A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Acadia National Park vs. Ottawa for Attractions, Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Acadia National Park or Ottawa?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Acadia National Park or Ottawa, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a scenic, picturesque, and beautiful national park. With stunning beauty, Acadia National Park attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches and hiking. See Acadia National Park travel costs.

Ottawa

Ottawa is a welcoming, cultural, and friendly city. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping. See Ottawa travel costs.

Acadia National Park and Ottawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Acadia National Park or Ottawa?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Acadia National Park. Although Acadia National Park and Ottawa are popular destinations, Acadia National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Acadia National Park is very popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Ottawa attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping. Acadia National Park is more touristy than Ottawa and is known for its scenic drives, beautiful fall foliage, and cross country skiing in the winter. It is also well known for Cadillac Mountain. Ottawa is famous for its history, politics, and green space.

How is Acadia National Park different from Ottawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Ottawa and Acadia National Park. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Acadia National Park or Ottawa?

Ottawa is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Ottawa can be an interesting and educational experience. As the country's capital, there are a large number of museums to explore. There are summer national museums in town which include the National Gallery of Canada, the Museum of History, the Science and Technology Museum, the Aviation and Space Museum, the Agriculture and Food Museum, the Museum of Nature, and the War Museum.

Acadia National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are educational centers and Ranger Programs at the visitor centers in the park.

Is the Food Better in Acadia National Park or Ottawa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ottawa is a nice place to visit for its restaurants. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Ottawa is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The culinary scene highlights many Canadian classics like poutine and maple donuts (and, of course, the classic Tim Horton's), but you'll also find plenty of international options like shawarma.

Acadia National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There's one restaurant in the park, the Jordan Pond House Restaurant, which serves lunch and dinner between mid-May and October. Many visitors prefer to bring their own food and enjoy meals at one of the six picnic areas.

Is Acadia National Park or Ottawa Better for Nightlife?

Ottawa is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Ottawa. It's not the first place that comes to mind when you think about partying, but there are live music venues and a some great bars around town.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Acadia National Park. The park is more about sunsets and stargazing than lively nightlife parties.

Is Acadia National Park or Ottawa Better for Beaches?

Acadia National Park is a popular place for the beach. However, Ottawa is not a beach destination.

Acadia National Park is a good option for a beach vacation. There is one oceanside beach in the park, Sand Beach, as well as two lakefront beaches, Echo Lake Beach and Lake Wood. Many visitors enjoy swimming during the warmer months.

Ottawa is not a beach destination.

Is Acadia National Park or Ottawa Better for Hiking?

Acadia National Park is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Ottawa is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Acadia National Park. With 158 miles of hiking trails, this is a favorite activity for visitors to the park. There are diverse habitats that trails pass through including forests, estuaries, and coastal settings.

Ottawa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Acadia National Park or Ottawa?

Ottawa is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Ottawa has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find large malls, outlets, and shopping streets that are fun to browse. Some of the favorite shopping areas include ByWard Market, Sparks Street, and CF Rideau Centre.

Acadia National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are several park stores near visitor centers and campgrounds.

Is Acadia National Park or Ottawa More Beautiful?

Acadia National Park is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Ottawa is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Acadia National Park attracts visitors from all around. The dramatic ocean views and beautiful hiking trails make this a popular and scenic national park.

Ottawa is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Acadia National Park or Ottawa Better for Families?

Acadia National Park is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Acadia National Park. There are campgrounds and games that kids will enjoy. There are also Ranger Programs and hiking trails that are great for kids of all ages.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ottawa. As the country's capital, you'll find a number of museums that will keep a kid's attention. In particular, check out the aviation, science, and nature museums. If you have a car, you can head out to Calypso Water Park, which is fun as well.

Is Acadia National Park or Ottawa Better for Couples?

Acadia National Park and Ottawa are both nice to visit as a couple.

Acadia National Park is a good national park for couples to visit. The natural beauty and scenic trails make this a romantic destination for couples.

Ottawa is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with parks and green spaces where you can enjoy flowers or peaceful walks. Commissioners Park is particularly nice and known for its tulips during the spring season. Dow's Lake is a nice place for ice skating in the winter or kayaking in the summer. The city also offers a number of romantic restaurants and charming hotels.

Is Acadia National Park or Ottawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Acadia National Park and Ottawa are both nice destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Acadia National Park. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that attracts hikers and backpackers who enjoy the beautiful natural setting.

Ottawa is a good national park to visit for backpackers. Although the city is often overlooked by tourists, there are a surprising number of hostels around town.

Is Acadia National Park or Ottawa Better for Students?

Ottawa is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Acadia National Park is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Ottawa. It appeals to international and Canadian students alike. It's known for its livability and diverse cultural scene.

Acadia National Park is not popular with students.

Is Acadia National Park or Ottawa Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ottawa is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Ottawa has some public transit options. There is both a public bus and light rail system.

Public transit is generally limited in Acadia National Park. The Island Explorer Shuttle Bus operates between late June and early October.

Is Acadia National Park or Ottawa a more walkable city?

Ottawa is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Ottawa is a somewhat walkable city. Many of the urban neighborhoods are very walkable.

Acadia National Park is generally not very walkable. There are countless hiking trails, but having a car allows more efficient access to everything that the park has to offer.

For even more information, also check out Is Acadia National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Ottawa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ottawa or Acadia National Park?

How long in Acadia National Park or Ottawa?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Acadia National Park and Ottawa. In our opinion, Ottawa has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Ottawa than Acadia National Park. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Acadia National Park, and 2-3 days is enough time in Ottawa.

Families should spend more time in Acadia National Park than Ottawa. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Acadia National Park, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Ottawa than Acadia National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Ottawa that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ottawa than Acadia National Park if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Ottawa.

One day in Acadia National Park or Ottawa?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Acadia National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Ottawa. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Acadia National Park or Ottawa?

Acadia National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Ottawa is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Acadia National Park or Ottawa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Acadia National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many people visit Ottawa for five days. You'll find museums and food around the city of Ottawa. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Acadia National Park or Ottawa?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the scenic destination of Acadia National Park. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

The welcoming destination of Ottawa offers food and shopping. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Acadia National Park and Ottawa, we can see that Acadia National Park is more expensive. And not only is Ottawa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ottawa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ottawa and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Acadia National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Acadia National Park than you might in Ottawa.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Acadia National Park Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Acadia National Park or Ottawa?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Ottawa in the Summer?

Both Ottawa and Acadia National Park are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Acadia National Park in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Ottawa for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Acadia National Park is around the same temperature as Ottawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Acadia National Park averages around 69°F (21°C) in July, and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).

In July, Acadia National Park usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ottawa. Acadia National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Ottawa in the Autumn?

Both Ottawa and Acadia National Park during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Acadia National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Ottawa because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Acadia National Park is around the same temperature as Ottawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Acadia National Park in October average around 48°F (9°C), and Ottawa averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Acadia National Park usually gets more rain in October than Ottawa. Acadia National Park gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Ottawa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Acadia National Park and Ottawa. The winter months attract visitors to Acadia National Park because of the museums and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ottawa this time of year.

It's quite cold in Ottawa in the winter. The weather in Acadia National Park can be very cold. In January, Acadia National Park is generally a little warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Acadia National Park average around 18°F (-8°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

In January, Acadia National Park usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Acadia National Park gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Ottawa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Acadia National Park as well as Ottawa. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Acadia National Park this time of year.

Acadia National Park is around the same temperature as Ottawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Acadia National Park averages around 43°F (6°C) in April, and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).

Acadia National Park usually gets more rain in April than Ottawa. Acadia National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ottawa and Acadia National Park