National Car Hire
Ottawa

The National Car Rental desk at Ottawa International Airport is conveniently located in the multi-storey car park (P1), directly opposite the terminal building. After collecting your luggage on Level 1, exit the terminal and follow the prominent overhead signs for "Rental Cars." You will cross a covered walkway to enter the car park, where the rental desks for National and other agencies are grouped together. The process is straightforward and keeps you sheltered from the elements as you move from the terminal to your vehicle.

Even late at night, the route to the rental pick-up area at YOW is simple and well lit. From baggage claim on Level 1, exit the terminal’s central doors and walk straight across the road into the main car park (P1). The entire route is covered and clearly signed for rental cars, ensuring a safe, easy walk. The rental desks are located just inside the car park entrance, so you won’t have to search far. This central location makes late-night arrivals less stressful as you can complete paperwork and get to your car quickly.

On a typical weekday afternoon, it’s sensible to allow around 45 to 60 minutes from touchdown to driving away. That covers disembarkation, walking to baggage claim, waiting for luggage and then heading to the rental desk in the car park. The walk to the rental facility is short, but there may be a queue at busy times. Allowing this buffer helps absorb minor delays and gives you a more relaxed start to your visit.

For a smooth meetup at YOW, agree a clear meeting point before anyone leaves the secure area. A good option is the large seating area on the Arrivals level (Level 1), near the baggage carousels for your flight. Alternatively, meet at one of the coffee shops on the same level. Once everyone has their luggage and is together, the designated driver can go to the National rental desk in the car park to pick up the vehicle while the others wait comfortably in the terminal. This avoids confusion and keeps the group together until the car is ready.

The most straightforward route from YOW to the ByWard Market is to take the Airport Parkway, which simplifies the initial part of the drive. As you leave the airport, follow signs for the Airport Parkway North. This road becomes Bronson Avenue as you approach the city. Continue on Bronson, then turn right onto Laurier Avenue West. From Laurier, turn left onto Nicholas Street, which leads directly into the ByWard Market area with minimal complex turns and avoids the busiest parts of the downtown core initially.

For first-time visitors who plan to drive frequently, neighbourhoods just outside the immediate downtown core offer a less stressful base. Areas like The Glebe, Hintonburg or Westboro are excellent choices as they provide easier access to major roads such as Highway 417 (the Queensway) while still being close to attractions. These neighbourhoods also tend to have more manageable street parking and a calmer driving environment compared with the one-way streets and congestion of Centretown. You’ll find good local shops and restaurants, giving a more relaxed neighbourhood feel at the end of the day.

When dropping off luggage at a Centretown hotel, it’s best to plan your approach carefully as on-street parking is limited and many streets are one-way. Most hotels in this area have a designated short-term passenger drop-off zone directly in front of their main entrance. It’s a good idea to call your hotel ahead to confirm the location of this zone and any time limits. Have your luggage ready to unload so you can be efficient, allowing one person to check in while the driver either waits with the car or proceeds to a nearby car park.

Driving immediately around Parliament Hill on weekdays can be challenging due to security measures, numerous bus lanes and heavy pedestrian traffic. Wellington Street, which runs in front of the Parliament Buildings, often has rolling closures and restricted access. It’s advisable to avoid this immediate area by car, especially during morning and afternoon rush hours (roughly 7–9am and 3–6pm). A better strategy is to park in a public car park in the ByWard Market or near Sparks Street and explore the parliamentary precinct on foot.

Driving from Ottawa to the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau is straightforward, but choice of bridge can affect travel time. The Alexandra Bridge is often the most direct route and offers fine views of Parliament Hill, but it can be slow. The Macdonald-Cartier Bridge is wider and usually faster, especially if you’re coming from the east. Expect significant traffic on all bridges into Gatineau during the morning commute (7–9am) and back into Ottawa in the afternoon (3–6pm). Outside peak hours the drive is normally pleasant and only a few minutes.

Parking directly within the ByWard Market can be challenging, especially at weekends and evenings, as on-street spaces are in high demand. A realistic plan is to head straight for one of the multi-storey public car parks on the perimeter of the market, such as those on Clarence Street or Murray Street. These car parks almost always have space and save you the frustration of circling for a spot. By using a car park you can park once and enjoy exploring the market area on foot, making your visit much more relaxed and efficient.

