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

Should you visit Orlando or Ottawa?

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

Should I visit Orlando 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.

Orlando

Orlando is a active, family-friendly, and entertaining city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and theater. See Orlando travel costs.

Ottawa

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

Orlando and Ottawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orlando or Ottawa?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Orlando than Ottawa. While Ottawa is larger than Orlando, Orlando has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Orlando is better known for its theatre productions, food, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Ottawa is more popular for its museums and attractions. Orlando is more touristy than Ottawa and is known for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. Also, Orlando is famous for Disney World, Universal Studios, and the city's many amusement parks. Ottawa is well known for its history, politics, and green space.

How is Orlando different from Ottawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ottawa is great for its historical sights. However, Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Orlando or Ottawa Better for Theater?

Orlando is a popular place for its shows and theatre. However, Ottawa is not a theatre destination.

You'll find a nice selection of shows in Orlando. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.

Ottawa is not a theatre destination.

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

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

Orlando has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.

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 Orlando or Ottawa Better for Nightlife?

Orlando 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 Orlando. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.

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 Orlando or Ottawa Better for Resorts?

Orlando is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Ottawa is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Orlando is a great choice. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. There are also many resorts that aren't affiliated with the major theme parks. These tend to be more affordable, but transportation options to and from the park are limited. You'll also miss out on the perks that come with staying at a theme park resort.

Ottawa is not a resort destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orlando or Ottawa?

Orlando 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 Orlando. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are the most famous areas. During the evenings, these areas can be very crowded, but during the day they're less popular as most people are at the theme parks.

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 Orlando or Ottawa Better for Families?

Orlando 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, Orlando is a very family-friendly destination. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more. While most people spend their vacation at the Disney or Universal resorts, there is also an endless supply of less mainstream parks and activities in the area.

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 Orlando or Ottawa Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Orlando and Ottawa make for a notable place to visit.

Orlando is a nice destination for couples. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together. This is the perfect trip for fun loving couples who don't take themselves to seriously.

Ottawa makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Orlando or Ottawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ottawa is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Orlando 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.

Orlando is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not exactly a backpacker destination, but there are a surprising number of cheap motels that aren't affiliated with the major parks.

Is Orlando or Ottawa Better for Students?

For students, both Orlando and Ottawa are notable places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Orlando. Most people don't think about education when they think about Orlando, but there are actually a diversity of internships and opportunities for students to learn in a fun setting.

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.

Is Orlando 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, Orlando 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 Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

Is Orlando or Ottawa a more walkable city?

Ottawa is a popular place for its walkability. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

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

Orlando is not a walkable city. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Ottawa or Orlando?

How long in Orlando or Ottawa?

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

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting the destination of Orlando. 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.

In Ottawa, you'll find museums and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Orlando or Ottawa?

Orlando 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.

In Ottawa, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ottawa has to offer.

Five days in Orlando or Ottawa?

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

Ottawa is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Orlando or Ottawa?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and theater when visiting the entertaining destination of Orlando. This city 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ottawa. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Ottawa. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

Which is Bigger, Orlando or Ottawa?

Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Orlando. When comparing the sizes of Orlando 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 Orlando 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 Orlando or Ottawa in the Summer?

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

In July, Orlando is generally a little warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 82°F (28°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).

Orlando gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Orlando usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Orlando gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Orlando or Ottawa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Orlando as well as Ottawa. The shopping scene are the main draw to Orlando this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Ottawa for the shopping scene.

Orlando is much warmer than Ottawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 75°F (24°C) in October, and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Orlando receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Orlando usually gets more rain in October than Ottawa. Orlando gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orlando or Ottawa in the Winter?

Both Ottawa and Orlando are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Orlando for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, 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. In the winter, Orlando is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Orlando in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Ottawa averages at about -10°C (14°F).

In January, Orlando usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Orlando gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Orlando or Ottawa in the Spring?

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

In April, Orlando is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 72°F (22°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).

Orlando usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Ottawa. Orlando gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ottawa and Orlando