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

Should you visit Duck or Ottawa?

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

Should I visit Duck 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.

Duck

Duck is a charming, laid-back, and traditional beach town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, Duck attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Duck travel costs.

Ottawa

Ottawa is a cultural, friendly, and welcoming city. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums. See Ottawa travel costs.

Duck and Ottawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Duck or Ottawa?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Duck than Ottawa, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Duck is better known for its resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Ottawa is more popular for its museums and attractions. Duck is more touristy than Ottawa and is popular for its quaint atmosphere and small town charm. Also, Duck is famous for the wide sandy beach. Ottawa is well known for its history, politics, and green space.

How is Duck different from Ottawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ottawa is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Duck is not a good beach town for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Duck. Hanging out at the beach and enjoy water sports or outdoor activities are the main draw of this town. You won't find much in the form of museums or indoor activities.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at notable restaurants in both Duck and Ottawa.

Duck offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For such a small town, there's a decent selection of restaurants that range from local seafood eateries to pizza delivery. Homemade ice cream is a favorite in the area, but you also can't skip out on the flagship Duck Donuts store.

Ottawa has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 Duck or Ottawa Better for Nightlife?

Both Duck and Ottawa are respectable when it comes to partying.

Most people don't head to Duck specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's known as a family-friendly destination that isn't often associated with a strong nightlife, but there is often live music and other festivals during the summer months.

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.

Is Duck or Ottawa Better for Resorts?

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

Duck has a few great resort options. Most of the accommodation around town is in the form of vacation beach rental houses that are perfect for family gatherings or larger groups.

Ottawa is not a resort destination.

Is Duck or Ottawa Better for Beaches?

Duck 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 Duck. Long sandy beaches with great surf and a wonderful boardwalk make this a great beach destination. Kids play in the tidal pools and families relax under their beach umbrellas in a classic beach setting.

Ottawa is not a beach destination.

Is Duck or Ottawa Better for Hiking?

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

Duck is a good destination for hiking. The Duck Trail runs for six miles and passes through town. It's popular with walkers, cyclists, and inline skaters.

Ottawa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Duck or Ottawa?

Duck 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 Duck. Head to the Waterfront Shops for some of the town's best shopping. You can wander along the boardwalk and check out the independent vendors and local restaurants.

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 Duck or Ottawa More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Duck attracts visitors from all around. Beautiful sandy beaches and family-friendly parks offer a beautiful and relaxed beach vacation.

Ottawa is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Duck or Ottawa Better for Families?

Duck 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 Duck. Kid-friendly beaches, local ice cream joints, and the famed Duck Donuts all make this an ideal kid's beach destination. There's a waterpark nearby and plenty of water sports that the whole family can enjoy. The boardwalk is also a very family-friendly environment.

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 Duck or Ottawa Better for Couples?

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

Duck makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a charming beach town with great local restaurants and a beautiful and peaceful setting. For couples who want to enjoy a relaxing beach town without the energy of a larger destination, then this is the perfect place. Much of the accommodation is in the form of rental houses, which can be a bit much for a couple, but the setting is perfect for a weekend escape.

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 Duck or Ottawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ottawa is a popular place for backpackers. However, Duck is not a good beach town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Ottawa. Although the city is often overlooked by tourists, there are a surprising number of hostels around town.

Duck is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's an upscale town with many beach houses available for rent, and very little in the form of budget accommodation.

Is Duck or Ottawa Better for Students?

Ottawa is a popular place for students. However, Duck 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.

Duck is not popular with students.

Is Duck 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, Duck is not a good beach town 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 Duck. It's best to have a car if you want to exploring the Outer Banks and its many activities.

Is Duck or Ottawa a more walkable city?

Duck 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 Duck. It's a wonderfully walkable and pedestrian-friendly town with a great boardwalk and many walking and cycling paths.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Ottawa or Duck?

How long in Duck or Ottawa?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Duck and Ottawa. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Duck than in Ottawa. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Duck, and 2-3 days is enough time in Ottawa.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ottawa than Duck 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 Duck or Ottawa?

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

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Ottawa. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Duck or Ottawa?

Duck is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, 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. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Duck or Ottawa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Duck. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. 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 shopping and museums around the welcoming destination of Ottawa. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Duck or Ottawa?

Duck is a small town with plenty to do. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

The friendly city of Ottawa offers museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

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

Which is Bigger, Duck or Ottawa?

Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 1450 times larger than the population of Duck. When comparing the sizes of Duck 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.

When is the best time to visit Duck or Ottawa?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Duck or Ottawa in the Summer?

Both Ottawa and Duck during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Duck because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ottawa this time of year.

In July, Duck is generally a little warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Duck average around 78°F (26°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).

In Ottawa, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Duck. In the summer, Duck often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ottawa. Duck gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Duck. Duck usually gets more rain in July than Ottawa. Duck gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Duck or Ottawa in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Duck and Ottawa. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Duck this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ottawa for the shopping scene.

Duck is much warmer than Ottawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Duck averages around 62°F (16°C) in October, and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In Duck, it's very sunny this time of the year. Duck usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during autumn. Duck gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Duck usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Duck gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Duck or Ottawa in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Duck as well as Ottawa. Many travelers come to Duck for the shopping scene and the cuisine. 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. Be prepared for some very cold days in Duck. In the winter, Duck is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Duck in January average around 41°F (5°C), and Ottawa averages at about -10°C (14°F).

In the winter, Duck often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Duck gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun.

Duck receives a lot of rain in the winter. Duck usually gets more rain in January than Ottawa. Duck gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Duck or Ottawa in the Spring?

Both Ottawa and Duck are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Duck in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Duck is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Duck average around 59°F (15°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Duck. Duck usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during spring. Duck gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Duck usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Duck gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ottawa and Duck