For a 'park once' strategy in Ottawa, the large public car park at World Exchange Plaza or the National Arts Centre are excellent choices. These locations are centrally situated, allowing easy walks to Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, Sparks Street and the ByWard Market. Parking here places you in the middle of the main tourist attractions, eliminating the need to move your car and search for new parking during the day. It’s a practical approach that maximises sightseeing time and reduces driving stress in the busy city centre.

The quickest way to reach Gatineau Park from downtown Ottawa is to cross into Gatineau via the Macdonald-Cartier Bridge and take Autoroute 5 North. This highway provides direct access to the park’s main entrances. The main slowdowns typically occur on the bridge itself during weekday rush hours and on the parkways within Gatineau Park on sunny weekends, especially during the fall colours season. Once on Autoroute 5, the drive is generally smooth until you approach the park entrance, where traffic can build up as people seek parking at popular trailheads.

To secure a good parking spot and enjoy a quieter trail for an early morning hike in Gatineau Park, aim to leave Ottawa by 7:00am, especially at the weekend. This lets you arrive at popular trailheads like Pink Lake or the Mackenzie King Estate before the main crowds start showing up around 9:00am. During the peak autumn season, leaving even earlier, around 6:30am, is wise. An early start not only guarantees parking but also offers a more serene hiking experience and better chances of seeing wildlife.

The drive to Nordik Spa-Nature in Chelsea is generally pleasant and straightforward for visitors. From Ottawa you’ll take Autoroute 5 North into Quebec, and the exit for Old Chelsea is clearly signed. The most common point of confusion is negotiating the small roundabout on leaving the motorway, but following the signs for Old Chelsea will guide you correctly. Once off the motorway the spa is a short drive through the charming village. The route is well signed, making it a low-stress trip even for those unfamiliar with the area.

For a smooth day trip to Montréal, plan to leave Ottawa between 9:00 and 10:00am on a weekday. This avoids the morning rush hour in both cities. The drive on Highway 417 (which becomes Autoroute 40 in Quebec) is typically clear at that time. To avoid Montréal’s heavy afternoon rush hour on your return, aim to leave the city either before 3:00pm or after 6:30pm. This strategy helps you bypass the worst congestion, making the two-hour drive feel much more relaxed and predictable in both directions.

When arriving in Kingston for a day trip from Ottawa, the most convenient area to target first is the historic waterfront downtown. Set your navigation for the area around City Hall or the Visitor Information Centre on Ontario Street. This district has several large public car parks and garages where you can leave your car for the day. From there you’re within easy walking distance of the city’s main attractions, including the market square, boat tours of the Thousand Islands, and numerous shops and restaurants — an ideal starting point.

The drive to Parc Omega from Ottawa is mostly on major roads and is straightforward until the final stretch. After exiting the main highway near Montebello, you’ll be on smaller rural roads, which are well maintained but require more attention. The park’s main attraction is the drive-through safari, and animals are generally most active in the morning shortly after the park opens and again in the late afternoon. Arriving early increases your chances of seeing active wildlife and helps you avoid peak visitor crowds that build up by midday.

Driving from YOW to downtown Ottawa during or after snowfall requires extra caution and patience. The main route, the Airport Parkway, is a priority for snow clearing, but conditions can still be slippery and lane markings may be obscured. It’s important to reduce your speed, leave significant distance between your vehicle and the one ahead, and avoid sudden manoeuvres. The drive will likely take longer than usual, so build extra time into your schedule. Be particularly careful when changing lanes, as snow can accumulate between them and affect vehicle stability.

After a sharp overnight temperature drop in Ottawa, the most surprising hazard for visitors is often black ice. This transparent layer of ice can form on roads that appear merely wet, especially on bridges, overpasses and shaded areas. Even if main roads have been salted, exit ramps and side streets can remain treacherous. Drive smoothly, avoid abrupt braking or steering, and assume any shiny or dark patch of pavement could be icy. It’s a common winter condition that demands respect and a cautious driving style.

A sensible plan is to start your day along the Ottawa River and work your way south. Begin by driving along the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway on the west side of downtown for fine river views, stopping at places like Kitchissippi Lookout. Then head towards the city centre and park near the National Arts Centre. From this central parking spot you can easily explore the Rideau Canal Locks on foot, walk along the canal pathway and then loop back without needing to drive between these closely situated attractions, saving time and avoiding traffic.

