Ottawa and Outaouais recorded strong summer tourism with hotel demand up 3 per cent

Ottawa and the Outaouais delivered strong summer tourism results, with hotel room demand in Ottawa climbing 3 per cent year-over-year from June to August and occupancy up compared to last summer.

In the Outaouais, rented accommodation units increased 9.1 per cent from May to July compared with the same period in 2025.

Ottawa Tourism and Outaouais Tourism attributed the summer surge to major events, Ottawa's bicentennial celebrations and value for travellers. July proved particularly strong, with hotel demand exceeding record levels set in July 2025.

In surveys, 87 per cent of Ottawa residents recognized the value of tourism through its contributions to quality of life and the local economy. In the Outaouais, about 87 per cent of tourism business respondents rated the season as good to exceptional, matching 2025's results.

Major events supporting the Outaouais performance included RBC Bluesfest, Escapade Music Festival, Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy, the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival and Ironman Canada-Ottawa, alongside Ottawa 200 programming throughout the summer.

Affordability initiatives such as the Visit Ottawa Pass, Ottawa Museums Pass and Ottawa 200 programming provided accessible ways for visitors to experience regional 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."

The region's destination organizations hope to maintain momentum into the fall with events including the Wheelchair Basketball World Championships, Aero Gatineau-Ottawa, CityFolk and other meetings, conventions and sporting events.