Last updated on September 17, 2020
Our team is here for you. We stand by our hotel community and our members to support them during these challenging times. We continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and share sources of information regarding our destination with our clients and partners. Let us know how we can help. We look forward to working with you when it is time!
Ottawa is currently in Stage 3 of reopening, which means domestic visitors are welcome.
Please visit our Visiting Ottawa safely page to view the latest basic guidelines that apply to leisure and business visitors.
The information below is specific to the meetings and conventions industry, and information is changing regularly.
Learn more about the local situation on the Ottawa Public Health website.
Gathering limits and regulations
Gatherings in Ottawa and throughout the province of Ontario are now limited to the following at official places of business (different limits apply for private social gatherings):
- Indoors: maximum of 50 people;
- Outdoors: maximum of 100 people;
- Gathering limits are subject to physical distancing requirements.
As of August 21, facilities can have up to 50 guests in each indoor meeting room or event space within each event facility. Learn more on the Guidance for professional meeting and event facilities during Covid-19.
Travel information
Domestic and international travel
There are currently no travel or self-isolation restrictions for domestic travelers (from within Canada) entering the province of Ontario, including the city Ottawa.
However, travel to Canada for non-essential reasons, such as for tourism, recreation or entertainment is currently prohibited for non-Canadians. These restrictions are in place until October 21, 2020 and may be extended.
Visit the Canada Border Services Agency website for the latest information.
For the latest information on flying in and out of Ottawa, visit the Ottawa International Airport (YOW) website.
Via Rail is gradually returning to service and is looking forward to welcoming travellers back on trains from coast to coast. Visit the Via Rail website for the latest information on train travel.
Local transportation
OC Transpo, Ottawa’s public transportation service which includes buses and light rail, is operating.
Ride-sharing and taxi drivers, as well as their passengers, must wear masks; no passengers are allowed in the front seat of the vehicles.
Hotel and meeting venues
The Shaw Centre — Ottawa’s largest convention centre — is reopening for small meetings and is currently working with clients directly to determine next steps. More on The Shaw Centre health and safety guidelines.
The Hotel Association of Canada has partnered with the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) in the launch of Safe Stay, an initiative focused on enhanced hotel cleaning practices, social interactions, and workplace protocols, while ensuring transparency throughout the guest journey. The Safe Stay health and safety guidelines represent best practices for the hotel industry, in accordance with the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Centres for Disease Control guidelines.
Most Ottawa hotels are open. All convention hotels in Ottawa have put in place safety protocols to make their guests safe. You can find more information on the links provided for each hotel below:
- Accor Hotels Novotel Ottawa
- Alt Hotel
- Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market
- Brookstreet hotel
- The Carleton Suite Hotel
- Delta Hotels by Marriott Ottawa City Centre
- Fairmont Château Laurier
- Hilton Garden Inn Ottawa Airport
- Hilton Garden Inn Ottawa Downtown
- Holiday Inn Ottawa Dwtn – Parliament Hill
- Les Suites Hotel
- Ottawa Embassy Hotel and Suites
- Ottawa Marriott
- Sandman Signature Ottawa Airport
- The Westin Ottawa.
