Ottawa's bed and breakfast scene leans heavily on heritage homes in Sandy Hill, Centretown, Lower Town and the ByWard Market, many of them Victorian-era houses with a handful of individually decorated rooms and a host who cooks breakfast themselves. This list was put together by reading guest reviews and property details on Tripadvisor, Booking.com and Google, plus each business's own website where one could be found.
1. Auberge McGee's Inn
Area: Sandy Hill · Rating: 9.2 on Booking.com (1,000+ reviews)
McGee's Inn is a Victorian heritage house within walking distance of the Rideau Canal, the ByWard Market, the University of Ottawa and Parliament Hill. Guests consistently point to the period charm of the building alongside modern conveniences like private ensuite bathrooms in each room, and a full breakfast is included in the rate. It suits travellers who want a downtown-adjacent stay with a historic-home feel rather than a standard hotel room.
2. The Century House Bed and Breakfast
Area: Downtown, near the ByWard Market · Rating: Ranked #3 of 38 B&Bs and inns in Ottawa, 4 of 5 on Tripadvisor
Guests reviewing the Century House on Tripadvisor repeatedly single out the breakfast and the location for walking to attractions around downtown. It's a straightforward, well-located option for visitors who want to be close to the market and Parliament Hill without a car.
3. Auberge The King Edward Bed and Breakfast
Rating: Ranked #1 of 38 B&Bs and inns in Ottawa, 4 of 5 on Tripadvisor
Housed in a building dating to the early nineteenth century, this B&B sits within easy walking distance of Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, the National Arts Centre and the ByWard Market. Rooms come with a work desk and soundproofing, and a full English or Irish breakfast with juice, cheese and fruit is served daily. Host Richard is frequently mentioned by guests as attentive and accommodating, which suits travellers who want a more personal, less transactional stay than a hotel offers.
4. The Don Club Bed and Breakfast
Area: Centretown, 237 Nepean Street · Rating: 9.8 on Booking.com (118 reviews)
The Don Club is a contemporary take on the B&B format, just steps from Parliament Hill, with modern rooms and private ensuite bathrooms rather than heavy period decor. Guests reviewing on Booking.com repeatedly praise hosts Elodie and Shaq for being extremely welcoming, offering strong local recommendations and preparing a good breakfast. It's a fit for travellers who want the personal touch of a B&B with a more updated, design-forward interior.
5. Auberge des Arts Bed and Breakfast
Area: Lower Town, near the ByWard Market, 104 Guigues Avenue
This B&B is a short walk from the ByWard Market and offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms and a range of breakfast options, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free. Reviewers consistently call out host Pierre as knowledgeable and funny, with guests describing him as making their stay feel warm and welcoming. It suits visitors who want to be in the middle of the market's restaurant scene and appreciate a host with strong local knowledge.
6. ByWard Blue Inn
Area: ByWard Market, 157 Clarence Street · Rating: Ranked #13 of 74 Ottawa hotels, 4 of 5 on Tripadvisor
A 23-room red-brick property in the heart of the ByWard Market, an 11-minute walk from the National Gallery of Canada and 15 minutes from the National Arts Centre. Rooms have private balconies and ensuite bathrooms, and a complimentary continental breakfast runs from 7 to 10 a.m. It's a good option for anyone who wants to be able to walk out the door directly into the market's restaurants and nightlife.
7. A Voyageur's Guest House
Area: Sandy Hill, 95 Arlington Avenue
Set next to the Voyageur bus terminal, this guest house offers a daily hot breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking, which is relatively rare among downtown Ottawa B&Bs. It's a practical pick for travellers arriving by bus or those who want guaranteed on-site parking without paying downtown hotel rates for it.
8. Charing House Gardens Bed & Breakfast
Area: West end, roughly 15 km from downtown Ottawa, 32 Charing Road
Charing House Gardens is a quieter, garden-focused property with two smoke-free, pet-free rooms, including a suite with an attached kitchenette. Breakfast comes as a complimentary basket left for guests rather than a served sit-down meal, and the extensive gardens are set up for self-guided walks and deck relaxation. It suits travellers who'd rather stay outside the downtown core in a calmer, more private setting.
9. Australis Guest House
Area: Sandy Hill, 89 Goulburn Avenue
A century-old home just a few blocks from the Rideau River, with two well-appointed rooms and a homemade breakfast that guests describe as including fruit, eggs, waffles, homemade jams and home-baked scones. It's a fit for travellers who want a small, home-style stay within walking distance of Sandy Hill and the university.
10. The Stewart Bed and Breakfast Ottawa
Area: 74 Stewart Street, near the University of Ottawa
An 8-room property roughly five minutes from the Bytown Museum and two minutes from the University of Ottawa campus, with a continental breakfast served each morning between 7:30 and 9 a.m. Reviewers describe the manager as charming and friendly, and the breakfast spread as fresh with plenty of fruit. It works well for visitors prioritizing proximity to the university and downtown convention centre.
