Why Ottawa?

Ottawa hosts national and international gatherings within a mature, stable, and culturally rich political environment, offering planners a secure and well-organized setting for their events.

As the seat of Canada’s federal government, Ottawa provides unique access to policymakers, national institutions, and global diplomatic networks – making it an ideal destination for conferences seeking influence, visibility, and impact.

The city’s attractions include six major national museums, the iconic Rideau Canal (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), vibrant festivals, and a bilingual English–French atmosphere, creating a compelling and immersive delegate experience.

In addition to its cultural and institutional assets, Ottawa offers a welcoming environment paired with modern venues equipped with advanced technology and the infrastructure needed to support international meetings seamlessly. At the heart of the city is the award-winning Rogers Centre Ottawa, one of Canada’s premier convention facilities – renowned for its stunning architecture, flexible meeting spaces, commitment to sustainability, and breathtaking views of Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal.

Uniquely positioned within the National Capital Region, Ottawa connects via multiple bridges to Gatineau, Quebec, offering direct access to beautiful parks, trails, and lakes. This balance – compact, walkable city life alongside easy access to nature – makes Ottawa ideal for delegates who want to blend business with wellness, recreation, and cultural exploration.

Further enhancing its appeal, Ottawa positions itself as a responsible MICE destination through initiatives like the Responsible Events Guide, helping planners integrate sustainability, accessibility, and positive community impact into their event strategies.

• A boutique, full-service approach – strong local coordination, bilingualism, and mid-size flexibility
• Affordability – competitive venue and accommodation rates
• Sustainability leadership – ideal for ESG-focused organizations
• Direct connection – access to federal institutions and national policy centres
• New infrastructure – LRT to airport, 2,500-person Live Nation venue (2025), airport expansion

Ottawa Tourism offers robust, end-to-end support to help organizers deliver impactful, world-class conferences deeply connected to the city’s ecosystem.

Through the Think Ottawa Leadership Program, the city taps into local industry champions and academic leaders to strengthen conference bids and align events with Ottawa’s key economic sectors – life sciences, technology, and public policy – enhancing both relevance and reach.

Sector strategies foster meaningful connections with Ottawa’s innovation network, helping conferences elevate their goals and influence. Ottawa Tourism is committed to ensuring that events leave a lasting legacy, whether through knowledge exchange, community engagement, or policy advancement.

Organizers benefit from comprehensive support at every stage – from bid development and delegate experience planning to site inspections, on-the-ground logistics, and post-event wrap-ups. Tailored financial support is available to eligible organizers, further strengthening delivery and impact.

The Responsible Events Guide provides practical tools for sustainability and inclusivity, including food recovery programs, accessibility resources, and community-based partnerships.

• Bid development – personalized, polished proposals and presentations
• Venue and accommodation sourcing – tailored proposals to match event needs
• Local partner connections – introductions to government, academic, and community organizations
• Marketing materials – access to promotional photos, videos, and other assets
• Financial support – Convention Development Fund, which can be combined with Destination Canada’s International Convention Attraction Fund (ICAF)
  • ICAF provides up to CAD 1 million per international bid. When paired with Ottawa’s local expertise and marketing resources, this significantly strengthens bid competitiveness.
• Hands-on client services – before, during, and after the event:
  • Site inspections – fully hosted familiarization tours for decision-makers and stakeholders
  • Delegate boosting tools – bilingual messaging, destination video content, maps, and discount codes
  • Local host toolkits – for associations and community champions

Government programs like ICAF have been instrumental in stimulating business event attraction, particularly during times of uncertainty, helping Ottawa Tourism sustain its efforts to attract high-impact conferences and events.

Convention Centres

• Rogers Centre Ottawa (formerly Shaw Centre) – 366,000 sq ft total event space, including a 19,000 sq ft ballroom, LEED-certified sustainability features
• Ottawa Conference and Events Centre
• EY Centre

Unique Off-Site Venues

• Canadian Museum of History
• Ottawa Art Gallery
• National Gallery of Canada
• Canadian Museum of Nature
• Canadian War Museum

Ottawa offers a wide range of accommodations, from historic landmarks to modern boutique hotels, luxury high-rises, and convenient airport options.

Downtown and Landmark Hotels

• Fairmont Château Laurier – 429 rooms, Châteauesque architecture, adjacent to Parliament Hill
• The Westin Ottawa – 492 rooms, saltwater pool, Parliament Hill views
• Ottawa Marriott Hotel – 489 rooms, revolving rooftop lounge
• Lord Elgin Hotel – 355 rooms, heritage property near Confederation Park
• Delta Hotels by Marriott Ottawa City Centre – centrally located, modern facilities
• Andaz Ottawa Byward Market (Hyatt) – 200 rooms, rooftop lounge
• Le Germain Hotel Ottawa – boutique upscale property near the convention centre

Resort and Peripheral Hotels

• Brookstreet Hotel – 276 rooms, spa, golf course views, located in Kanata

European Connectivity

• Direct flights to Paris–Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and London–Heathrow (LHR)

U.S. Connectivity

• Direct flights to New York (EWR, LGA), Chicago (ORD), Boston (BOS), Washington D.C. (DCA, IAD), Orlando (MCO), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Tampa (TPA), Fort Myers (RSW), and Las Vegas (LAS)

• Ottawa Art Gallery – always free admission
• Mādahòkì Farm – immersive Indigenous cultural experiences
• Nordik Spa-Nature, Chelsea – largest spa in North America, open year-round

Stephanie Seguin
Vice President, Business and Major Events
Ottawa Tourism