The easiest way to reach the Diefenbunker in Carp from Ottawa is to take Highway 417 West. This major motorway offers a direct and well signed route out of the city. Take the exit for Carp Road and then follow local signs for the museum. Once you leave the motorway the landscape quickly becomes more rural, with two-lane country roads leading to the village of Carp. The drive is scenic and generally low-traffic, making for a pleasant and easy trip from the urban centre.

To ensure you reach YOW on time from Gatineau during weekday rush periods, allow plenty of extra time. The bridges into Ottawa become very congested between about 3.30pm and 6.00pm. A reliable plan is to cross one of the bridges, such as the Macdonald-Cartier, well before the peak — aim to be in Ottawa by about 3.00pm. You can then spend some time in a neighbourhood like the ByWard Market before heading to the airport. This avoids the stress of being stuck in bridge traffic when you have a flight to catch.

The simplest approach for driving to an event at TD Place is to park in a neighbourhood adjacent to Lansdowne and walk the final stretch. The Glebe and Old Ottawa South have on-street parking and some small lots, but check signs for restrictions. Arriving early is key to finding a spot. To avoid being caught in the mass exodus after the event, consider enjoying a post-event coffee or snack at one of the local cafés. This allows the worst of the traffic to dissipate before you return to your car for a much smoother departure.

For a visitor-friendly drive to a Senators game, take Highway 417 West directly from downtown Ottawa towards Kanata. The exits for the Canadian Tire Centre are well signed. The key is to leave early — at least 90 minutes before the game starts — to get ahead of the heaviest traffic, which builds significantly on the motorway and the roads leading to the arena. After the event, be prepared for a slow exit from the car parks; patience is essential as thousands of cars leave at once.

For visitors, the transition from Highway 417 exits to downtown Ottawa streets can be a little confusing, as exits often lead directly into a network of one-way streets. It’s highly recommended to use a GPS navigation app, as it provides turn-by-turn directions that are easier to follow than trying to read signs while navigating city traffic. Pay close attention to your GPS when you leave the motorway, as you may need to make several quick turns to get onto your desired street. Once you’re off the motorway, the downtown grid becomes more manageable.

For a calmer driving experience between Ottawa’s popular neighbourhoods, try using the scenic parkways instead of the main arterial roads or the motorway. To get from the ByWard Market to The Glebe, take Colonel By Drive, which runs alongside the Rideau Canal and is generally less frantic than Bronson Avenue. To continue to Westboro, connect to the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway along the Ottawa River. These routes are more scenic, have lower speed limits and typically see less aggressive traffic, making them a good choice for nervous drivers.

Drivers unfamiliar with Ottawa often find the downtown core, particularly around Albert and Slater Streets, challenging because of dedicated bus-only lanes. Another trouble spot is the intersection of Rideau Street and Sussex Drive near the ByWard Market, which has specific turn restrictions and heavy pedestrian flow. Additionally, the complex five-point junction at the north end of the Pretoria Bridge connecting The Glebe and Old Ottawa East can be confusing. It’s best to approach these areas with extra caution and have your route planned in advance.

The easiest way to visit Rideau Hall and the surrounding area is to find on-street parking on one of the residential streets nearby, such as those off MacKay Street. Be sure to read the parking signs carefully for any time limits or restrictions. Once you have parked, you can comfortably explore the grounds of Rideau Hall and then take a pleasant walk to the adjacent Rideau Falls Park and the Ottawa River Pathway. This 'park once' approach lets you enjoy the scenery without the hassle of moving your car between these closely located points of interest.

Driving to wineries and cideries in the countryside around Ottawa is a very pleasant experience. Routes typically start on major motorways like the 417 or 416, but you’ll soon move onto well-maintained two-lane rural roads. These country roads are generally straightforward and scenic, though it’s a good idea to use a GPS as mobile signal can sometimes be patchy in more remote areas. The drive itself is part of the charm, taking you through small towns and farmland to your destination.

A smart loop for fall colours is to head into Gatineau Park via the Champlain Bridge and then drive the scenic Gatineau Parkway north. Continue through the park towards the village of Wakefield. After exploring Wakefield, return to Ottawa via Autoroute 5 South, which is a more direct and faster route than the parkway. This loop gives you a slow, scenic drive through the park’s vibrant foliage on the way out and an efficient motorway drive on the return, reducing time spent behind slow-moving traffic.

