The Westin Ottawa stands on the edge of the Rideau Canal, a few minutes' walk from the Ottawa Locks, the Chateau Laurier and Parliament Hill. It is a full-service hotel of the kind that suits both leisure travellers and business visitors, with spacious rooms, a restaurant and bar, a fitness centre and an indoor pool. The canal setting is its main asset: in summer you can stroll the towpath, and in winter the Rideau Canal Skateway runs almost past the front of the building, so you can step out and skate or walk the ice in the right conditions.
Location and getting around
The hotel is on Colonel By Drive, next to the canal and close to the Rideau Centre shopping mall and the LRT station, which makes it one of the easiest bases for travellers who want to use transit as well as walk. Parliament Hill, the National Gallery of Canada and the ByWard Market are all within a short stroll, and the Canadian War Museum and the Canadian Museum of History are a brief ride away. In cold weather, the nearby Rideau Centre and indoor links let you avoid some of the wind, which is a real advantage in a November visit.
Rooms and facilities
Rooms are modern and comfortable, with many offering views over the canal, the city or the river, and those on higher floors have the best outlook. Westin hotels are known for their emphasis on sleep and wellness, so expect comfortable beds, a reasonable fitness facility and a calm atmosphere, though specific features change, so check the hotel's page before you book.
There is on-site dining and a bar, and the area has plenty of restaurants within a short walk. Because the hotel serves the convention centre next door, it can be busy when large events are on, so ask about quieter rooms and check rates for event dates.
Who it suits
Couples and families who want a reliable, comfortable central base, winter visitors who want to skate on the canal, and anyone who prefers a larger, more modern hotel to a heritage property. Good to know: parking is charged and many guests do not need a car, and the canal-view rooms cost more, so decide how much the view matters to you. If you want a more characterful stay, the nearby Chateau Laurier offers heritage and the Andaz offers boutique style, while the Westin is the practical choice with a good location and strong amenities.
Check cancellation terms when you book, because flexible rates are useful for a winter trip when weather can change plans. If you are travelling with a group, ask about connecting rooms and club-level options, and consider booking a refundable rate so you can adjust if the weather changes your plans.
Why stay here
- ✓Beside the Rideau Canal
- ✓Walk to Parliament Hill
- ✓Near the Rideau Centre and LRT
- ✓Canal-view rooms
- ✓Indoor pool
- ✓Fitness centre
- ✓On-site restaurant and bar
- ✓Next to the convention centre
Good questions
Is the Westin Ottawa near Parliament Hill?+
Yes. It is on Colonel By Drive beside the Rideau Canal, a short walk from Parliament Hill, the ByWard Market and the Rideau Centre.
Is it a good base for winter?+
Yes. The Rideau Canal Skateway runs close by in deep winter, and the nearby indoor connections help in cold weather.
Do I need a car?+
Not usually. The sights are walkable and the LRT is close, and parking is charged, so most guests manage without one.
