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

Should you visit Virginia Beach or Ottawa?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Virginia Beach or Ottawa, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a fun-filled, relaxing, and bustling coastal city. Virginia Beach offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the nightlife and beaches. See Virginia Beach travel costs.

Ottawa

Ottawa is a friendly, welcoming, and cultural city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food. See Ottawa travel costs.

Virginia Beach and Ottawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Virginia Beach or Ottawa?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ottawa than Virginia Beach, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Ottawa is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, and shopping, while Virginia Beach is known for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Virginia Beach is more touristy than Ottawa and is known for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe. Ottawa is popular for its history, politics, and green space. It is also home to Parliament Hill.

How is Virginia Beach different from Ottawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Virginia Beach or Ottawa?

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

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Ottawa can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Ottawa is a nice place to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Ottawa has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Virginia Beach may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Seafood is plentiful around town and there are all-you-can-eat buffets as well as high end, waterfront seafood restaurants. Make sure you try the She Crab Soup, soft shell crabs, and oysters.

Is Virginia Beach or Ottawa Better for Nightlife?

Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach. While it's a family-friendly beach, there's still a great nightlife scene with many bars and clubs in the area. Popular places to hang out at night include Omega Bar, Peabody's Nightclub, and Sky Bar.

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 Virginia Beach or Ottawa Better for Resorts?

Virginia Beach is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Ottawa is not a resort destination.

Virginia Beach has a few great resort options. Some of the best resorts in the area include the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, and The Founders Inn and Spa.

Ottawa is not a resort destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Ottawa Better for Beaches?

Virginia Beach is a popular place for the beach. However, Ottawa is not a beach destination.

Virginia Beach is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches are long and sandy, but they can get crowded during the summer months. The waves are just the right size for playing in the surf and the water temperature is usually warm enough to swim well into the fall months.

Ottawa is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Virginia Beach or Ottawa?

Ottawa is a nice place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Ottawa More Beautiful?

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

Virginia Beach offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As a developed beach town, the city has its share of hotels along the beach, but it is still a beautiful setting to explore.

Ottawa is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Virginia Beach or Ottawa Better for Families?

Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach. This is a popular family-friendly beach with a nice boardwalk, a fun waterpark, aquarium, and nice beaches. It attracts families in the area for its long beaches and fun atmosphere. Most restaurants have kid's menus and there are ice cream shops and minigolf around.

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 Virginia Beach or Ottawa Better for Couples?

Virginia Beach and Ottawa are both good to visit as a couple.

Virginia Beach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy a nice escape to the beaches and boardwalk. There are many great seafood restaurants, some with waterfront settings. There's also a variety of activities ranging from many golf to dance clubs.

Ottawa is a good coastal city for couples to visit. 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 Virginia Beach or Ottawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ottawa is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Ottawa Better for Students?

For students, both Virginia Beach and Ottawa are good places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Virginia Beach. It's not as popular as more southern beach towns, but you'll still find students heading here for the spring break holidays.

Ottawa is a good coastal city to visit for students. It appeals to international and Canadian students alike. It's known for its livability and diverse cultural scene.

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

Ottawa is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Virginia Beach 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 limited or non-existant in Virginia Beach. There is very limited public transit in the area so you'll need to have a car to get around.

Is Virginia Beach or Ottawa a more walkable city?

Ottawa is a nice place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

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

Virginia Beach is generally not very walkable. Most people prefer to have a car but do note that parking can be a nightmare, particularly during the summer season.

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

Should I spend more time in Ottawa or Virginia Beach?

How long in Virginia Beach or Ottawa?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Virginia Beach and Ottawa. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Virginia Beach than in Ottawa. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Virginia Beach, and 2-3 days is enough time in Ottawa.

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

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

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

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

In Ottawa, you'll find food and shopping. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Virginia Beach or Ottawa?

Virginia Beach 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.

Ottawa is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Virginia Beach or Ottawa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Virginia Beach. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ottawa. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Virginia Beach or Ottawa?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the fun-filled destination of Virginia Beach. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the city of Ottawa. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Virginia Beach and Ottawa, we can see that Virginia Beach is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Virginia Beach Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Virginia Beach or Ottawa?

Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 91% larger than the population of Virginia Beach. When comparing the sizes of Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach or Ottawa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Virginia Beach and Ottawa. Many visitors come to Virginia Beach in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Ottawa for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Virginia Beach is a little warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Virginia Beach in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Ottawa averages at about 21°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ottawa this time of the year. In Virginia Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. Virginia Beach usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ottawa during summer. Virginia Beach gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.

Virginia Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Virginia Beach usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Virginia Beach gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Ottawa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Virginia Beach as well as Ottawa. Most visitors come to Virginia Beach for the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Ottawa because of the shopping scene.

In October, Virginia Beach is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Virginia Beach average around 62°F (16°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Virginia Beach this time of the year. In the autumn, Virginia Beach often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Virginia Beach gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.

Virginia Beach usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Ottawa. Virginia Beach gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Ottawa in the Winter?

Both Ottawa and Virginia Beach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ottawa this time of year.

It's quite cold in Ottawa in the winter. The weather in Virginia Beach can be very cold. Virginia Beach is much warmer than Ottawa in the winter. The daily temperature in Virginia Beach averages around 39°F (4°C) in January, and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

Virginia Beach usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during winter. Virginia Beach gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Virginia Beach usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Virginia Beach gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Ottawa in the Spring?

Both Ottawa and Virginia Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Virginia Beach this time of year.

In the spring, Virginia Beach is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Virginia Beach in April average around 58°F (14°C), and Ottawa averages at about 6°C (44°F).

It's quite sunny in Virginia Beach. In the spring, Virginia Beach often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Virginia Beach gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.

Virginia Beach usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Ottawa. Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach