Holiday Inn Ottawa Downtown: Summer Travel Stay

There is no denying that Ottawa is beautiful in the spring; visiting during the annual Canadian Tulip Festival offers a colorful, breathtaking way to experience the nation’s capital. However, if you are looking for the perfect destination for traveling this summer, Ottawa’s warm-weather festival season and patio culture are tough to beat. On a recent mother-daughter trip to explore the tulips, we stayed at the Holiday Inn Ottawa Downtown – Parliament Hill by IHG. It proved to be the perfect hotel for a busy itinerary filled with sightseeing, shopping, and celebrating. To help you plan your next getaway, here is my complete guide to the hotel, the local neighborhood, and the standout spots you won’t want to miss.

Experiencing the Canadian Tulip Festival

You cannot visit Ottawa in May without experiencing the world-famous tulip festival. The centre of the stunning floral displays is in the Commissioners Park, located along the scenic Dow’s Lake.

If you are not driving into the city, navigating the festival is still incredibly easy. We highly recommend booking a Lyft to take you straight down to Commissioners Park, saving you the hassle of trying to find event parking in a busy area.

Once you are at the park, there are two major highlights to keep in mind:

The Tulip Taxi: This unique transit option is a must-try! Taking the “Tulip Taxi” offers a completely unique viewpoint of the park and is especially helpful for visitors with mobility needs, allowing you to enjoy the scenery with ease.

Lunching in the park: You don’t need to pack a large cooler. There are plenty of excellent food vendors and casual dining options around the park, making it easy to enjoy a meal right by the water.

Visiting in Summer: Is Commissioners Park still worth it?

Commissioners Park is still absolutely worth visiting in the summer, even after the tulips are gone. While the famous festival blooms are seasonal, the park remains a beautiful waterfront destination along Dow’s Lake. In the summer, it becomes a peaceful green space perfect for walking, cycling, picnics, and relaxing by the water.

Visitors can still enjoy scenic views of the canal, kayak or paddleboard rentals nearby, and the surrounding pathways that connect to Ottawa’s broader waterfront trail system. It’s a great spot to slow down, enjoy nature, and take in a quieter side of the city compared to the busy festival season.

Prime Downtown Location & Walkability

One of the Holiday Inn Ottawa Dwtn – Parliament Hill by IHG absolute strongest features is its central, highly walkable location. Situated right in the heart of the action, it eliminates the need for constant public transportation. From the property, we easily reached Ottawa’s major landmarks on foot:

• Parliament Hill: From our hotel, we enjoyed a short scenic walk to the historic government buildings. If you plan to go inside the Parliament Buildings, it’s best to book your tickets in advance.
• The Rideau Canal: The Rideau Canal is perfect for a peaceful morning stroll along the water. It is approximately a 10–15 minute walk (about 800–1,200 metres) from the Holiday Inn Ottawa Downtown – Parliament Hill by IHG, making it an easy and scenic nearby outing.
• ByWard Market & The Canadian War Museum: ByWard Market and the Canadian War Museum are both easily accessible from the hotel. ByWard Market is about a 15–20 minute walk (roughly 1.2–1.6 km), while the Canadian War Museum is about a 25–35 minute walk (around 2–3 km) or a short Lyft ride away.

The immediate surrounding area is also incredibly convenient for daily essentials. Tim Hortons and Food Basics are both conveniently close to the hotel, making everyday essentials and quick grabs easy to access. Tim Hortons is about a 5 minute walk, while Food Basics is only about a 3-minute walk, making it especially convenient for quick grocery runs from the Holiday Inn Ottawa Downtown – Parliament Hill.

Downtown Shopping & Dining: CF Rideau Centre

For those looking to fit some shopping into their trip, the hotel’s central location makes it easy to visit the massive CF Rideau Centre downtown. This premier shopping mall features multiple levels packed with top-tier clothing brands, tech stores, and specialty shops.

Beyond the shopping, it is also a fantastic midday stop for a quick bite. The mall boasts a massive, modern food court with a wide variety of excellent lunch options—ranging from classic quick-service favorites like Chick-fil-A and Jimmy the Greek to full-service sit-down restaurants like JOEY Rideau.

Dining Highlights Near Holiday Inn Ottawa Downtown- Parliament Hill By IHG

While downtown Ottawa is packed with restaurants, two spots right near our hotel stood out during our stay.

