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

Should you visit Portland or Ottawa?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Portland and Ottawa can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Portland

Portland is a eclectic, tree-lined, and nature-filled city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Portland offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the live music, hiking, and shopping. See Portland travel costs.

Ottawa

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

Portland and Ottawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portland or Ottawa?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Portland than Ottawa. While Ottawa is larger than Portland, Portland has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Portland is better known for its nightlife, music, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Ottawa is more popular for its museums and attractions and food. Portland is more touristy than Ottawa and is known for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty. Also, Portland is famous for Washington Park. Ottawa is well known for its history, politics, and green space.

How is Portland different from Ottawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ottawa is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Ottawa. 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.

Portland offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

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

Ottawa is a city with good options for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Ottawa. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Portland. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

Is Portland or Ottawa Better for Nightlife?

Portland 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 Portland. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

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 Portland or Ottawa Better for Music?

Portland is a popular place for its music scene. However, Ottawa is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Portland is active and vibrant. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Ottawa is not a live music destination.

Is Portland or Ottawa Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Portland. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

Ottawa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Portland or Ottawa?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Portland and Ottawa.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Portland. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

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 Portland or Ottawa More Beautiful?

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

Portland offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Surrounded by mountains and filled with parks and greenspace, many people find this town to be quite beautiful.

Ottawa is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Portland or Ottawa Better for Families?

Both Portland and Ottawa are notable to visit with kids.

Portland is a family-friendly city. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

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 Portland or Ottawa Better for Couples?

Both Portland and Ottawa are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Portland is a nice destination for couples. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

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 Portland or Ottawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland 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 Portland. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

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 Portland or Ottawa Better for Students?

Both Portland and Ottawa are notable destinations for students.

Plenty of students visit Portland. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

Ottawa is popular with students. It appeals to international and Canadian students alike. It's known for its livability and diverse cultural scene.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Portland and Ottawa.

Portland has some public transit options. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

You'll find some public transit in Ottawa, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is both a public bus and light rail system.

Is Portland or Ottawa a more walkable city?

Portland 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.

Portland is a very walkable destination. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Ottawa or Portland?

How long in Portland or Ottawa?

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

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

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

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

One day in Portland or Ottawa?

Many travelers enjoy the live music and shopping when visiting the destination of Portland. 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.

The city of Ottawa offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Portland or Ottawa?

Portland 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.

Ottawa is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ottawa, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Portland or Ottawa?

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

Ottawa is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Portland or Ottawa?

Travelers enjoy the live music and shopping when visiting the eclectic destination of Portland. 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.

Ottawa is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

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

Which is Bigger, Portland or Ottawa?

Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 50% larger than the population of Portland. When comparing the sizes of Portland 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 Portland 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 Portland or Ottawa in the Summer?

Both Ottawa and Portland are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Portland for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Ottawa in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Portland is generally around the same temperature as Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Portland average around 68°F (20°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Ottawa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland. Portland usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during summer. Portland gets 338 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Portland usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Portland gets 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Portland or Ottawa in the Autumn?

Both Ottawa and Portland during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Portland in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Ottawa for the shopping scene during these months.

Portland is a little warmer than Ottawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Portland averages around 55°F (13°C) in October, and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the autumn, Portland often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Portland gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.

Portland usually gets less rain in October than Ottawa. Portland gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portland or Ottawa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Portland and Ottawa. Most visitors come to Portland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Ottawa because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Ottawa can be very cold. Portland can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Portland is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Portland in January average around 40°F (4°C), and Ottawa averages at about -10°C (14°F).

Portland usually receives less sunshine than Ottawa during winter. Portland gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.

Portland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Portland usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Portland gets 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Portland or Ottawa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Portland as well as Ottawa. The spring months attract visitors to Portland because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Portland is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Portland average around 51°F (11°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland this time of the year. In the spring, Portland often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Portland gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.

Portland usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Ottawa. Portland gets 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ottawa and Portland