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Is Ottawa in Quebec? (A Local Answers!)

ByNina Clapperton Updated on

People often get confused about whether Ottawa is in Quebec or not. The simple answer is no, Ottawa is not in Quebec.

It’s actually in Ontario.

The reason people often get confused is because of the city’s French-speaking nature. Ottawa is heavily bilingual in a way that most of Ontario isn’t.

However, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a taste of Quebec while you’re in Ottawa!

In fact, the province of Quebec is just across the border from Ottawa.

So, if you’re looking to do some exploring and want to visit both provinces in the same day, you totally can!

Just be aware that you may need to brush up on your French before crossing into Quebec.

green trees near brown concrete building under white clouds during daytime. Parliament in Ottawa beside the river

Is Ottawa in Quebec?

No, Ottawa is in Ontario.

It is on the border by Quebec – with Gatineau and Hull a 20 minute drive from Downtown Ottawa across the Ottawa River.

The Provinces of Canada

There are 10 provinces in Canada, each with its own unique history, culture, and attractions.

The four Atlantic provinces—New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island—are known for their beautiful coastline and seafood offerings.

The two largest provinces, Quebec and Ontario, are home to some of Canada’s largest cities (Montreal and Toronto respectively) as well as stunning natural scenery (think Niagara Falls).

Moving westward, Manitoba sits in the middle of Canada and is known for its sprawling prairies while Saskatchewan and Alberta are renowned for their oil reserves and cattle ranching respectively.

The three Prairie provinces are also home to some of Canada’s most breathtaking national parks (Banff National Park being a prime example).

Finally, British Columbia—the westernmost province—is famous for its mountain peaks, rainforests, and world-class skiing.

Things to Do in Ottawa

Looking for some things to do in Ottawa? No problem!

There are plenty of great things to see and do in the city.

From taking a stroll through one of the many beautiful parks to checking out the Parliament buildings, there’s something for everyone in Ottawa.

Click here to read more things to do in Ottawa.

Wakefield's iconic red bridge in winter with a view of the river and the trees around it in Quebec

Conclusion: Is Ottawa in Quebec?

So there you have it!

Ottawa is not in Quebec, it’s actually in Ontario.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a little taste of Quebec while you’re visiting Ottawa.

Just be sure to brush up on your French before crossing the border!

And if you’re looking for things to do while you’re in town, don’t worry, there are plenty of great options to choose from.

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.

Nina Clapperton is the founder of Ottawa Things to Do. Nina has lived in 18 countries before deciding to settle in Ottawa, nearby Toronto where she grew up. She has spent years proving that Ottawa isn't the town "fun forgot" and helping locals and tourists alike find fun things to do. She helps over 60,000 people a month discover the amazing activities in Ottawa, Canada.