Ottawa capped off another strong summer for tourism, with new numbers from Ottawa Tourism and Tourisme Outaouais showing steady growth on both sides of the river.
Hotel demand climbs again
From June to August 2026, Ottawa recorded another strong summer tourism season, with hotel room demand increasing 3% year-over-year. July was the standout month: hotel demand that month exceeded the record-setting levels already achieved back in July 2025, meaning the capital didn't just match its best summer on record, it topped it.
Outaouais sees an even bigger jump
Just across the Ottawa River, the Outaouais region posted even stronger growth. From May to July 2026, the number of rented accommodation units in the region rose 9.1% compared with the same period in 2025. For a region that Ottawa residents regularly cross into for day trips, dinners and weekend getaways, that kind of jump points to a capital region that's drawing visitors well beyond downtown Ottawa itself.
What tourism means for the capital
Ottawa welcomes an estimated 9.8 million visitors annually who spend $2.6 billion in the community, a figure that underscores just how much of the local economy leans on people passing through for Parliament Hill, the museums, the festivals and everything in between. Ottawa Tourism President and CEO Michael Crockatt said summer 2026 has been another outstanding season for Canada's Capital Region, with visitors continuing to respond to the combination of major events, cultural experiences and outstanding value available throughout Ottawa and the Outaouais.
On the Quebec side, Tourisme Outaouais CEO Geneviève Latulippe said the region has recorded excellent tourism results for several summers running, and is pleased to see that momentum continue into 2026.
Residents are on board
It's not just the visitor numbers that stand out. That's a notable vote of confidence in an industry that can sometimes strain local infrastructure and housing during peak season, suggesting Ottawa residents largely see the trade-off as worth it.
What led here
Ottawa residents who make the trip into Quebec for groceries, dinner or a night out have had plenty to explore this year, from ottown's earlier report on new canal festivals and Outaouais drives to the upcoming provincial election that will shape the region's priorities, covered in ottown's earlier report.
What's next
For now, the message from both organizations is the same: the capital region's combination of events, culture and value kept visitors coming back in 2026, and both sides of the river are hoping that pattern holds.
Sources: Ottawa Tourism (official media release)
