Successful summer for Ottawa’s tourism sector, statistics show

The nation’s capital saw a crazy couple of weather days, from a record-breaking heat wave, to cool and rain. June 28, 2025 (Camille Wilson/ CTV News Ottawa)

It was a hot summer for Ottawa’s tourism sector, with a boost in overnight visitors and spending across the capital.

New statistics from Ottawa Tourism show Ottawa saw a five per cent increase in overall hotel demand in June, July and August, while visitor spending increased seven per cent over the summer compared to the same period in 2024.

According to Ottawa Tourism, July 2025 set a benchmark for the busiest July for Ottawa’s tourism sector, while it was the strongest August on record.

“This summer, we were encouraged to see Canadians choosing to discover Ottawa and the region in greater numbers, increasing our market share and confirming expectations of a strong sense of Canadian pride reflected in travel decisions,” Michael Crockatt, President and CEO of Ottawa Tourism, said in a statement.

“Visitors came to connect with Canada’s capital region, the cultural and recreational opportunities in both urban and rural settings, and the natural beauty that are hallmarks of our destination, and our tourism industry truly delivered.”

Ottawa Tourism says the tourism numbers were bolstered by several marquee events, including Bluesfest, Escapade, the inaugural Ironman Canada-Ottawa event, the Canadian Track and Field Championships, and the Canada-USA Women’s Rugby match at TD Place in August.

Ottawa Tourism launched the Visit Ottawa Pass in June, offering adults the opportunity to pick five attractions from a list of 14 to visit. It complimented the Canada Strong Pass, which provided free admission to national museums in Ottawa for children aged 17 and under.