National Car Rental
Ottawa

The National Car Rental counter at Ottawa International Airport is conveniently located in the Parkade (P1), which is directly across the street from the terminal building. After collecting your luggage on Level 1, simply exit the terminal and follow the prominent overhead signs for "Rental Cars." You will cross a covered walkway to enter the Parkade, where you'll find the rental counters for National and other agencies grouped together. The process is designed to be straightforward, keeping you sheltered from the elements as you transition from the terminal to your vehicle.

Even late at night, the process for reaching the rental pickup area at YOW remains simple and well-lit. From the baggage claim on Level 1, exit the terminal's central doors and walk straight across the street into the main Parkade (P1). The entire path is covered and clearly marked with signage for rental cars, ensuring a safe and easy walk. The rental counters are located just inside the Parkade entrance, so you won't have to search far. This centralized location makes late-night arrivals much less stressful, as you can complete your paperwork and get to your car quickly.

On a typical weekday afternoon, it's wise to budget approximately 45 to 60 minutes from the time your plane touches down to when you're driving away. This accounts for deplaning, walking to baggage claim, waiting for your luggage, and then heading over to the rental counter in the Parkade. The walk to the rental facility is short, but there might be a line at the counter during peak travel times. Building this buffer into your schedule allows for a more relaxed start to your visit, accommodating any minor delays without causing stress.

For a smooth meetup with friends at YOW, designate a clear and specific meeting point before anyone leaves the secure area. A great option is the large seating area on the Arrivals level (Level 1), near the baggage carousels for your flight. Alternatively, you could meet at one of the coffee shops located on the same level. Once everyone has their luggage and is together, the designated driver can proceed to the National rental counter in the Parkade 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 involves taking the Airport Parkway, which simplifies the initial part of your drive. As you exit the airport, follow signs for the Airport Parkway North. This road will eventually turn into Bronson Avenue as you get closer to the city center. Continue on Bronson, then make a right turn onto Laurier Avenue West. From Laurier, you can make a left onto Nicholas Street, which will lead you directly into the ByWard Market area with minimal complex turns, avoiding the most congested parts of the downtown core initially.

For first-time visitors who plan to drive frequently, neighborhoods 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 like Highway 417 (the Queensway) while still being close to attractions. These neighborhoods also tend to have more manageable street parking and a calmer driving environment compared to the one-way streets and congestion of Centretown. You'll find great local shops and restaurants, giving you a more relaxed neighborhood feel at the end of the day.

When dropping off luggage at a hotel in Centretown, it's best to plan your approach carefully as 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 of time to confirm the location of this zone and any time limits. Have your luggage ready to go so you can unload efficiently, allowing one person to check in while the driver either waits with the car or proceeds to a designated parking garage.

Driving directly around Parliament Hill on weekdays can be quite 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 highly advisable to avoid this immediate area by car, especially during morning and afternoon rush hours (roughly 7-9 a.m. and 3-6 p.m.). A much better strategy is to park your rental in a public garage in the ByWard Market or near Sparks Street and explore the parliamentary precinct on foot for a far more enjoyable experience.

Driving from Ottawa to the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau is straightforward, but bridge choice can impact your travel time. The most direct route is typically via the Alexandra Bridge, which offers stunning views of Parliament Hill, but it can be slow. The Macdonald-Cartier Bridge is a wider, faster alternative, especially if you're coming from the east end. Expect significant traffic on all bridges heading into Gatineau during the morning commute (7-9 a.m.) and back into Ottawa in the afternoon (3-6 p.m.). Outside of these peak hours, the drive is usually quite pleasant and takes only a few minutes.

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

For a 'park once' strategy in Ottawa, the large public parking garage at the World Exchange Plaza or the National Arts Centre are excellent choices. These locations are centrally located, allowing you to easily walk to Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, Sparks Street, and the ByWard Market. Parking here places you right in the middle of the main tourist attractions, eliminating the need to move your car and search for new parking throughout the day. It's a practical approach that maximizes your sightseeing time and minimizes driving stress in the busy downtown core.

The quickest way to reach Gatineau Park from downtown Ottawa is by crossing into Gatineau via the Macdonald-Cartier Bridge and taking Autoroute 5 North. This highway provides direct access to the park's main entrances. The primary slowdowns typically occur on the bridge itself during weekday rush hours and on the parkways within Gatineau Park on sunny weekends, especially during fall colours season. Once you're on Autoroute 5, the drive is generally smooth until you approach the park entrance, where traffic can build up as people look for 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 7:00 a.m., especially on a weekend. This allows you to arrive at popular trailheads like Pink Lake or the Mackenzie King Estate before the main crowds start showing up around 9:00 a.m. During the peak fall season, leaving even earlier, around 6:30 a.m., is a wise strategy. An early start not only guarantees parking but also provides a more serene hiking experience with better chances of seeing wildlife.

The drive to the Nordik Spa-Nature in Chelsea is generally a pleasant and straightforward experience for visitors. From Ottawa, you'll take Autoroute 5 North into Quebec, and the exit for Old Chelsea is very clearly marked. The most common point of confusion is navigating the small roundabout upon exiting the highway, but following the signs for Old Chelsea will guide you correctly. Once you're off the highway, the spa is just 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 10:00 a.m. on a weekday. This allows you to miss the morning rush hour in both cities. The drive on Highway 417 (which becomes Autoroute 40 in Quebec) is typically clear during this time. To avoid Montréal's intense afternoon rush hour on your return, aim to leave the city either before 3:00 p.m. or after 6:30 p.m. This strategy helps you bypass the heaviest 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 aim for 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 parking lots and garages where you can leave your car for the day. From there, you are within easy walking distance of the city's main attractions, including the famous market square, boat tours of the Thousand Islands, and numerous shops and restaurants, making it an ideal starting point.