To avoid stress on a weekday morning, it’s best to leave downtown Ottawa for YOW about 90 minutes before you want to be at the terminal. While the drive can be as short as 20 minutes with no traffic, the morning commute can cause significant slowdowns on Bronson Avenue and the Airport Parkway. This generous buffer accounts for rush-hour congestion and unexpected delays. Arriving at the airport relaxed is much better than rushing, especially when you have to return your rental car and go through security.

As you approach YOW on the Airport Parkway, stay in the right-hand lanes and watch for the large green signs that specifically say "Rental Car Return." These signs will direct you to a dedicated entrance for the rental facilities, separate from the main terminal loop for passenger drop-offs. The key is to follow these specific signs rather than the general signs for "Arrivals" or "Departures." This will guide you directly into the car park (P1) where you can easily find the designated return area for National.

After picking up your rental at YOW, one of the easiest places for a quick supply stop is the South Keys Shopping Centre. It’s just a few minutes’ drive from the airport, directly off the Airport Parkway. The shopping centre has a large supermarket, a pharmacy and several other retailers, making it a convenient one-stop location. This allows you to get everything you need quickly without navigating unfamiliar city streets or searching for parking in a busier central area before checking into your hotel.

When you collect your vehicle at the YOW rental facility, it’s practical to pull into a temporarily empty parking bay nearby to load your bulky gear. This gives you more space and time than trying to load directly in the pick-up lane. Organise your luggage first, placing suitcases in the boot to create a stable base. Then, if the vehicle has folding seats, you can slide skis or a snowboard bag through the boot into the cabin. Taking a few extra minutes to organise here makes the rest of your drive to the hotel much more comfortable and safe.

In spring you should expect potholes and the start of roadworks to affect drive times. After the winter thaw potholes can be numerous, requiring slower, more careful driving on some city streets. As the weather improves, construction projects begin which can lead to lane closures on major routes like the Queensway (Highway 417) and on bridges to Gatineau. It’s a good idea to check a real-time traffic app before you set off and allow an extra 15–20 minutes for your journey to account for these potential slowdowns.

For a hassle-free sunrise photography session, drive to Nepean Point, located behind the National Gallery of Canada. At that early hour you can usually find ample street parking nearby on St Patrick Street or in the gallery’s vicinity. This spot offers an elevated, iconic view of Parliament Hill, the Ottawa River and the Alexandra Bridge as the sun comes up. Another excellent option is Dow’s Lake Pavilion, which has a large car park and provides beautiful sunrise views over the water, especially during the Tulip Festival in spring.

Driving to the U.S. border crossing at Prescott–Ogdensburg from Ottawa is a straightforward trip of about an hour, mostly on Highway 416 South. The key is to check official border wait times online before you leave, as they can vary significantly. Weekday mornings and weekend afternoons tend to be busier. Make sure you have all necessary travel documents easily accessible for everyone in the vehicle to ensure a smooth process with border officials. Factoring in potential border delays is essential for a well-timed day trip.

A sensible plan is to drive from Ottawa to Kingston on day one, which takes about two hours. Spend the afternoon exploring Kingston and stay overnight there. The next morning take the scenic Loyalist Parkway (Highway 33) from Kingston into Prince Edward County, which is a much more relaxed and beautiful drive than the main motorway. This route lets you enjoy the journey, explore the county’s wineries and towns at a leisurely pace and breaks the driving into manageable, enjoyable segments.

A good strategy is to visit the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum in the morning, as it’s located in the east end and is an easy drive against the main commuter flow. After your museum visit, drive downtown in the late morning or early afternoon after the morning rush has subsided. Park for the rest of the day in a central location, like near the ByWard Market or the National Arts Centre, and explore the downtown sights on foot, avoiding the need to drive in and out of the congested core multiple times.

The Canada Agriculture and Food Museum is an excellent choice, offering ample on-site parking and plenty of space for children to explore the farm. Another great option is the Canadian Museum of Nature, which has its own dedicated car park and is centrally located. For outdoor fun Mooney’s Bay Park and Beach has a large car park and features a big playground and a beach, making it an easy and rewarding destination. These locations are designed for accessibility, minimising parking stress and long walks for families with young children.