The Kanata center point is about the area of Downtown Kanata and 1 mile northeast of Canadian Tire Centre - Ottawa Senators.
One of the best times of year to visit this city is in the spring months of March, April, or May. During these months, summer tourists haven't swarmed the city yet, and room rates are still reasonable. In early spring, snow and slush may still be around, but by May, temperatures are in the 60s. Visitors come from all over to enjoy the Maple Sugar Festival in March and the Canadian Tulip Festival in May. Other May events include Victoria Day, Ottawa International Children's Festival, and Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon.
Peak tourist season in Kanata is from June to August. Rooms fill quickly and rates increase, so travelers should book lodging around a month ahead. Temperatures are perfect during these months, resting in the mid-70s. The beautiful weather and the many summer events draws quite a few tourists, so finding a room is challenging. June events include the Ottawa Fringe Festival, the Bytowne Oyster Festival, Tim Horton's Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival, Westfest, and the TD Ottawa Jazz Festival. The city celebrates Canada Day on July 1.
From September through November, travelers can expect hotel rates to start dropping. However, there could still be some room shortages surrounding popular events. Temperatures range from the high 60s in September to the low 40s in November. The city's fall celebration, Pumpkinferno, runs through September and October. The CityFolk Festival and the Ottawa International Animation Festival take place in September. November boasts the Ottawa Children's Storytelling Festival.
Tourists looking for the best hotel rates should consider booking from December through February when hotels drop prices to bargain prices. This is the least popular time to visit Kanata because the weather is cold. Travelers should pack cold-weather gear including layers, hats, and gloves. Temperatures rarely go over 20 degrees Fahrenheit. There's no shortage of things to do during the winter, and many of them are quite fun. Visitors enjoy the Rideau Canal Skateway from January to March and several popular events in February including Winterlude, Gatineau Loppet, and the Canadian Ski Marathon.
There are several hotels that offer discounts in the city including Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Kanata. Tourists with AAA memberships receive a 10 percent discount on rooms ranging from single beds to suites with sofa beds, mini-fridges, and microwaves. Weary travelers rest well on pillowtop mattresses under down comforters. Guests stay in shape in the fitness center or the indoor pool. Other freebies include high-speed Wi-Fi, parking, newspapers, and coffee and tea. Hotel staff serves a hot breakfast including eggs and breakfast meats daily.
At Best Western Plus Ottawa/Kanata Hotel and Conference Centre, AAA members choose from lodging that ranges from double queen rooms to expansive king suites and save 10 percent. The hotel is less than 5 miles from downtown Kanata and is located conveniently off highway 416. Business travel is more comfortable with business suites featuring pillowtop mattresses and work desks; working visitors have access to the business center and meeting rooms.
The hotel restaurant, Brialia Resto Bar, creates gastronomical combinations of British and Italian dishes from fresh, local ingredients. Best Western Plus hotels offer upgraded bathrooms and in-room fridges. Other freebies include access to the fitness center, free Wi-Fi, newspapers, parking, and cable channels.
For high-caliber accommodations at a fair price, there's plenty of great choices in Kanata. The TownePlace Suites by Marriott Ottawa/Kanata is conveniently located near the Bell Sensplex and Tanger Outlets. Each room is a studio featuring a kitchenette with a fridge and stovetop, a desk, and a microwave. Working visitors will love the laundry and dry cleaning services, meeting areas, business center services, and free Wi-Fi. This family friendly hotel is a good choice for long-term stays; the hotel allows pets, has an indoor pool, a terrace, and barbecue grills.
Fellow vacationers stated that Brookstreet offers “large, comfortable rooms and good value for the money.” Each room includes a plasma TV with cable programming, free wired and wireless internet, and complimentary toiletries. Weary travelers will delight in a massage, facial, or body treatment at the hotel spa before a rejuvenating soak in the spa tub or detox in the sauna. Recreation includes a health club, golf course, outdoor and indoor pools, and arcade and game rooms. On-site dining options from Perspectives Restaurant includes room service and breakfast buffets.
Families will relish Travelodge Ottawa West because of its huge indoor pool with a lounge area and lighted fountain. The expansive indoor pool area also includes a children's pool and water slide. Other family friendly amenities include free Wi-Fi, connecting rooms, pet services, and cable programming. The Bear Bites complimentary breakfast has something for every family member.
Outside of the multitude of festivals throughout the year, there are many great things to do in Kanata and Ottawa. Visitors can explore the country's history through the Canadian War Museum, National War Memorial, and Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum. Each offers a different perspective of the country's past.
Tourists can dive into Canadian culture at Parliament Hill, where each night at 9:00 p.m. the hall is lit in honor of the country's 150th anniversary. A trip to the Royal Canadian Mint provides an in-depth look into coin making, metallurgy, and the history of Canadian money.
Visitors must take a step of the beaten path and rest in the quiet solitude that is Major's Hill Park. A stroll through this serene park offers views of Rideau Canal, Chateau Laurier, and Parliament Hill. For more natural beauty, trekkers should venture to Hog's Back Falls, a quiet destination with stunning waterfalls right in the city.
No matter when you're traveling to Kanata, there's plenty to do and see, and there are ample lodging options for every budget. From the most opulent, high-end hotels to budget-friendly inns, Kanata has something for every traveler's needs including family and business travel or a quiet, romantic getaway.
Below are reviews of the city of Kanata, ON from an actual visitor's perspective.
We were not in Kanata, we were in Carleton Place.
Accessibility to any and all amenities within a 5 min. drive, if that. Everything is extremely convenient and close.
Great restaurants around to eat at and stores to shop. Close to the arena for a Sens game too.
Proximity to our wedding venue and other Ottawa attractions (ex. Parliament buildings).
The room was comfortable and clean.
Visited the hotel, Bell Sensplex, Canadian Tire Arena (where the Ottawa Senators play) and a few stores in the nearby shopping complex. Felt safe while out walking.
Lots of food options