A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Breckenridge vs. Ottawa for Families, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Breckenridge or Ottawa?

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

Should I visit Breckenridge or Ottawa? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Breckenridge

Breckenridge is a scenic, nature-filled, and charming ski resort. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, Breckenridge attracts visitors from all around. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping. See Breckenridge travel costs.

Ottawa

Ottawa is a friendly, welcoming, and cultural city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food. See Ottawa travel costs.

Breckenridge and Ottawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Breckenridge or Ottawa?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Breckenridge. Although Breckenridge and Ottawa are both popular with visitors, Breckenridge has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Breckenridge is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, historical sights, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Ottawa is known for its museums and attractions. Breckenridge is more touristy than Ottawa and is popular for its world-class ski resorts, its charming small town atmosphere, and its family-friendly environment. It is also home to The Family-Friendly Ski Resort. Ottawa is popular for its history, politics, and green space.

How is Breckenridge different from Ottawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Breckenridge or Ottawa Better for Skiing?

Breckenridge is a world-class destination for skiing and snowboarding. However, Ottawa is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Breckenridge should be on your list. This is one of the most recognizable ski destinations in the world. It has diverse terrain that is good for all levels including beginners, intermediate, and expert skiers. The resort also has the tallest chairlift in North America.

Ottawa is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Breckenridge or Ottawa?

Ottawa is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Breckenridge does not have museums and landmarks.

Ottawa offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Breckenridge does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Breckenridge or Ottawa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Breckenridge and Ottawa both to be good destinations.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Breckenridge. There are a number of restaurants around town serving everything from casual to fine dining. There are bistros, pubs, and luxury options where you can enjoy international or local dishes including elk and buffalo.

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.

Is Breckenridge or Ottawa Better for Nightlife?

Breckenridge is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Ottawa is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Breckenridge. The town comes to life in the winter and there are plenty of bars, breweries, and a wide selection of craft beer that you can try. Live music also brings the town to life in the evening.

Ottawa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. 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.

Is Breckenridge or Ottawa Better for Resorts?

Breckenridge is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Ottawa is not a resort destination.

Breckenridge has a few great resort options. The resorts often have pools or hot tubs where you can unwind after a day on the slopes. Many have condos that include a kitchen and separate bedrooms.

Ottawa is not a resort destination.

Is Breckenridge or Ottawa Better for its Old Town?

Breckenridge is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Ottawa does not have a historic old town.

Breckenridge has an old town worth visiting. Originating as a mining town, there is a historic Main Street that is filled with character.

Ottawa does not have a historic old town.

Is Breckenridge or Ottawa Better for Hiking?

Breckenridge is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Ottawa is not a hiking destination.

Breckenridge is a good destination for hiking. During the summer months there are plenty of beautiful hikes nearby, but you'll likely need a car to reach most trailheads. Popular trails include Hoosier Pass Loop, Blue Lakes Trail, and McCullough Gulch.

Ottawa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Breckenridge or Ottawa?

Breckenridge is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Breckenridge. Quaint shops and galleries are throughout the town where you can by gear, artwork, or souvenirs.

Ottawa is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Is Breckenridge or Ottawa More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Breckenridge attracts visitors from all around. The beautiful mountains make a great backdrop for one of the area's best ski resorts.

Ottawa is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Breckenridge or Ottawa Better for Families?

Breckenridge 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 Breckenridge. It is a fun, family-friendly ski resort town with skiing for all levels. There are lessons for kids starting at the age of three, and slopes that are perfect for all skill levels. The town also has ice skating, sledding, and white water rafting.

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 Breckenridge or Ottawa Better for Couples?

Breckenridge is a very popular place for couples. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Breckenridge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For couples who enjoy skiing, outdoor activities, beautiful hikes, and a charming small town atmosphere, this is the perfect romantic getaway.

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 Breckenridge or Ottawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Breckenridge and Ottawa are good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Breckenridge. The town has a hostel or two for skiers who want a social setting at an affordable price.

Ottawa is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Although the city is often overlooked by tourists, there are a surprising number of hostels around town.

Is Breckenridge or Ottawa Better for Students?

Ottawa is a popular place for students. However, Breckenridge is not popular with students.

Ottawa is a good city to visit for students. It appeals to international and Canadian students alike. It's known for its livability and diverse cultural scene.

Breckenridge is not popular with students.

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

Ottawa is a popular place for its public transit. However, Breckenridge is not a good ski resort for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Breckenridge. There is a free shuttle service around town.

Is Breckenridge or Ottawa a more walkable city?

Breckenridge is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Breckenridge. The town is designed to be pedestrian-friendly.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Breckenridge Worth Visiting? and Is Ottawa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ottawa or Breckenridge?

How long in Breckenridge or Ottawa?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Breckenridge and Ottawa. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Breckenridge than in Ottawa. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Breckenridge, and 2-3 days is enough time in Ottawa.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Breckenridge than Ottawa 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 Breckenridge.

One day in Breckenridge or Ottawa?

Breckenridge might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Ottawa, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this friendly city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Breckenridge or Ottawa?

Breckenridge is a great place to explore. Don't miss the skiing, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Breckenridge or Ottawa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Breckenridge. Don't miss the skiing, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Ottawa. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Breckenridge or Ottawa?

Breckenridge is a small town with plenty to do. This ski resort offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Ottawa is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, 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 Breckenridge and Ottawa, we can see that Breckenridge 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 Breckenridge would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Breckenridge 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 Breckenridge Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Breckenridge or Ottawa?

Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 290 times larger than the population of Breckenridge. When comparing the sizes of Breckenridge and Ottawa, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.