Ottawa saw a strong summer tourism season this year, with hotel room demand from June to August increasing three per cent year-over-year and hotel occupancy up compared to last summer.
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Ottawa saw a strong summer tourism season this year, with hotel room demand from June to August increasing three per cent year-over-year and hotel occupancy up compared to last summer.
The Outaouais also experienced growth in overnight stays. From May to July, the number of rented accommodation units increased by 9.1 per cent compared with the same period in 2025.
In a news release Tuesday, Ottawa Tourism and Outaouais Tourism pointed to major events, Ottawa’s bicentennial celebrations and value for travellers as factors driving visitation throughout the summer.
According to the release, July in Ottawa delivered particularly strong results, with hotel demand exceeding record-setting levels achieved in 2025. Resident support for tourism also remained strong throughout the summer, with surveys finding that 87 per cent of residents recognize the value of tourism through its positive contributions to quality of life and the local economy.
In the Outaouais, about 87 per cent of tourism business respondents to Outaouais Tourism’s end-of-summer survey rated the season as good to exceptional, in line with last year’s results.
The region's performance was supported by events such as RBC Bluesfest, Escapade Music Festival, Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy, the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival and Ironman Canada-Ottawa, as well as the continued momentum of Ottawa 200 programming throughout the summer, the release said.
Affordability was an important factor for many travellers. Initiatives such as the Visit Ottawa Pass, Ottawa Museums Pass and Ottawa 200 programming provided visitors with accessible ways to experience the region's attractions.
"Summer 2026 has been another outstanding season for Canada’s Capital Region," said Michael Crockatt, president and CEO of Ottawa Tourism. "Visitors continue to respond to the combination of major events, cultural experiences and outstanding value available throughout Ottawa and the Outaouais."
“For several summers now, the Outaouais has recorded excellent tourism results, and we are very pleased to see this momentum continue in 2026,” said Geneviève Latulippe, CEO of Outaouais Tourism. “Our proximity to the National Capital, combined with the diversity of tourism experiences available throughout the region, is a real strength. Visitors can easily combine urban and cultural experiences, wide-open spaces and outdoor activities within a single stay. This rich offering continues to strengthen the Outaouais’ growing appeal as a destination.”
Looking ahead, the region’s destination organizations hope to maintain momentum into the fall, the release said, supported by events such as the Wheelchair Basketball World Championships, Aero Gatineau-Ottawa, CityFolk and other meetings, conventions and sporting events.
