Local’s Ottawa Pronunciation Guide: How to Pronounce “Ottawa”
If you’re planning a trip to Canada’s capital city, you’ll want to make sure you know how to pronounce Ottawa.
Canadian cities often get misspoken about. There was recent controversy when “The Man From Toronto” on Netflix mispronounced “Toronto” for the entire movie.
So to help you out, I (an Ottawa local) am sharing how to pronounce Ottawa!
Ottawa Pronunciation from a Local
Quick Break Down: “ah – tah – wah”.
You may read Ottawa and think the O should make an “oh” sound.
But actually you pronounce it as “ah – dah – wah”.
We speak quickly here so our “t”s become a “d” sound almost.
Foreigners and tourists can be spotted easily because they pronounce the “t”.
It’s like how Toronto’s pronunciation is “tuh-roh-no”.
Be sure to emphasize the first syllable (AH dah wah), not any others.
Etymology: What Does Ottawa Mean?
Ottawa’s name came from the Algonquin word “odawa” which was the original name for the Ottawa River.
The word “odawa” means “to trade”.
This is because the Ottawa River was a major trading route for Indigenous people in the area.
What is the original pronunciation of Ottawa?
Much like the fast-speaking local pronunciation of Ottawa as “ah – dah – wah”, this was the way the Indigenous peoples first pronounced the name.
How Do Canadians Spell Ottawa?
Ottawa is spelt the same worldwide. We spell it “Ottawa”.
You may see some older documents that spell it “Otawa”. This was the old spelling but it has since been updated.
Best Things to Do in Ottawa
Now that you know how to pronounce Ottawa, you’re ready to visit!
Let me help you plan the best trip to Ottawa. I’ve lived here for 2.5 years and have been exploring during all my free time.
Here are the top 10 things you should do:
1) Cruise the Rideau Canal
Taking a cruise along the beautiful Rideau Canal is a must-do when visiting Ottawa. You’ll get to explore some of Ottawa’s most iconic sites, including the Parliament buildings and Chateau Laurier.
It’s a great thing to do in the summer.
2) Skate the Rideau Canal
Skating the Rideau Canal is a Canadian winter tradition. It’s 7.8 km of frozen waterway and is the world’s largest skating rink. The ice is usually ready in late December or early January, so plan your visit accordingly!
I used to skate to the grocery store in winter, before I moved further from it to Kanata.
3) Visit Parliament Hill
Parliament Hill overlooks downtown Ottawa and makes for some great photos with the Peace Tower in the background. The Parliament Buildings are also a great place to explore and learn about Canadian history and politics – plus, they look absolutely stunning lit up in the evening.
And they’re free to tour!
4) Hike Gatineau Park
If you’re looking for a nature escape, head to Gatineau Park. This massive park is only 15 minutes away from the city and has hundreds of trails for hiking and skiing. There are also plenty of lakes where you can cool off in the summer months.
These are my favourite trails.
5) Take an Urban Beer Tour
Ottawa’s craft beer scene is booming and the best way to try all of the local beers is to take an urban beer tour. You’ll get to visit some of Ottawa’s many craft breweries, while learning about the city’s history and culture.
I can’t drink most beer since I got diagnosed as celiac, but before I knew I toured a LOT of the breweries.
It’s a great way to spend an afternoon!
6) Explore Byward Market
Byward Market is Ottawa’s oldest and largest public market, located in the heart of downtown Ottawa. The market is filled with street vendors selling crafts, antiques and local produce. There are also plenty of restaurants for grabbing a bite to eat.
I used to pick up fresh fruit and veg from the stalls here when I lived downtown.
Even Barack Obama visited to have a cookie.
7) Catch Some Rays on the Beach
Ottawa may not seem like a beach destination, but it has some stunning strips of sand along the Ottawa River. The most popular spot to catch some rays is Westboro Beach. There are also plenty of food and drink stands for when you get hungry!
If you’re looking for something a bit more secluded, check out Petrie Island or Lac Philippe.
I’d take my dog and get super sandy.
Otherwise, it’s great to bring a kayak!
8) Zipline Between the Provinces
Did you know the only interprovincial zipline in the world is in Ottawa?
You can zipline between Ontario and Quebec, over the Ottawa River. It’s an exciting way to get a whole new perspective on the city!
I took my roommate and we had a great time soaring over the river.
9) Drive Through the Magic of Lights Christmas Drive
The Magic of Lights Christmas drive-thru is located at Wesley Clover Parks and takes place annually from the end of November to January.
My roommate took me for the first time and I fell in love with the Christmas music and animatronics. My favourite was the 5 golden rings!
10) Go Paddling on Dow’s Lake
Dow’s Lake is a great spot to go paddling in the summer. You can hire a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard and take off along the picturesque Rideau Canal. Once you’ve had your fill of the waterways, spend some time exploring the gardens around the lake.
I love to take my friends here when they’re visiting Ottawa. It’s always a fun and relaxing time!
Wrap Up: How to Pronounce Ottawa
I hope this guide has helped you figure out how to pronounce Ottawa!
Remember, it’s “ah – dah – wah” with a fast t sound.
If you can master that, you’ll fit right in with the locals!
Check out this video for a pronunciation guide from a local:
Read More About Ottawa
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Ottawa Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy Ottawa travel insurance?
100% YES! — There’s a misconception that Canada has “free healthcare” for everyone. Nope! Only Canadians. So you’ll need to get travel insurance to visit Ottawa. I recommend this one.
💧Can you drink the tap water in Ottawa?
Yes – ish — While you can technically drink the tap water in Ottawa, as a local I don’t recommend it. Old hotels especially can have some nasty things in their pipes. Instead, get a filtered water bottle. (Read more)
🚙💨 Do I need to rent a car in Ottawa?
Yes — Renting a car in Ottawa is one of the best ways to get around! You’ll be able to see more of the city and beyond, like the epic hiking trails. I recommend Discover Cars for the cheapest rates possible.
📲 Do I need to know French in Ottawa?
Nope! — The primary language of Ottawa is English. While French is also spoken and on some signs, you can easily get by without knowing any French. (Read more)
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Ottawa accommodations?
For Ottawa hotels, Booking is the best site. If you’re considering an Ottawa Airbnb, don’t forget to also check VRBO, which is often cheaper than Airbnb. My #1 hotel recommendation in Ottawa is the Fairmont Chateau Laurier.
✈️ What’s the best site to buy Ottawa flights?
For finding cheap Ottawa flights, I recommend Skyscanner. You can even set a price alert to find out when flights are on sale.
🎫 Do I need a Visa for Ottawa?
Likely Not — U.S. and most European Passport holders don’t need a Visa to visit Canada.
📍 Where is Ottawa? And what’s nearby?
Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located in Ontario. It’s right on the border of Quebec. It’s about 2 hours from Mont Tremblant, 3 hours from Montreal, or 5 hours from Toronto. You can take a road trip to get to other places or fly.
