Your stay — Rideau Heights Inn
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The Property — Rideau Heights Inn
Rideau Heights Inn, a 3-star hotel in Ottawa, exudes a warm, welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of a classic Canadian lodge. The lobby's rustic wooden accents and plush armchairs evoke a sense of cosiness, while the friendly staff and comfortable rooms make it an ideal choice for families, couples, and solo travellers alike. Its proximity to downtown Ottawa and the Rideau Canal makes it an excellent base for exploring the city's historic and cultural attractions. For those seeking an authentic Canadian experience without breaking the bank, Rideau Heights Inn is a solid, unpretentious option.
Chronicles of Ottawa
Ottawa, the country's capital, was founded in 1826 as a small lumber town on the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As the capital city, Ottawa has evolved to showcase a mix of Victorian-era architecture, modern glass towers, and public art installations. The city's cultural identity is deeply rooted in its role as a meeting point between French and English Canada, reflected in its bilingual street signs, bilingual institutions, and the National Gallery of Canada. Today, Ottawa is known for its vibrant arts, cultural, and food scenes, as well as its outdoor recreational opportunities along the Ottawa River. The city is also home to numerous museums and historical sites commemorating its rich history, including the Canadian Museum of History and Parliament Hill.
Best Time to Visit
Full Ottawa guide →Best months
The best months to visit Ottawa are June and September, when the weather is warm and sunny, with average highs around 22°C (72°F), and the crowds are manageable. These months offer perfect conditions for exploring the city's outdoor attractions, such as the Rideau Canal and Gatineau Park.
Peak / festival surge
July is peak tourist season, driven by the Ottawa Bluesfest music festival and the Canada Day celebrations, which attract large crowds and drive up hotel prices. Expect long lines and higher prices for accommodations during this time.
Budget shoulder season
April and October are excellent shoulder months for budget-conscious travellers, offering milder weather, fewer crowds, and discounts on accommodations. You can still enjoy the city's attractions without the peak-season prices.
Weather & packing
Ottawa's climate is known for its rapid temperature fluctuations, so pack layers for your visit. Don't forget to include a waterproof jacket or umbrella, as sudden rain showers can occur even in the summer months.
Live City Briefing — Ottawa
- The Confederation Line LRT expansion is expected to be completed in 2026, providing faster and more convenient access to Ottawa's city centre and surrounding attractions.
- The ByWard Market, a historic and popular shopping and dining destination, has undergone renovations and now features a revamped layout and new vendors.
- The city's 'Bike Share' program has been extended to include more stations and a wider range of bikes, making it easier for visitors to explore the city on two wheels.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Rideau Heights Inn, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the higher floors (above the 3rd floor) for a quieter stay, as the hotel's proximity to Rideau Heights Drive may lead to some traffic noise. If you prefer a room with a view, opt for west-facing rooms on the higher floors to take in the sunset over the Ottawa skyline.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the elevator or service entrance, as they may be more prone to noise from guests and staff. Additionally, rooms on the lower floors (1st-2nd) may experience more noise from traffic on Rideau Heights Drive.
Best views
West-facing rooms on higher floors (above 3rd floor) for sunset views of the Ottawa skyline
Quietest floors
3rd floor and above
🔊 Noise notes
Traffic noise from Rideau Heights Drive may be noticeable, especially on lower floors. Be prepared for potential noise from the elevator and service entrance.
Insider tips
Take advantage of the hotel's free parking, but be aware that spaces are limited. Arrive early to secure a spot. Request a room with a mini-fridge if you plan to stay for an extended period, as this amenity is not guaranteed but can be requested at check-in.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Rideau Heights Inn
Free; 150 Mbps speed; no login constraints
Serves all floors; no stairs-only historic sections
Complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader); physical papers available in lobby
15:00 - 23:00; early bag-drop available from 10:00; late check-out until 14:00 available for CAD 20/extra hour
Available 24/7; CAD 5/bag/first 24 hours, CAD 2/bag/each additional 24 hours
Step-free access; wheelchair accessible entrance; accessible rooms available; pool and fitness centre wheelchair accessible
On-site parking available; CAD 20/night; nearest public car park: Rideau Centre Parkade (CAD 25/night); EV charging available on Level 1
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: CAD 50 advance deposit + CAD 100 incidental card hold at check-in
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Canadian Dollar, CAD
You can exchange currency at banks or currency exchange offices, but be aware that airport bureaux may offer poor rates. To get a better rate, consider using an ATM or exchanging at a bank.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and contactless payments are common. Mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also widely accepted.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical coffee can cost around $2-$3 from a convenience store or a coffee shop.
