutiques and restaurants that line the water. 

Winter is one of the best times to experience this interesting waterway, however. As soon as the canal freezes over, it becomes the world’s largest free skating rink. It stretches 7.8 kilometers through just the downtown. You can often see people skating to and from work on a daily basis. 

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Conveniently located across from the National Gallery, the opulent and jaw-dropping Notre-Dame Cathedral is a must-see. This is a perfect example of traditional Catholic basilica architecture that was originally consecrated in 1846. It’s the largest and oldest operating church in Ottawa.

Inside, you’ll be amazed by the stunning and ornate series of 17 stained-glass windows. They are the work of French artist Guido Nincheri and picture scenes from the Virgin Mary and the life of Jesus Christ. The cathedral is most famous, however, for its intricate mahogany carvings and figures.

No photography is allowed inside this hallowed structure, so be sure to take your time and mentally and emotionally absorb just being in this peaceful and stunning place.

Fairmont Chateau Laurier

Experience true pomp and circumstance at the vast and medieval-looking Fairmont Chateau Laurier. Just because you’re staying in an RV doesn’t mean you can’t experience the flipside of that coin by touring through this luxury hotel castle. While you won’t be allowed in every area of the castle, there will be plenty to ooh and ahh over in the 660,000-square-foot behemoth.

The hotel is a throwback to when the big Canadian Railroad Conglomerates wanted to dot the landscape with opulent and striking landmarks that would entice people to explore the nation by railcar. 

The building houses too many stunning Tiffany stained-glass windows to count. You’ll also be amazed at the marble lobby, the jaw-dropping atrium with its massive glowing chandeliers, the Roman columns, and more. Come for tea and get fancy in Ottawa’s most recognized hotel.

Events and Entertainment in Ottawa

Canadian Tulip Festival

One of the freshest and most fun ways to welcome Spring is at the Canadian Tulip Festival, which is held each May. For over 65 years, millions of tulips have been decorating the city in a rainbow of vibrant colors. Tourists and locals love to flood Ottawa’s walkways and park areas to take in the sights and smells.

The tulip is Ottawa’s official flower and acts as a symbol of international friendship for which Canada is so widely renowned. Experience a wide selection of art installations, floral exhibits, fun family events, culinary delights, music of all genres, guided tours of the tulip fields, and a giant fireworks display. Four main venues — Lansdowne Park, Byward Tulip Park, Dow’s Lake/Commissioner’s Park, and the Garden Promenade — offer very different and stunning experiences.

Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival

Dragon boating is a popular pastime in Canada, and since 1994, the Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival has been the pinnacle showcase event for dragon boat teams nationwide. In partnership with the Hong Kong Canada Business Association, this event attracts over 200 teams, making it the largest festival of its kind in North America. The festival pits approximately 5,000 paddlers who are cheered on by more than 75,000 attendees.

Aside from the exciting races, you can also enjoy cultural presentations and ceremonies. There’s a plethora of delicious and multicultural food vendors, along with concerts, amusement rides, and a large variety of exhibitors and artisans. One of the best things about this event is the fact that it’s free.

Canada Day

Canada Day is Canada’s independence day and it occurs on July 1st. Of course, the nation’s capital puts on one of the biggest and best shows ever. Canadians are a proud and celebratory bunch, and they pull out all the stops for this yearly event. Parliament Hill is the hub of most of the festivities.

The long weekend features an impressive and energetic parade. Plenty of cultural activities and events will keep you engaged all day, from concerts to food vendors, to local and Native arts, crafts, jewelry, clothing, and more. You can dance all day to great bands and musical performers while getting your fill of uniquely Canadian foods like fried beaver tails (no, they’re not from real beavers), poutine, and more. 

What would a proper independence celebration be without a huge fireworks display? Ottawa delivers with one of the largest and most impressive fireworks shows in the country to top off the festivities.

Ottawa Bluesfest

Also in July, blues and music lovers from all over flock to Ottawa for the RBC Bluesfest. According to Billboard Magazine, it’s one of the top 10 outdoor music festivals in the world. It celebrates blues music, but also different genres, including jazz, rock, pop, soul, funk, and bluegrass. 

It attracts big-time stars like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Lumineers, Alessia Cara, Billy Idol, and many more. This event draws more than 250,000 people and has helped countless new and burgeoning artists launch their musical careers. With that many people, you can imagine that such a huge event takes a major toll on the local environment.

Over 3,500 volunteers work tirelessly to ensure the event is environmentally friendly and low impact. Aside from amazing music, you can also take part in garden party games, watch gravity-defying circus performances, and pamper yourself at fun pop-up spas. 

Glowfair

If you’re in the mood for something totally different and super fun, the annual Glowfair is just what you’ve been looking for. It’s an unprecedented take on the classic block party. This festival combines music with light and art to create an energetic and ethereal experience.

Taking place over 10 city blocks and two stages, the event showcases 20 bands and DJs that play all kinds of music. There is even a silent disco, an outdoor after-hours party in the streets in which you tune into two separate DJs playing through your Bluetooth headsets. Glowfit yoga, an enchanted forest, a huge kids’ zone, and an outdoor art gallery are a few of the other different and wonderful events that make this a one-of-a-kind affair.

FAQs

Q: What are RV rentals?

RV rentals work much like any other vehicle rentals. You pay a daily or weekly rate. You can expect these rates to fluctuate based on the time of year and the geographic location that you're renting. Naturally, rates tend to increase during peak season. You can get an RV for a certain period and enjoy all its benefits while traveling without the hassles and large cost of owning your RV. It’s also a great way to try out some different RV models if you’re considering purchasing your own.

Q: How much are RV rentals?

RV rentals in Ottawa can range between $75 and $150 per night for most small- to medium-sized trailers and campervans. Larger RVs and travel trailers can cost from $100 to $250 per night, depending on the season and the RV’s year, make, and model. Some companies offer a discount if you rent for longer than a week.

Q: Do I need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Ottawa?

While some Canadian provinces require you to be at least 25 years old to rent an RV, the legal age to rent one in Ontario is 21. This may not be the policy of your RV rental agency, however. Most companies require you to be at least 25 to rent.

Q: Do I need insurance when I rent an RV?

Yes, you'll need insurance to rent an RV in Ottawa. It's meant to cover the vehicle in case of an accident and is mandatory in most states. Most rental companies will have RV-specific insurance that you can purchase.

Q: Do I need to return my rental RV with a full tank?

This policy varies among rental agencies, but most RV rental facilities in Ottawa will expect you to return the vehicle with a full tank of gas. At the very least, the fuel should be at the same level as when you picked up the vehicle. 

Q: Are RVs pet-friendly in Ottawa?

Many RV and camper rentals in Ottawa are pet-friendly, and there are even vehicles specially designed for accommodating animals. Still, it’s important to double-check the policy with your chosen rental agency before renting a particular vehicle.