IWPP5 OTTAWA-2026

Climate

The weather in Ottawa in early July is generally warm and sunny, with occasional humid spells. The average high temperature in early July is about 26°C (79°F), while the average low temperature is around 16°C (61°F).

Language

The city of Ottawa, Canada is a multicultural and diverse city, where many languages are spoken. However, the official languages of Ottawa are English and French, as Canada is a bilingual country. Both English and French are widely spoken in Ottawa, with English being slightly more predominant, while a significant portion of the population speaks French as their first language.

Time zone

During daylight saving time, which begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November, Ottawa observes Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), which is 4 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-4).

Taxes

If you stay in a hotel, you will be charged a municipal accommodation tax (MAT) of 4% of your room rate. This tax applies to all hotels, motels, and short-term rentals in Ottawa and is added to your bill at the time of payment. The current HST rate in Ontario is 13% and applies to most goods and services, including restaurant meals, souvenirs, and tours.

Tipping

Tipping is a common practice in Ottawa, and it is generally expected for good service in restaurants, bars, and other service industries. However, tipping is not mandatory, and it is ultimately up to the individual to decide whether or not to leave a tip. In restaurants, a tip of 15–20% of the total bill is considered standard for good service. Some restaurants may include a gratuity charge on the bill for larger groups, so it's always a good idea to check the bill to avoid double-tipping.

WiFi Hotspots

There are many places in Ottawa where you can access free Wi-Fi hotspots. Here are some options: Ottawa Public Library branches, coffee shops and restaurants, and shopping malls. The City of Ottawa has installed free Wi-Fi hotspots in many public places, including parks, community centers, and some city-owned buildings.

Currency, Credit Cards and Exchange Rate

The currency used in Ottawa is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). The exchange rate of CAD to other currencies, such as the Euro (EUR) and US Dollar (USD), can fluctuate over time due to various economic factors.

As of early July 2025, the average exchange rates are approximately: 1 CAD = 0.63 EUR / 1 CAD = 0.73 USD

When exchanging currency, it's important to compare rates and fees from multiple sources to get the best deal. It's also a good idea to avoid exchanging currency at airports, as they often have higher fees and less favorable exchange rates.

Business Hours

Business hours in Ottawa can vary depending on the type of business and location. Banks, tourist information centers, public offices, and city hall are generally open between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Most stores in Ottawa are open Monday to Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Some stores may be open on Sunday, but this is less common.

Emergency Numbers

Here are the different emergency numbers to call in Ottawa:

• Police, Fire, and Ambulance Services: In an emergency, dial 911. This number will connect you with the appropriate emergency services.

• Non-emergency Police Services: For non-emergency police services, such as reporting a theft or property damage, you can call the Ottawa Police Service at 613-236-1222.

• Poison Control: If you or someone else has ingested or come into contact with a toxic substance, you can call the Ontario Poison Centre at 1-800-268-9017.

Voltage

The voltage in Canada is 120 volts, with a frequency of 60 Hz. If you are traveling to Canada, you may need an electronic charging accessory as the voltage and plug type may be different in your home country.