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

Should you visit Islamorada or Ottawa?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Islamorada 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.

Islamorada

Islamorada is a tropical, adventurous, and relaxing village. With stunning beauty, Islamorada attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Islamorada travel costs.

Ottawa

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

Islamorada and Ottawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Islamorada or Ottawa?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Islamorada than Ottawa, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Islamorada is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Ottawa is more popular for its museums and attractions. Islamorada is more touristy than Ottawa and is known for its sportfishing, state parks, and local vibe. Also, Islamorada is famous for Theater of the Sea. Ottawa is well known for its history, politics, and green space.

How is Islamorada different from Ottawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

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.

Islamorada offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a variety of museums and aquariums in the area such as the History of Diving Museum, the Keys History and Discovery Center, and the famous Theater of the Sea.

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

Islamorada is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Islamorada has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Has a sports fishing destination, you'll find no shortage of seafood options in the area. There are cafes and bistros that have an old school Florida Key's atmosphere. Popular dishes include grilled fish and curry seafood.

Ottawa offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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 Islamorada or Ottawa Better for Nightlife?

Islamorada 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 Islamorada. The nightlife consists of mostly bars and restaurants that serve cocktails and frozen drinks. There are sports bars and casual eateries where you can enjoy a drink in a relaxed atmosphere.

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 Islamorada or Ottawa Better for Resorts?

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

Islamorada has a few great resort options. You'll find plenty of resorts with spas, pools or oceanfront views in the area.

Ottawa is not a resort destination.

Is Islamorada or Ottawa Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Islamorada is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Ottawa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Islamorada has a few good snorkeling spots. There are plenty of dive shops that offer snorkeling and dive trips to the surrounding areas. You could also grab a mask and head out into the water on your own. You're sure to see some beautiful marine life.

Ottawa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Islamorada or Ottawa Better for Beaches?

Islamorada is a very popular place for the beach. However, Ottawa is not a beach destination.

Islamorada is considered a top beach destination. Blue water and white sand make the beaches a true paradise. Favorite beaches in the area include Anne's Beach, which has a boardwalk and mangroves, Library Beach, which is small and well maintained, Holiday Isle Beach, which is near the hotels and restaurants, and Long Key State Park, which has camping and picnic spots.

Ottawa is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Islamorada or Ottawa?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Islamorada. You'll find a few jewelry boutiques as well as sporting goods shops and souvenir stands.

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 Islamorada or Ottawa More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Islamorada attracts visitors from all around. Striking blue water and white sand make this a truly tropical paradise. You can sip frozen drinks and relax in the sun as your troubles slip away.

Ottawa is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Islamorada or Ottawa Better for Families?

Islamorada is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Islamorada is a very family-friendly destination. Theater of the Sea is a highlight for kids and adults alike. You'll have the opportunity to interact with many types of sea life including dolphins, sea lions, and even sharks. Founders Park is another great place to take the kids. You can have a picnic, hang out at the beach, or hit up the playground. There's also plenty of snorkeling and diving in the area, particularly around Alligator Reef Lighthouse.

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 Islamorada or Ottawa Better for Couples?

Islamorada is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Islamorada makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples will enjoy the resorts, spas, beaches, and adventures in the area. Head to Little Palm Spa for a little relaxation or hit up Florida Keys Brewing Company for some live music. There's also snorkeling, diving, and some good restaurants nearby as well.

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 Islamorada or Ottawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ottawa is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Islamorada is not known for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Ottawa. Although the city is often overlooked by tourists, there are a surprising number of hostels around town.

Islamorada is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't any real hostels on this key and prices in general can be a bit high so backpackers will find it a bit challenging.

Is Islamorada or Ottawa Better for Students?

Ottawa is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Islamorada 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.

Islamorada is not popular with students.

Is Islamorada 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, Islamorada 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 limited or non-existant in Islamorada. There's no real public transit in the area and you must have your own vehicle.

Is Islamorada or Ottawa a more walkable city?

Ottawa is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Islamorada is not known for its high level of walkability.

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

Islamorada is not a walkable village. Like the rest of the Florida Keys, it's not very walkable and you'll need a car to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Ottawa or Islamorada?

How long in Islamorada or Ottawa?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Islamorada and Ottawa. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Islamorada than in Ottawa. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Islamorada, and 2-3 days is enough time in Ottawa.

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Islamorada. 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.

With museums and food around the friendly 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 Islamorada or Ottawa?

Islamorada is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. 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 Islamorada or Ottawa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Islamorada. 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.

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 Islamorada or Ottawa?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the adventurous destination of Islamorada. This village 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.

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 Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking 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 Islamorada and Ottawa, we can see that Islamorada 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 Islamorada would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Islamorada 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 Islamorada Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Islamorada or Ottawa?

Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Islamorada. When comparing the sizes of Islamorada 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 Islamorada 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 Islamorada or Ottawa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamorada and Ottawa. Many visitors come to Islamorada in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Ottawa for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Islamorada is generally a little warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Islamorada average around 84°F (29°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 Islamorada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamorada usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during summer. Islamorada gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Islamorada usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ottawa. Islamorada gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Islamorada or Ottawa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Islamorada as well as Ottawa. Most visitors come to Islamorada for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Ottawa because of the shopping scene.

Islamorada is much warmer than Ottawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamorada this time of the year. In the autumn, Islamorada often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Islamorada gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.

Islamorada receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Islamorada usually gets more rain in October than Ottawa. Islamorada gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Islamorada.

Should I visit Islamorada or Ottawa in the Winter?

Both Ottawa and Islamorada are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Islamorada because of the museums, the shopping scene, 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. In the winter, Islamorada is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Islamorada in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Ottawa averages at about -10°C (14°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. Islamorada usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during winter. Islamorada gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Islamorada usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Islamorada gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Islamorada or Ottawa in the Spring?

Both Ottawa and Islamorada during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Islamorada this time of year.

In April, Islamorada is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Islamorada average around 77°F (25°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).

It's quite sunny in Islamorada. In the spring, Islamorada often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Islamorada gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.

Islamorada usually gets less rain in April than Ottawa. Islamorada gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Islamorada is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Ottawa and Islamorada