A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cumberland Island National Seashore vs. Ottawa for Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Ottawa?

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

Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore 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.

Cumberland Island National Seashore

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a secluded, undeveloped, and untouched island. With stunning beauty, Cumberland Island National Seashore attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches and hiking. See Cumberland Island National Seashore travel costs.

Ottawa

Ottawa is a cultural, friendly, and welcoming city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Ottawa travel costs.

Cumberland Island National Seashore and Ottawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Ottawa?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cumberland Island National Seashore than Ottawa, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cumberland Island National Seashore is better known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Ottawa is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping. Cumberland Island National Seashore is more touristy than Ottawa and is known for its pristine and undeveloped beaches, miles of hiking trails, and wild horses. Also, Cumberland Island National Seashore is famous for the Dungeness Ruins. Ottawa is well known for its history, politics, and green space.

How is Cumberland Island National Seashore different from Ottawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Ottawa?

Ottawa is a great city for its historical sights. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its sights and museums.

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.

Cumberland Island National Seashore offers a few options for museum-goers. There aren't any museums on the island, but on the mainland there's a visitor center as well as the Cumberland Island National Seashore Museum.

Is the Food Better in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Ottawa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ottawa is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Ottawa. 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.

Most people don't head to Cumberland Island National Seashore for a culinary experience, but it does have restaurants to choose from. There are no restaurants on the island, so you need to pack any food that you might need before you arrive.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Ottawa Better for Nightlife?

Ottawa is adequate for nightlife. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for nightlife and partying.

Ottawa doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. 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.

People don't go to Cumberland Island National Seashore for the nightlife. Stargazing is amazing on the island, but you're left to your own devices when it comes to evening entertainment options.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Ottawa Better for Beaches?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Ottawa is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Cumberland Island National Seashore. There are 17 miles of pristine beaches along the island. You'll also find wild horses and miles of hiking trails. Swimming is popular, but do take note that there are no lifeguards on the island.

Ottawa is not a beach destination.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Ottawa Better for Hiking?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Ottawa is not a hiking destination.

People visit Cumberland Island National Seashore specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. You'll find more than 50 miles of hiking trails on the island. They pass through a number of ecosystems such as wetlands, forests, and beaches. Most visitors come for the day and spend most of their time on the Southend of the island. This is where you'll find the highest concentration of hiking trails. Some of the most popular trails are Dungeness Roadways, River Trail, and Nightingale Trail.

Ottawa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Ottawa?

Ottawa is a popular place for shopping. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Ottawa. 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.

Cumberland Island National Seashore has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There aren't any shops or stores on the island so plan accordingly.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Ottawa More Beautiful?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Ottawa is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Cumberland Island National Seashore attracts visitors from all around. The barrier island has 17 miles of pristine beaches. It offers a truly beautiful setting that feels undiscovered and untouched.

Ottawa is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Ottawa Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cumberland Island National Seashore or Ottawa.

Cumberland Island National Seashore offers lots of family activities. In addition to the hiking trails, coastline, and wildlife, the island also has junior ranger programs and educational experiences for kids.

Ottawa is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Cumberland Island National Seashore or Ottawa Better for Couples?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a very popular place for couples. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Cumberland Island National Seashore makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will appreciate the pristine coastline, beautiful wildlife, and secluded hiking trails. Many people visit the island as a day trip, but it's also possible to stay at one of the island's campgrounds. For a truly romantic experience you could also stay at the Greyfield Inn.

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 Cumberland Island National Seashore or Ottawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Cumberland Island National Seashore. Backpackers appreciate the secluded and pristine atmosphere. There are miles of hiking trails as well as campgrounds on the island for those who want to stay overnight.

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 Cumberland Island National Seashore or Ottawa Better for Students?

Ottawa is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not popular with students.

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

Cumberland Island National Seashore is not popular with students.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Ottawa Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ottawa is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Cumberland Island National Seashore is not known for its public transit.

While Ottawa offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is both a public bus and light rail system.

Public transit is generally limited in Cumberland Island National Seashore. The only way to the island is by ferry. It leaves from the town of St. Marys and advanced reservations are recommended.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore or Ottawa a more walkable city?

Cumberland Island National Seashore and Ottawa are notable when it comes to walkability.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is somewhat walkable. There are many hikes on the island, but the whole island is 18 miles long, making it difficult to walk in one day. Many visitors spend their time near the campgrounds where there's the highest concentration of hiking trails. This area is known as Sea Camp.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Cumberland Island National Seashore Worth Visiting? and Is Ottawa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ottawa or Cumberland Island National Seashore?

How long in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Ottawa?

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

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

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

One day in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Ottawa?

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

In Ottawa, you'll find food and shopping. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A weekend in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Ottawa?

Cumberland Island National Seashore 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.

Many people visit Ottawa for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Five days in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Ottawa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cumberland Island National Seashore. 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.

Ottawa is a popular place to visit. The welcoming city of Ottawa offers museums and food. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Cumberland Island National Seashore or Ottawa?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the secluded destination of Cumberland Island National Seashore. This island 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.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Ottawa. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. 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 Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, 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 Cumberland Island National Seashore and Ottawa, we can see that Cumberland Island National Seashore 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 Cumberland Island National Seashore would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cumberland Island National Seashore 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 Cumberland Island National Seashore Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Cumberland Island National Seashore 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 Cumberland Island National Seashore or Ottawa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cumberland Island National Seashore and Ottawa. The summer months attract visitors to Cumberland Island National Seashore because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ottawa this time of year.

In July, Cumberland Island National Seashore is generally a little warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore average around 82°F (28°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ottawa this time of the year. In Cumberland Island National Seashore, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ottawa during summer. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.

Cumberland Island National Seashore gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Ottawa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cumberland Island National Seashore as well as Ottawa. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cumberland Island National Seashore this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ottawa for the shopping scene.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is much warmer than Ottawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cumberland Island National Seashore averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cumberland Island National Seashore this time of the year. In the autumn, Cumberland Island National Seashore often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.

Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Ottawa. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Ottawa in the Winter?

Both Ottawa and Cumberland Island National Seashore are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Ottawa in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ottawa can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Cumberland Island National Seashore is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Ottawa averages at about -10°C (14°F).

Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during winter. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cumberland Island National Seashore usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cumberland Island National Seashore or Ottawa in the Spring?

Both Ottawa and Cumberland Island National Seashore during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cumberland Island National Seashore in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Cumberland Island National Seashore is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Cumberland Island National Seashore average around 68°F (20°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).

It's quite sunny in Cumberland Island National Seashore. In the spring, Cumberland Island National Seashore often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.

Cumberland Island National Seashore usually gets more rain in April than Ottawa. Cumberland Island National Seashore gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ottawa and Cumberland Island National Seashore