You can find a budget-friendly lunch option for around $10-$12 at a casual restaurant or food court.
A affordable dinner option can be found at a mid-range restaurant for around $20-$25 for a main course.
Street food is not as common in Rideau Heights, but you can find food trucks and festivals in the surrounding areas.
Loblaws and Metro are common supermarket chains in this area.
You can find affordable high-street shopping at the nearby Rideau Centre or at the Ottawa Market.
A day pass for public transportation costs around $7-$9, and the cheapest way to get from the airport is to take the OC Transpo bus for around $3.50.
Consider buying a Presto card for convenient and discounted public transportation.Take advantage of happy hour deals at local bars and restaurants.Pack a lunch or snacks to save money on food costs.
Good to know — Ottawa
Type A/B · 120V
safe
$1 ≈ C$1.42 · CAD
Where to Eat
Book a table →💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Ottawa, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Rideau Heights Inn
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) - Parkade → Best Western Plus Ottawa City Centre (Parking Lot)
💡 Only works if you pre-booked parking via the hotel's $15/night deal. Otherwise, skip—it's just for guests who parked off-site. Takes you directly to the hotel's back entrance on Laperriere Ave.
Ottawa Airport → Hampton Inn by Hilton Ottawa Airport
💡 Pick-up area is just outside arrivals – follow signs. Surge pricing rare for this short trip. Booking through app saves a couple of bucks over taxi.
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) → Hampton Inn by Hilton Ottawa Airport
💡 Taxis queue outside arrivals. The hotel is less than 2 km from the terminal, so metered fare is low. Uber and Lybit also operate here for slightly less, usually $12-14 CAD.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ottawa West - Nepean → Downtown Ottawa (Parliament Hill)
💡 Ask reception to call Blueline directly for a flat-rate to the ByWard Market area — sometimes cheaper than flagging one down. For early flights, schedule 24 hours ahead.
Ottawa Airport (YOW) → Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ottawa East - Orleans
💡 Take Route 97 from the airport to Hurdman Station, then transfer to Route 39 eastbound. Get off at Jeanne d'Arc / Orléansa stop—hotel is a 4-minute walk. Use a Presto card or tap credit/debit; exact cash only otherwise. The transfer is free if timed within 90 minutes.
Downtown Ottawa (e.g., Rideau Centre) → Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ottawa East - Orleans
💡 This is the most direct bus from downtown to the hotel. Board at Mackenzie King Bridge or Rideau Centre. The 39 runs along the Transitway and stops right at Jeanne d'Arc / Orléansa—then walk east on Innes Road. Avoid the 37 or 38—they run less frequently and serve different parts of Orleans.
Ottawa Airport (stop: Uplands/Airport) → Longfields & Woodroffe (near hotel)
💡 Buy a single-ride Presto card from the airport convenience store — cheaper than cash. Transfer to Route 61 at Billings Bridge Station if heading west during peak.
Hazeldean Mall (via Woodroffe Ave.) → Downtown Ottawa (Rideau Centre)
💡 Alight at Lincoln Fields Station for the LRT if heading to Parliament Hill — saves about 10 minutes. Weekend service is unreliable after 8pm.
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) → Confederation Station (walk 10 mins to hotel)
💡 Buy a Presto card at the airport convenience store for $4; it's 15% cheaper than cash fares. Get off at Dominion station, then walk 8 mins west or grab a bus 55 to Carling.
