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

Should you visit Juneau or Ottawa?

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

Should I visit Juneau 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.

Juneau

Juneau is a historic, scenic, and breathtaking city. Juneau is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Juneau 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.

Juneau and Ottawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Juneau or Ottawa?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Juneau. Although Juneau and Ottawa are both popular with visitors, Juneau has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Juneau is more touristy than Ottawa and is popular for its wildlife, natural beauty, and Gold Rush in 1880. It is also home to the Mendenhall Glacier. Ottawa is popular for its history, politics, and green space.

How is Juneau different from Ottawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Juneau and Ottawa.

Juneau offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many museums focus on the history in the area, including the Gold Rush and the mining industry. You can visit several historic mines as well as the Last Chance Mining Museum. Other museums around town include the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, the Walter Soboleff Building, and the Alaska State Museum.

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.

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

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

Juneau has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The seafood is superb and visitors will regret if they miss out on the salmon, halibut, and crab. There are many local restaurants and local chefs serving up the freshest caught fish. For the best seafood, head to the waterfront, and if you're looking for something other than seafood, the downtown is where you'll want to be.

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 Juneau or Ottawa Better for Nightlife?

Both Juneau and Ottawa are decent when it comes to partying.

Most people don't head to Juneau specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are a couple of bars and breweries, but most people relax in the evening.

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 Juneau or Ottawa Better for Hiking?

Juneau is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Ottawa is not a hiking destination.

People visit Juneau specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. You'll find more than 250 miles of hiking trails in the area, and this really is the best way to experience Alaska. The area is known for its wildlife, but there are also glacier hikes, meadows, mountains, and more. In downtown Juneau there's the Perseverance Trail, the Granite Creek Trail, and the Mount Roberts Trail. From the Mendenhall Visitor Center there's the East Glacier Loop Trail, the West Glacier Trail, and the Nugget Falls Trail. There are also trails on Douglas Island and many options just outside of town.

Ottawa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Juneau or Ottawa?

Juneau 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 Juneau. There's a mix of contemporary art and traditional artisan crafts. You'll find gift shops and art galleries around, particularly downtown and in the Mendenhall Valley business district. Visitors often enjoy buying art, wood carvings, jewelry, pottery, quilts, or dolls.

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 Juneau or Ottawa More Beautiful?

Juneau is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Ottawa is not a destination known for its beauty.

Juneau is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The landscape is filled with glaciers, mountains, and fjords, making it a dramatic and beautiful destination.

Ottawa is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Juneau or Ottawa Better for Families?

Juneau 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 Juneau. Its is filled with adventure that the whole family will enjoy. There's whale watching, dog sled tours, helicopter rides, hiking, and the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway. This bucket-list destination will have an impact on kids and adults alike.

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 Juneau or Ottawa Better for Couples?

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

Juneau makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples who enjoy exploring and adventuring will be in awe of this destination. Glacier trekking, superb gardens, and romantic helicopter rides will leave you feeling like a contestant on "The Bachelor". There are also opportunities for romantic evenings out and cozy hotels where you can stay in.

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 Juneau or Ottawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Juneau 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 Juneau. It's a popular destination with budget hotels and even a hostel or two.

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 Juneau or Ottawa Better for Students?

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

Juneau is not popular with students.

Is Juneau 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, Juneau is not a good city 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 Juneau. You can only reach Juneau by boat or plane and there are three bus routes through town.

Is Juneau or Ottawa a more walkable city?

Juneau 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.

Juneau is a very walkable destination. The downtown is very walkable and many places can be reached within a reasonable walk.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Ottawa or Juneau?

How long in Juneau or Ottawa?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Juneau and Ottawa. In our opinion, Juneau has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Juneau than Ottawa. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Juneau 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 Juneau.

One day in Juneau or Ottawa?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Juneau. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Ottawa. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Juneau or Ottawa?

Juneau is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, 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.

Ottawa 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.

Five days in Juneau or Ottawa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Juneau. Don't miss the hiking, 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.

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

A week in Juneau or Ottawa?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the scenic destination of Juneau. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the welcoming destination of Ottawa. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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 Juneau and Ottawa, we can see that Juneau 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 Juneau would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Juneau 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 Juneau Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Juneau or Ottawa?

Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Juneau. When comparing the sizes of Juneau 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 Juneau 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 Juneau or Ottawa in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Juneau is much colder than Ottawa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Juneau in July average around 56°F (13°C), and Ottawa averages at about 21°C (71°F).

In Ottawa, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Juneau often gets less sunshine than Ottawa. Juneau gets 179 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 Juneau. Juneau usually gets more rain in July than Ottawa. Juneau gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Juneau or Ottawa in the Autumn?

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

In October, Juneau is generally much colder than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Juneau average around 42°F (6°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Juneau usually receives less sunshine than Ottawa during autumn. Juneau gets 69 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Juneau gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Juneau usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Juneau gets 7.8 inches (199 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Juneau or Ottawa in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Juneau as well as Ottawa. Many travelers come to Juneau for the museums, 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 Juneau. Juneau is much warmer than Ottawa in the winter. The daily temperature in Juneau averages around 24°F (-4°C) in January, and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

In the winter, Juneau often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ottawa. Juneau gets 87 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun.

Juneau receives a lot of rain in the winter. Juneau usually gets more rain in January than Ottawa. Juneau gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Juneau or Ottawa in the Spring?

Both Ottawa and Juneau are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Juneau in the spring for the natural beauty.

Juneau can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Juneau is much colder than Ottawa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Juneau in April average around 40°F (4°C), and Ottawa averages at about 6°C (44°F).

Juneau usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ottawa during spring. Juneau gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Juneau usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ottawa. Juneau gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ottawa and Juneau