1. Exceptional Service at Bâton Rouge Grillhouse & Bar

Located less than a five-minute walk from the hotel, Bâton Rouge gave us a truly memorable evening. We originally had reservations for 5:30 PM, but the staff kindly accommodated us 30 minutes early upon request. From the moment we arrived, the team was incredibly welcoming. Several staff members even stopped by to wish me a happy early birthday!

Our server, Sam, provided stellar service. Despite managing a busy floor with multiple tables, he remained attentive, kept our waters filled, and took the time to explain the menu details.

On the Menu:

• Santa Fe Chicken: Grilled tender chicken breast paired with perfectly sautéed vegetables, wild rice pilaf, and a flavorful jardinière sauce. (Note: The goat cheese topping is quite distinct and rich, which is worth keeping in mind if you prefer milder flavors!)
• Mushroom Chicken: Grilled chicken served over rich red-skin garlic mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, a savory porcini mushroom sauce, and fresh microgreens. It was a massive hit.

The portions here are incredibly generous. Though we had to decline takeaway boxes, because we were heading out into the city afterwards, Sam surprised us at the end of the meal with a Decadent Dark Chocolate Cake topped with chocolate icing and a live sparkler, while he joined in to sing happy birthday to me. It was a thoughtful,  gesture that made the night extra special.

2. Casual Comfort at Chuck’s Roadhouse Bar & Grill

For a completely different, laid-back vibe during our sightseeing, we headed over to the vibrant ByWard Market district to grab some lunch. We stopped in at Chuck’s Roadhouse Bar & Grill, which is a fantastic fit if you are looking for a casual, budget-friendly option after a long morning of walking. It offers classic comfort food in a relaxed atmosphere, providing a simple, satisfying midday meal that fit perfectly into our busy schedule.

Once we were refuelled, we walked over to the iconic “Ottawa” sign, which is located right in the same area. It’s an incredibly popular photo spot for visitors and adds a perfect, memorable backdrop to the whole market experience.

We didn’t get a chance to walk up the steps (York Steps) beside the Ottawa sign in the ByWard Market, which lead directly up to Major’s Hill Park. Located on the corner of York and Sussex Streets, these steps provide a direct and scenic pathway into one of downtown’s most beautiful green spaces. From the top, visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of Parliament Hill and the Ottawa River, making it a highly recommended short climb for anyone exploring the area.

Budget Tip: The Canadian Museum of Nature

If you are putting together your itinerary, you absolutely have to add the Canadian Museum of Nature to the list. Housed in a stunning, castle-like historic building, it features world-class galleries dedicated to dinosaurs, mammals, and Canada’s spectacular natural history.

Money-Saving Travel Hack: General admission to the museum’s permanent galleries is completely free on Thursday nights from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM (supported by Canada Life). Be sure to log onto their website and reserve your free timed tickets in advance, as these popular evening slots do sell out quickly!

Guest Rooms and On-Site Comfort

The accommodations at the Holiday Inn Ottawa Downtown- Parliment Hill are modern, clean, and highly functional, making them a reliable choice for both family vacations and business travelers.

We stayed in a room with two queen beds and were pleasantly surprised by how quiet and peaceful it was, completely insulating us from the bustling downtown traffic outside. The beds were comfortable and well-maintained.

Standard Amenities Included:

• Free, reliable Wi-Fi
• Flat-screen TV & dedicated work desk
• Mini-fridge & in-room coffee maker
• Accessible room options for guests requiring extra mobility features

Hotel Amenities & Services

Beyond the rooms, the property covers all the practical bases required for a smooth trip:

• Wellness & Business: A fully equipped fitness center, business facilities, and meeting spaces.
• Convenience: A 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, laundry services, and a small on-site convenience market for snacks.
• Traveler Friendly: On-site parking is available for a fee (ideal if you are driving into town), and the property is entirely pet-friendly.

Outstanding Hospitality at Holiday Inn Ottawa Dwtn – Parliament Hill By IHG

While a great location and clean rooms are important, it’s the people who make a stay truly memorable. Every staff member we encountered from check-in onward was warm and helpful.

A special thank you goes out to Mohammad Salah at the hotel, whose exceptional kindness, attentiveness, and support added a wonderful personal touch to our trip.

The Verdict: Strong Value in the Capital

The Holiday Inn Ottawa Downtown – Parliament Hill isn’t a luxury hotel, and it doesn’t try to be. Instead, it offers great value. It is super clean, accessible, and has all the basic amenities you actually need. Since it sits right in the center of everything, it makes the perfect home base for exploring Ottawa during a busy spring week or summer vacation, and we highly recommend it.