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) → Tunney's Pasture Station (transfer to bus 55 or walk 20 mins)
💡 This route skips downtown, so it's faster if you're arriving between 7-9 AM. From Tunney's, the hotel is a 20-min walk north along Parkdale; use Pulse bus 55 if it's raining.
Ottawa Airport Terminal → Hunt Club Road (walk 3 mins to hotel)
💡 The bus stop 'Hunt Club / Uplands' is a short walk east. Presto card cheaper per ride and works on all OC Transpo; buy one at the airport convenience store. Route 97 also connects downtown.
Ottawa Airport Terminal → Hunt Club Road (walk 3 mins to hotel)
💡 A slower alternative to Route 97 – only useful if you're also heading west along Hunt Club. Check real-time on OC Transpo app. Hotel isn't signed; use Hunt Club stop near Uplands Drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Rideau Heights Inn?
Request a room on the higher floors (above the 3rd floor) for a quieter stay, as the hotel's proximity to Rideau Heights Drive may lead to some traffic noise. If you prefer a room with a view, opt for west-facing rooms on the higher floors to take in the sunset over the Ottawa skyline.
Which rooms should I avoid at Rideau Heights Inn?
Avoid rooms near the elevator or service entrance, as they may be more prone to noise from guests and staff. Additionally, rooms on the lower floors (1st-2nd) may experience more noise from traffic on Rideau Heights Drive.
Is Rideau Heights Inn noisy?
Traffic noise from Rideau Heights Drive may be noticeable, especially on lower floors. Be prepared for potential noise from the elevator and service entrance.
Which rooms have the best views at Rideau Heights Inn?
West-facing rooms on higher floors (above 3rd floor) for sunset views of the Ottawa skyline
What are insider tips for staying at Rideau Heights Inn?
Take advantage of the hotel's free parking, but be aware that spaces are limited. Arrive early to secure a spot. Request a room with a mini-fridge if you plan to stay for an extended period, as this amenity is not guaranteed but can be requested at check-in.
What time is check-in at Rideau Heights Inn?
Check-in at Rideau Heights Inn is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Rideau Heights Inn have Wi-Fi?
Free; 150 Mbps speed; no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Rideau Heights Inn?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Rideau Heights Inn?
You can find a budget-friendly lunch option for around $10-$12 at a casual restaurant or food court.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Rideau Heights Inn?
A day pass for public transportation costs around $7-$9, and the cheapest way to get from the airport is to take the OC Transpo bus for around $3.50.
When is the best time to visit Ottawa?
The best months to visit Ottawa are June and September, when the weather is warm and sunny, with average highs around 22°C (72°F), and the crowds are manageable. These months offer perfect conditions for exploring the city's outdoor attractions, such as the Rideau Canal and Gatineau Park.
Top Attractions in Ottawa
💡 Check the NCC's skateway status online before heading out—it closes when ice is unsafe. Bring your own skates to save cash; the rental huts at Fifth Avenue and Rideau Centre often run out of sizes by noon.
💡 Rent skates at Fifth Avenue or Dow’s Lake for cheap–bring cash. January–February is peak ice season; check NCC’s website for conditions.
💡 Bring your own lunch; the park has tables and benches. Best photo spot of Parliament from the southeast corner.
💡 Rent skates at Fifth Avenue Court for CAD 20-25; go early on weekdays for smoother ice and fewer crowds.
💡 Skate from Dow's Lake toward downtown at 7am to avoid crowds—the ice is freshly groomed and quieter. Bring your own skates to save $15.
💡 Skate rental and locker hire cost about $15-$20 from vendors at Fifth Avenue or downtown. Check the NCC's website before you go—the canal only opens when ice is thick enough, usually mid-January to late February. Go on a weekday morning to avoid crowds.
💡 Rent skates from the kiosk at Fifth Avenue (midpoint) to avoid downtown crowds. Check the NCC website for ice conditions before heading out—it's usually open January to late February.
💡 Check the NCC website for ice conditions; mid-Jan to late Feb is peak. Rent skate from kiosks at Fifth Avenue (under $20). Bring a thermos of hot chocolate.