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

Should you visit Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan and Ottawa can help you decide which place is right for you.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a quaint, local, and scenic town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. With stunning beauty, Ketchikan attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Ketchikan travel costs.

Ottawa

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

Ketchikan and Ottawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ketchikan or Ottawa?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ketchikan than Ottawa, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ketchikan is better known for its food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Ottawa is more popular for its museums and attractions. Ketchikan is more touristy than Ottawa and is popular for its salmon fishing, beautiful natural environment, and strong sense of local culture. Also, Ketchikan is famous for the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. Ottawa is well known for its history, politics, and green space.

How is Ketchikan different from Ottawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ottawa is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Ketchikan is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Ketchikan offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a few local museums in town such as the Tongass Historical Museum and the Totem Heritage Center.

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

Ketchikan is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Ketchikan is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It's known as the salmon capital of the world for good reason. You can expect some of the freshest seafood around with many local restaurants serving up fresh Dungeness Crab, Alaska King Crab, and Alaskan King Salmon. It's a huge fishing destination and the cuisine reflects that, but even if you're looking for a landlover's menu, you'll find a number of good dishes.

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 Ketchikan or Ottawa Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are respectable in both Ketchikan and Ottawa.

Most people don't head to Ketchikan specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Because most visitors arrive by cruise ship, there's a more local vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll find a few local bars around town where you can enjoy a drink and good conversation.

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 Ketchikan or Ottawa Better for Hiking?

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

People visit Ketchikan specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. You'll find many hikes that will take you through the local vegetation or to impressive viewpoints. Some hikes involve challenging climbs while others are more relaxing. Some visitors prefer to hire a guide to the lead them through the Alaskan wilderness, but the most popular and easier trails are usually well marked.

Ottawa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ketchikan or Ottawa?

Both Ketchikan and Ottawa are notable shopping destinations.

Ketchikan is a great destination for shopping. As tourism has grown, the shopping in downtown Ketchikan has shifted from locally-oriented venders to jewelry and souvenir stores. Many shops are only open during the summer months, and you'll find the more local shops outside of town.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Ottawa. 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 Ketchikan or Ottawa More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Ketchikan attracts visitors from all around. It's located at the southernmost entrance to the Inside Passage, so you can expect dramatic natural beauty and a breathtaking setting.

Ottawa is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ketchikan or Ottawa Better for Families?

Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan. There are a number of kid-friendly activities and tours, but do note that many tours book up fully with cruise ship passengers. Any tours you wish to do should be arranged well in advance. Popular kid-friendly activities include the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, Misty Fjords, and a visit to Totem Bight State Historical Park. Everyone will enjoy learning about the area's history and nature at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. And anyone who enjoys the show "The Most Dangerous Catch" will appreciate the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour.

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 Ketchikan or Ottawa Better for Couples?

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

Ketchikan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy natural beauty, hiking, and wildlife will appreciate their time here. There are many opportunities for fishing and a plethora of seafood restaurants in the area that take advantage of this past time.

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 Ketchikan or Ottawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Ketchikan and Ottawa are notable destinations for backpackers.

Ketchikan is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While most visitors arrive by cruise ship, for those travel independently will appreciate the hostel in town.

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.

Is Ketchikan or Ottawa Better for Students?

Ottawa is very good for students. However, Ketchikan 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.

Ketchikan is not popular with students.

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

Ottawa is very good for its public transit. However, Ketchikan is a mediocre 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 Ketchikan. There are buses that travel through town.

Is Ketchikan or Ottawa a more walkable city?

Ketchikan 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.

Ketchikan is a very walkable destination. The downtown is relatively compact and walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Ottawa or Ketchikan?

How long in Ketchikan or Ottawa?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ketchikan and Ottawa. In our opinion, Ketchikan has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Ketchikan than Ottawa. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Ketchikan, and 2-3 days is enough time in Ottawa.

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

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

One day in Ketchikan or Ottawa?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Ketchikan. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Ottawa. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Ketchikan or Ottawa?

Ketchikan 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.

You'll find museums and food around the friendly destination of Ottawa. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Ketchikan or Ottawa?

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

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural city of Ottawa. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Ketchikan or Ottawa?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Ketchikan. This town 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 choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

Which is Bigger, Ketchikan or Ottawa?

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

Both Ottawa and Ketchikan during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Ketchikan for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Ottawa because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Ketchikan is generally cooler than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Ketchikan average around 58°F (15°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. Ketchikan usually gets more rain in July than Ottawa. Ketchikan gets 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ketchikan or Ottawa in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ketchikan and Ottawa. The autumn months attract visitors to Ketchikan because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to Ottawa this time of year.

Ketchikan is around the same temperature as Ottawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ketchikan averages around 46°F (8°C) in October, and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Ketchikan usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Ketchikan gets 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ketchikan or Ottawa in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ketchikan as well as Ottawa. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ketchikan this time of year. Additionally, 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 Ketchikan in the winter. In the winter, Ketchikan is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ketchikan in January average around 34°F (1°C), and Ottawa averages at about -10°C (14°F).

Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the winter. Ketchikan usually gets more rain in January than Ottawa. Ketchikan gets 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ketchikan or Ottawa in the Spring?

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

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

It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. In April, Ketchikan usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Ketchikan gets 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ottawa and Ketchikan