Ottawa boasts a wealth of outstanding tourist experiences that come to life in pre and post-event programing opportunities. And with the iconic Parliament Hill dominating the skyline, the city’s political importance is unmistakable. Yet, it is the wave of public and private investments, along with the collaborative work of key organisations, that is driving Ottawa’s emergence as a top destination for world-class association conferences, business meetings, events, and exhibitions.
Firstly, improved access to and from the city has played a significant role in Ottawa’s growth and will continue to do so. Ottawa is currently served by a growing number of direct daily flights from and to all major Canadian destinations, US hubs, London and Paris – which will naturally strengthen Canada’s connection with London and the rest of Europe, as well as other overseas markets.
Air France and Air Canada’s weekly non-stop flights to Paris and London respectively make it easier than ever for both leisure and business travellers to get to Ottawa from Europe.
On the ground, Ottawa’s hospitality and venue infrastructure has been rapidly expanding. Leading the charge is the Rogers Centre Ottawa, Ottawa’s iconic conference venue. Aside from the 192,000 square footage of meeting space, the centre boasts progressive waste management and efficiency programs as well as advanced accessibility features – not to mention panoramic city views.
Then there’s the renovation of the former Chapters bookstore into a state-of-the-art entertainment venue. Developed by the country’s leading entertainment provider, Live Nation, the new event venue is set to transform the downtown area into a sought-after location for concerts and conferences alike. The 2,500-capacity venue promises an intimate, dynamic setting for a range of events with top-of-the-range sound and lighting systems, and a variety of amenities including flexible seating arrangements and multiple bars. Due to open in 2026, the development is already generating a lot of excitement.
Elsewhere, an influx of luxury hotels has continued to expand already strong accommodations offerings. The newly opened AC Marriott and Hard Rock hotels, and the imminent Moxy and Renaissance hotels will continue to provide options in the capital. Some are new builds, while others will occupy old spaces, encouraging vibrancy across the city. But all will offer superior event space and accommodation options for large-scale gatherings.
Beyond the venues, as Canada’s capital, Ottawa is a cultural hub. Most know the prestigious national museums (seven in total), but much of the city’s appeal lies in its hidden cultural gems. Local festivals, unusual attractions and intimate galleries abound (think light shows, historic amphibious tours, multisensory baths and vintage fairs). A testament to Ottawa’s creative, cultural scene, these lesser-known adventures enhance any business trip or event itinerary.
Ottawa is driven by a recognition of industry trends and a commitment to more responsible destination management. The city’s latest tourism strategy includes initiatives aimed at reducing waste and emissions associated with business events and supporting local community-based organisations.
Strategic, city-wide partnerships have been equally pivotal in enhancing the city’s conference profile. The Think Ottawa program helps event owners and association decision makers connect with Ottawa’s sector ecosystems, giving them access to recognised experts, researchers, entrepreneurs and community leaders who can strengthen a bid, shape compelling programmes and create host city experiences that stand out internationally.
By pairing bid expertise with direct connections into Ottawa’s priority sectors, Think Ottawa helps events increase their economic impact while designing stronger long-term legacies, from new research collaborations and talent pipelines to investment attraction, community outcomes and repeat visitation.
For those looking to host leading business events in a city that combines innovation, accessibility, and inclusivity, Ottawa is ready to deliver.
For more information, contact the Meetings and Conventions team or visit ottawatourism.ca