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

Should you visit Kennebunkport or Ottawa?

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

Should I visit Kennebunkport 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.

Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a character-filled, charming, and quaint town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Kennebunkport offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Kennebunkport travel costs.

Ottawa

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

Kennebunkport and Ottawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kennebunkport or Ottawa?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kennebunkport than Ottawa, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kennebunkport is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Ottawa is more popular for its museums and attractions. Kennebunkport is more touristy than Ottawa and is known for its historic and charming atmosphere, its wonderful local seafood, and its stunning coastline. Also, Kennebunkport is famous for Dock Square. Ottawa is well known for its history, politics, and green space.

How is Kennebunkport different from Ottawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ottawa is great for its historical sights. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Kennebunkport offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a handful of local museums around town like the Brick Store Museum, the First Families Kennebunkport Museum, and the Seashore Trolley Museum.

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

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

Kennebunkport has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Fine dining, seafood restaurants, and local cafes all make this a wonderful town for foodies. The town's famous for its lobster, but you can also try the scallops, crab, or oysters.

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 Kennebunkport or Ottawa Better for Nightlife?

Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport. You can check out the happy hours that many of the bars in the waterfront area host regularly.

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 Kennebunkport or Ottawa Better for Resorts?

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

Kennebunkport is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Luxury resorts and classic inns provide traditional and local accommodation options for visitors.

Ottawa is not a resort destination.

Is Kennebunkport or Ottawa Better for Hiking?

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

Kennebunkport is a good destination for hiking. There are waterfront walks and coastal trails. There are also trails that wander through forests or past marshland.

Ottawa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kennebunkport or Ottawa?

Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport. Head to Dock's Square for the best local shops with a charming atmosphere.

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 Kennebunkport or Ottawa More Beautiful?

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

Kennebunkport offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's scenic coastline and dramatic lighthouses make this a beautiful area.

Ottawa is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Kennebunkport or Ottawa Better for Families?

Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport. You can explore the rocks around Mother's Beach or take the kids out on a lobster boat. There's also a lot of history around Dock's Square and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants in town.

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 Kennebunkport or Ottawa Better for Couples?

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

Kennebunkport makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Beaches, romantic hotels, and charming local restaurants make this a perfect couple's destination.

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 Kennebunkport or Ottawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ottawa is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Kennebunkport is not a good destination for backpackers.

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

Kennebunkport is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll find cabins and motels in the area, but no real hostels.

Is Kennebunkport or Ottawa Better for Students?

Ottawa is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Kennebunkport 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.

Kennebunkport is not popular with students.

Is Kennebunkport 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, Kennebunkport is not a good destination 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 Kennebunkport. During the summer months there's a Shoreline Trolley that connects towns.

Is Kennebunkport or Ottawa a more walkable city?

Kennebunkport and Ottawa are notable when it comes to walkability.

Kennebunkport is somewhat walkable. It's downtown is compact and particularly walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Ottawa or Kennebunkport?

How long in Kennebunkport or Ottawa?

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

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

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

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

Kennebunkport might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the friendly destination of Ottawa. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Kennebunkport or Ottawa?

Kennebunkport 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ottawa. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Kennebunkport or Ottawa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kennebunkport. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Ottawa. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

A week in Kennebunkport or Ottawa?

Kennebunkport is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums and food around the city of Ottawa. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle 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 Kennebunkport and Ottawa, we can see that Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kennebunkport or Ottawa?

Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 520 times larger than the population of Kennebunkport. When comparing the sizes of Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport or Ottawa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kennebunkport and Ottawa. The summer months attract visitors to Kennebunkport because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ottawa this time of year.

In July, Kennebunkport is generally around the same temperature as Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Kennebunkport average around 69°F (20°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 Kennebunkport, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kennebunkport usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ottawa during summer. Kennebunkport gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kennebunkport usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Kennebunkport gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Ottawa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kennebunkport as well as Ottawa. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kennebunkport this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Ottawa for the shopping scene.

Kennebunkport is around the same temperature as Ottawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kennebunkport averages around 49°F (9°C) in October, and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the autumn, Kennebunkport often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Kennebunkport gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.

Kennebunkport usually gets more rain in October than Ottawa. Kennebunkport gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Ottawa in the Winter?

Both Ottawa and Kennebunkport are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport. In the winter, Kennebunkport is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kennebunkport in January average around 21°F (-6°C), and Ottawa averages at about -10°C (14°F).

Kennebunkport usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during winter. Kennebunkport gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kennebunkport usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Kennebunkport gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Ottawa in the Spring?

Both Ottawa and Kennebunkport during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Kennebunkport in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Kennebunkport is generally around the same temperature as Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Kennebunkport average around 43°F (6°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).

It's quite sunny in Kennebunkport. In the spring, Kennebunkport often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Kennebunkport gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.

Kennebunkport usually gets more rain in April than Ottawa. Kennebunkport gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ottawa and Kennebunkport