Visit Ottawa, Ontario in an RV Rental

Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, is a fantastic destination for an RV trip, offering a perfect mix of history, culture, and outdoor adventure. From exploring Parliament Hill to cruising along the Rideau Canal, there’s no shortage of experiences that make Ottawa an exciting and RV-friendly destination.

While RVshare currently offers rentals in the U.S. and not Canada, travelers are welcome to rent an RV in a nearby American city and drive across the border to discover all that Ottawa has to offer. With plenty of campgrounds, scenic drives, and national parks nearby, an RV trip to Ottawa is a great way to experience the best of the region at your own pace.

RV Rentals Near Ottawa

Since RVshare doesn’t offer rentals in Canada, the best way to explore Ottawa in an RV is to rent one from a nearby U.S. city and drive across the border. Here are some of the closest American cities where you can pick up an RV rental:

Syracuse, NY (175 miles | ~3 hours) – One of the closest major U.S. cities to Ottawa, with a direct route via I-81 N.

Burlington, VT (160 miles | ~3 hours) – A beautiful drive through the Adirondacks and along the St. Lawrence River.

Rochester, NY (220 miles | ~3.5 hours) – A convenient starting point for those coming from Western New York.

All of these cities have RVshare rentals available, making it easy to pick up an RV and head straight for the border. Just ensure you have the necessary insurance and documentation before crossing into Canada.

RV Campgrounds in Ottawa

Ottawa has several excellent campgrounds that provide the perfect home base for exploring the city and surrounding attractions. Here are some top options:

• Wesley Clover Parks Campground
  • Located just 20 minutes from downtown Ottawa.
  • Offers full hookups, pull-through sites, and hiking trails.
  • A great option for families and pets, with open green spaces and playgrounds.
• Ottawa Municipal Campground
  • Conveniently located off Highway 417, making city access easy.
  • Offers spacious sites, electric hookups, and laundry facilities.
  • Close to public transit, allowing easy downtown exploration.
• Poplar Grove Campground
  • Peaceful and surrounded by nature but still close to city amenities.
  • Features Wi-Fi, picnic tables, and fire pits for a relaxing stay.
• Recreationland Campground
  • Located east of Ottawa, great for a quieter stay away from city noise.
  • Offers large sites with full hookups, perfect for big rigs.

Exploring Ottawa in an RV

Ottawa is relatively RV-friendly, but here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Parking: Downtown Ottawa has limited RV parking. Consider parking at a park-and-ride lot and using public transit.
• Roads & Navigation: Major highways are wide and RV-friendly, but some downtown streets can be narrow.
• Weather Considerations: Winter driving can be challenging with snow and ice. The best time for RV travel is spring through fall.

Traveling to Ottawa with Pets

Ottawa is very pet-friendly, and there are plenty of places to take your furry friends:

• Bruce Pit Dog Park – A huge off-leash area with trails.
• Andrew Haydon Park – A waterfront park with scenic paths for leashed dogs.
• Rideau Canal Pathways – Great for a stroll with your pet along the water.

Most campgrounds in Ottawa allow pets, but check for specific restrictions before booking.

Top Things to See and Do While in Ottawa

Here are some must-visit attractions in Ottawa and how they work for RV travelers:

1. Parliament Hill

• Why Visit? Home to Canada’s government, this historic site features stunning architecture and free guided tours.
• RV Accessibility: Large parking lots are not available nearby, but you can park at a transit station and take the bus.
• Family & Pet-Friendly? While pets can’t enter the buildings, they’re welcome on the grounds.

2. Rideau Canal

• Why Visit? A UNESCO World Heritage Site, great for boating in summer and ice skating in winter.
• RV Accessibility: Parking is available at Dow’s Lake Pavilion and Hog’s Back Park.
• Family & Pet-Friendly? Kids love the boat tours, and pets can enjoy walking the canal pathways.

3. ByWard Market

• Why Visit? A lively area full of shops, restaurants, and local markets.
• RV Accessibility: Street parking is tight—best to park outside the area and take a taxi or transit.
• Family & Pet-Friendly? Great for food lovers and casual strolling.

4. Canadian Museum of History

• Why Visit? One of Canada’s most visited museums, just across the river in Gatineau.
• RV Accessibility: Large parking lots nearby.
• Family & Pet-Friendly? Kids will enjoy interactive exhibits, but pets aren’t allowed inside.

5. Gatineau Park

• Why Visit? A nature lover’s paradise with hiking, biking, and scenic lookouts.
• RV Accessibility: Multiple parking lots for RVs, especially near popular trails.
• Family & Pet-Friendly? Great for all ages, and leashed pets are welcome.

6. Diefenbunker Museum

• Why Visit? A Cold War-era underground bunker, now a fascinating museum.
• RV Accessibility: Plenty of parking available.
• Family & Pet-Friendly? A fun educational stop for families.

7. Ottawa Tulip Festival (May)

• Why Visit? A breathtaking display of tulips across the city, celebrating Canada’s connection with the Netherlands.
• RV Accessibility: Best parking is at Dow’s Lake Pavilion.
• Family & Pet-Friendly? Pets are allowed in outdoor areas.

National Parks Near Ottawa

Ottawa is surrounded by stunning parks perfect for a day trip:

• Gatineau Park (20 min drive) – Great for hiking and biking.
• Thousand Islands National Park (2-hour drive) – Beautiful island scenery, ideal for kayaking.
• Frontenac Provincial Park (2-hour drive) – Great for canoeing and backcountry camping.

FAQs About RVing in Canada

Can I take my RV rental from the U.S. into Canada?
Yes! Just confirm the RVshare RV owner’s policy.

Do I need special insurance to drive in Canada?
RVshare does cover RV travel to Canada.

Are there restrictions on what I can bring across the border?
Yes, certain food items and firearms are restricted. Check Canada Border Services for details.

Ottawa is a fantastic RV destination with historical sites, outdoor adventures, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re exploring Parliament Hill, cruising the Rideau Canal, or hiking Gatineau Park, this city has something for everyone. Ready for an adventure? Check out RVshare and start planning your Ottawa RV trip today! 🚐