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

Should you visit West Palm Beach or Ottawa?

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

Should I visit West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a vibrant, fun-filled, and diverse beach area. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See West Palm Beach travel costs.

Ottawa

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

West Palm Beach and Ottawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in West Palm Beach or Ottawa?

Visitors will generally find more to do in West Palm Beach than Ottawa. While Ottawa is larger than West Palm Beach, West Palm Beach has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. West Palm Beach is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Ottawa is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, and shopping. West Palm Beach is more touristy than Ottawa and is known for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports. Also, West Palm Beach is famous for Rosemary Square. Ottawa is well known for its history, politics, and green space.

How is West Palm Beach different from Ottawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ottawa is a great city for its historical sights. However, West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Ottawa is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, West Palm Beach is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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 West Palm Beach. Oceanfront restaurants usually have a great view and offer local and fresh seafood. There are also many local restaurants concentrated around Clematis Street and CityPlace districts.

Is West Palm Beach or Ottawa Better for Nightlife?

West Palm Beach is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Ottawa is lacking in good options for nightlife.

West Palm Beach has a large number of nightlife venues. With rooftop bars and clubs, oceanfront venues, and plenty of nightlife options downtown, this city rivals most places when it comes to nightlife. The nightlife scene is particularly active during spring break, when university students head to town.

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 West Palm Beach or Ottawa Better for Resorts?

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

For the ultimate resort vacation, West Palm Beach is a great choice. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

Ottawa is not a resort destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Ottawa Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

West Palm Beach is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Ottawa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting West Palm Beach. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

Ottawa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Ottawa Better for Beaches?

West Palm Beach is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Ottawa is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in West Palm Beach. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

Ottawa is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in West Palm Beach or Ottawa?

Ottawa is a popular place for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in 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.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Ottawa Better for Families?

West Palm 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 West Palm Beach. Animal lovers will appreciate the zoos and aquariums in the area. Check out McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary, Manatee Lagoon, the Palm Beach Zoo, and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

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 West Palm Beach or Ottawa Better for Couples?

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

West Palm Beach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy kayaking, dining out, or simply relaxing on the beach. It's fun to spend a day exploring the botanical gardens and an evening wandering around Clematis Street.

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 West Palm Beach or Ottawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ottawa is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Ottawa Better for Students?

Ottawa is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach is not popular with students.

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

West Palm Beach and Ottawa both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While West Palm Beach offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a downtown trolley, a commuter trail line (connecting West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale), and a bus system with about 30 lines.

Ottawa has a few public transit options. There is both a public bus and light rail system.

Is West Palm Beach or Ottawa a more walkable city?

West Palm Beach and Ottawa are notable when it comes to walkability.

West Palm Beach is somewhat walkable. West Palm Beach has a surprisingly walkable area and it's possible to explore the downtown area on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Ottawa or West Palm Beach?

How long in West Palm Beach or Ottawa?

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

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the destination of West Palm Beach. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The cultural destination of Ottawa offers shopping and museums. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in West Palm Beach or Ottawa?

West Palm Beach is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The city of Ottawa offers museums and food. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in West Palm Beach or Ottawa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in West Palm Beach. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Ottawa is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in West Palm Beach or Ottawa?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the vibrant destination of West Palm Beach. This beach area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Ottawa. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

Which is Bigger, West Palm Beach or Ottawa?

Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of West Palm Beach. When comparing the sizes of West Palm 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 West Palm 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 West Palm Beach or Ottawa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both West Palm Beach and Ottawa. The summer months attract visitors to West Palm Beach because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ottawa this time of year.

In July, West Palm Beach is generally a little warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 82°F (28°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 West Palm Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. West Palm Beach usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during summer. West Palm Beach gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.

West Palm Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than Ottawa. West Palm Beach gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Ottawa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to West Palm Beach as well as Ottawa. Also, many travelers come to Ottawa for the shopping scene.

West Palm Beach is much warmer than Ottawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in West Palm Beach averages around 78°F (25°C) in October, and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in West Palm Beach this time of the year. In the autumn, West Palm Beach often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. West Palm Beach gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.

West Palm Beach receives a lot of rain in the autumn. West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in October than Ottawa. West Palm Beach gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in West Palm Beach.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Ottawa in the Winter?

Both Ottawa and West Palm Beach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to West Palm Beach for 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, West Palm Beach is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in West Palm Beach in January average around 65°F (19°C), and Ottawa averages at about -10°C (14°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during winter. West Palm Beach gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than Ottawa. West Palm Beach gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Ottawa in the Spring?

Both Ottawa and West Palm Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to West Palm Beach in the spring for the beaches.

In April, West Palm Beach is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 74°F (23°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).

It's quite sunny in West Palm Beach. In the spring, West Palm Beach often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. West Palm Beach gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.

West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in April than Ottawa. West Palm Beach gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in West Palm Beach is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Ottawa and West Palm Beach