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

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Ottawa?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Gatlinburg and Ottawa can help you decide which place is right for you.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a wild, flashy, and high energy city. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Gatlinburg travel costs.

Ottawa

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

Gatlinburg and Ottawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Ottawa?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Gatlinburg than Ottawa, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Gatlinburg is better known for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Ottawa is more popular for its museums and attractions and food. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Ottawa and is known for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Also, Gatlinburg is famous for the Gatlinburg Strip. Ottawa is well known for its history, politics, and green space.

How is Gatlinburg different from Ottawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Ottawa Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Ottawa is not a skiing destination.

Head to Gatlinburg for some great skiing and other winter activities. Ober Gatlinburg is the only ski area in Tennessee. The winter activities open after Thanksgiving and include snow skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and tubing.

Ottawa is not a skiing destination.

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

Ottawa is great for its historical sights. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Ottawa specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Gatlinburg offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Museums range from gaudy to quirky. Check out the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum, Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Hollywood Wax Museum, and the Titanic Museum. There's also the Gatlinburg Space Needle and the Gatlinburg SkyBridge.

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

Ottawa is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Gatlinburg. Staying true to form, restaurants in Gatlinburg cater to the tourist scene and serve up burgers, pizza, pancakes, and other classic favorites.

Is Gatlinburg or Ottawa Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Ottawa is lacking in good options for nightlife.

People head to Gatlinburg just to party. Live music, theatrical shows, as well as bars and clubs that stay open late into the night give this town a huge party atmosphere. During the peak season the town is packed with people looking to have a good time and you'll find tons of things to do by simply walking down the main drag.

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 Gatlinburg or Ottawa Better for Resorts?

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

Gatlinburg is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Ottawa is not a resort destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Ottawa Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg. You'll need to head out of town into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but once you're there the hiking is impressive. There are waterfall hikes, trails to viewpoints, and loops that take you through wildflowers. Some of the most popular trails include Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Middle Prong Trail, and the Gatlinburg Trail.

Ottawa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Ottawa?

If you're looking to go shopping, Gatlinburg and Ottawa both offer plenty of notable spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Gatlinburg. There are tourist traps and souvenir shops around town, but you can also head to the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community where you can meet local artists and learn about their work.

Ottawa offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Gatlinburg or Ottawa Better for Families?

Ottawa is very good for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

Ottawa offers lots of family activities. 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.

Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination. Ober Gatlinburg is a combination ski resort and amusement park that is a highlight for many families. During the warmer season, horseback riding and waterparks are popular. There's also a Ripley's Aquarium, minigolf, and Gatlin's Fun Center. Nearby you'll find Dollywood and Pigeon Forge.

Is Gatlinburg or Ottawa Better for Couples?

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

Gatlinburg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. If you're looking for a flashy and ostentatious experience, then there are all the typical activities around town - Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Gatlinburg Space Needle, or Ober Gatlinburg. For a bit more nature, you can head out of town and enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also breweries and wineries in the area, as well as a range of resorts.

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 Gatlinburg or Ottawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ottawa is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for backpackers.

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.

Gatlinburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a touristy town with plenty of cheap motels in the area. There are also campgrounds and hiking not far away.

Is Gatlinburg or Ottawa Better for Students?

Ottawa is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg 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.

Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

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

Gatlinburg and Ottawa both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Gatlinburg offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a free trolley service that offers a convenient way to get around town.

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

Is Gatlinburg or Ottawa a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Gatlinburg is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is pedestrian-friendly and most of the attractions in town can be reached on foot. If you want to leave town, a car is a must, but in town traffic and parking can be frustrating, so walk when you can.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Ottawa or Gatlinburg?

How long in Gatlinburg or Ottawa?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Gatlinburg and Ottawa. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Gatlinburg than in Ottawa. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Gatlinburg, and 2-3 days is enough time in Ottawa.

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and skiing when visiting the destination of Gatlinburg. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and food around the welcoming city of Ottawa, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Gatlinburg or Ottawa?

Gatlinburg is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With food and shopping around the destination of Ottawa, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Gatlinburg or Ottawa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Gatlinburg. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. 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, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Gatlinburg or Ottawa?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the flashy destination of Gatlinburg. This city 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.

Ottawa is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, 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 Gatlinburg and Ottawa, we can see that Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Ottawa?

Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 190 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg or Ottawa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Ottawa. Most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the hiking during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Ottawa because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Gatlinburg is generally a little warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 81°F (27°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 Gatlinburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gatlinburg usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during summer. Gatlinburg gets 294 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.

Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Ottawa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Ottawa. The autumn months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Additionally, the shopping scene are the main draw to Ottawa this time of year.

Gatlinburg is much warmer than Ottawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In the autumn, Gatlinburg often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Gatlinburg gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg usually gets less rain in October than Ottawa. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Ottawa in the Winter?

Both Ottawa and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ottawa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ottawa. It's quite cold in Gatlinburg in the winter. In the winter, Gatlinburg is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gatlinburg in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Ottawa averages at about -10°C (14°F).

Gatlinburg usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during winter. Gatlinburg gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. In January, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Ottawa in the Spring?

Both Ottawa and Gatlinburg during the spring are popular places to visit.

In April, Gatlinburg is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 62°F (17°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).

It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. In the spring, Gatlinburg often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Gatlinburg gets 263 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in April than Ottawa. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ottawa and Gatlinburg