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About Ottawa

Come Early and Stay Late

Ottawa is a premier meeting and convention destination located between Toronto and Montreal.

Our city is home to scenic landmarks, iconic attractions, and national celebrations. Ottawa is prized for its natural beauty and cherished for its relaxed urban rhythm.

Finding memorable, year-round activities in Ottawa is easy. Our guests typically arrive early, stay after their event, and bring companions along to take in the Capital’s experiences.

The Shaw Centre is within walking distance of more than 6,000 downtown Ottawa hotel rooms and major downtown attractions, including the famous ByWard Market. The Centre links to the Westin Ottawa Hotel and the 180-store CF Rideau Centre shopping complex.

Getting Here by Air

The Ottawa International Airport serves the Capital with direct flights to more than 30 North American and international destinations – and it’s a quick 20-minute ride from the Shaw Centre.

Approximate travel times by air

  • Toronto – 1 hour
  • Montreal – ½ hour
  • New York – 1 ½ hours
  • Washington – 1 ½ hours
  • Chicago – 2 hours
  • London – 6 hours
  • Frankfurt – 7 hours

Getting Here by Train

Via Rail serves Ottawa with passenger train service along the Quebec City-Windsor Corridor – adjoining cities such as Montreal and Toronto. The Ottawa Train Station is a short 10-minute ride from the Shaw Centre, connected directly via Ottawa’s light rail transit system.

Driving Directions from Toronto

  1. Highway 401 east to Highway 416 north
  2. Exit at Highway 417 east
  3. Exit at Nicholas Street
  4. Nicholas Street north for 3.5 km/2.2 miles
  5. Left onto Daly Avenue
  6. The Shaw Centre is located at the corner of Daly and Colonel By Drive

Total distance: 397 km (248 miles)
Estimated time: 4.5 hours

Driving Directions from Montreal

  1. Autoroute 40 west to Highway 417 west to Ottawa
  2. Exit at Nicholas Street
  3. Follow Nicholas Street north for 3.5 km/2.2 miles
  4. Turn left onto Daly Avenue
  5. The Shaw Centre is at the Corner of Daly and Colonel By Drive

Distance: 189 km (118 miles)
Estimated time: 2 hours

Things to See and Do

Visit the Ottawa Tourism website for the latest updates on Ottawa visitor attractions.

See What's On

Ottawa Hotels

The Shaw Centre is within walking distance of more than 6,000 downtown Ottawa hotel rooms, including 1,500 within a city block.

Accommodations include international luxury and affordable brand-name hotels, unique Ottawa rental properties, boutique hotels, and more. For up-to-date details, visit Ottawa Tourism.