The drive to Parc Omega from Ottawa is mostly on major highways and is quite 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 not only increases your chances of seeing active wildlife but also helps you avoid the peak visitor crowds that build up by midday.

Driving from YOW to downtown Ottawa during or after a 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 crucial to reduce your speed, leave significant distance between your vehicle and the one ahead, and avoid sudden maneuvers. The drive will likely take longer than usual, so build extra time into your schedule. Be particularly mindful when changing lanes, as snow can accumulate between them, potentially affecting your car's 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. It's essential to drive smoothly, avoiding abrupt braking or steering, and to assume that any shiny or dark patch of pavement could be icy. This is a common winter condition in the region that demands respect and a cautious driving style.

A great 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 beautiful river views, stopping at places like Kitchissippi Lookout. Then, head towards the downtown core to park your car 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 highway offers a direct and well-signed route out of the city. You will take the exit for Carp Road and then follow the local signs for the museum. Once you exit the highway, 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 center.

To ensure you reach YOW on time from Gatineau during a weekday rush period, it's crucial to allow plenty of extra time. The bridges into Ottawa become very congested between 3:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. A reliable plan is to cross one of the bridges, like the Macdonald-Cartier, well before the peak rush, perhaps aiming to be in Ottawa by 3:00 p.m. You can then spend some time in a neighborhood like the ByWard Market before heading to the airport. This strategy 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 neighborhood adjacent to Lansdowne and walk the final stretch. The Glebe and Old Ottawa South have on-street parking and some lots, but be sure to check signage for restrictions. Arriving early is key to finding a spot. To avoid getting stuck in the mass exodus after the event, consider enjoying a post-event coffee or snack at one of the many local cafes. This allows the worst of the traffic to dissipate before you head back 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 very clearly marked. The key to a smooth experience is to leave early—at least 90 minutes before the game starts—to get ahead of the heaviest traffic, which builds up significantly on the highway and the roads leading to the arena. Following the event, be prepared for a slow exit from the parking lots; patience is essential as thousands of cars are all leaving at once.

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

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

Drivers unfamiliar with Ottawa often find the downtown core, particularly around Albert and Slater streets, to be challenging due to the 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 intersection at the north end of the Pretoria Bridge connecting The Glebe and Old Ottawa East can be confusing. It's always best to approach these areas with extra caution and have your route planned ahead of time.

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 of MacKay Street. Be sure to carefully read the parking signs for any time limits or restrictions. Once you've parked, you can comfortably explore the grounds of Rideau Hall, then take a pleasant walk over to the adjacent Rideau Falls Park and the Ottawa River Pathway. This 'park once' approach allows you to enjoy the beautiful scenery without the hassle of moving your car between these closely located points of interest.

Driving to the wineries and cideries in the countryside surrounding Ottawa is a very pleasant experience. The routes typically start on major highways like the 417 or 416, but you will quickly transition to well-maintained, two-lane rural roads. These country roads are generally straightforward and scenic, but it's a good idea to use a GPS as cell service can sometimes be spotty in more remote areas. The drive itself is part of the charm, taking you through small towns and farmland as you make your way to your destination.

A smart driving loop for fall colours is to head into Gatineau Park via the Champlain Bridge, then drive the scenic Gatineau Parkway north. Continue through the park towards the charming village of Wakefield. After exploring Wakefield, you can return to Ottawa via Autoroute 5 South, which is a more direct and faster route than the parkway. This loop provides the best of both worlds: a slow, scenic drive through the park's vibrant foliage on the way out, and an efficient highway drive on the way back, minimizing time spent in 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 in no traffic, the morning commute can create significant slowdowns on Bronson Avenue and the Airport Parkway. This generous time buffer accounts for potential rush hour congestion and any 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, which is 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 Parkade (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 located just a few minutes' drive from the airport, directly off the Airport Parkway. The shopping center has a large grocery store, a pharmacy, and several other retailers, making it a convenient one-stop location. This allows you to get everything you need right away without having to navigate unfamiliar city streets or search for parking in a busier downtown area before you've even checked into your hotel.

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

During the spring in Ottawa, you should anticipate that potholes and the start of roadwork season can 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 the bridges to Gatineau. It's always a good idea to check a real-time traffic app before you depart and allow for an extra 15-20 minutes for your journey to account for these potential slowdowns.

For a hassle-free sunrise photography session, drive to the Nepean Point area, 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 iconic, elevated 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 parking lot 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 to planning is to check the official border wait times online before you leave, as they can vary significantly. Weekday mornings and weekend afternoons tend to be busier. Be sure to 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 the first day, which takes about two hours. Spend the afternoon exploring Kingston before staying there overnight. The next morning, you can 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 highway. This route allows you to enjoy the journey, explore the county's wineries and towns at a leisurely pace, and breaks up the driving into manageable, enjoyable segments.

A great 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 flow of commuter traffic. After your museum visit, drive downtown in the late morning or early afternoon, after the morning rush has subsided. Park your car for the rest of the day in a central location, like near the ByWard Market or the National Arts Centre. You can then explore all 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 kids to explore the farm. Another great option is the Canadian Museum of Nature, which has its own dedicated parking lot and is centrally located. For outdoor fun, Mooney's Bay Park and Beach has a large parking area and features a huge playground and a beach, making it an easy and rewarding destination. These locations are designed for accessibility, minimizing parking stress and long walks for families with young children.