Ottawa Tourism and Outaouais Tourism Highlight End-of-Summer Results

Outaouais, September 15, 2026 — As summer 2026 draws to a close, Ottawa Tourism and Outaouais Tourism are reporting strong results across Canada’s National Capital Region. The region's unique combination of two complementary destinations, a busy calendar of major events, Ottawa’s bicentennial celebrations and exceptional value for travellers helped drive visitation throughout the summer season.

From June to August 2026, Ottawa recorded another strong summer tourism season, with hotel room demand increasing 3% year-over-year and hotel occupancy slightly up compared to summer 2025. July delivered particularly strong results, with hotel demand exceeding the record-setting levels achieved in 2025. Resident support for tourism also remained strong throughout the summer, with surveys finding that 87% of residents recognize the value of tourism through its positive contributions to quality of life and the local economy. This summer, residents and visitors alike experienced a vibrant core animated with festivals, events, public programming, placemaking initiatives and community activations that contributed to Ottawa’s ongoing downtown renewal.

The Outaouais enjoyed an exceptional summer tourism season, with strong growth in overnight stays across the region. From May to July, the number of rented accommodation units increased by 9.1% compared with the same period in 2025. Feedback from tourism businesses across the Outaouais is equally encouraging. About 87% of respondents to Outaouais Tourism’s end-of-summer survey rated the season as good to exceptional, in line with last year’s results. Outaouais Tourism expects August results for accommodations and summer data for camping sites to be finalized imminently. Based on the results recorded so far, the Outaouais is on its way to another record-breaking summer.

The region's strong performance was supported by a busy calendar of major events, including RBC Bluesfest, Escapade Music Festival, Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy, the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival and IRONMAN Canada-Ottawa, as well as the continued momentum of Ottawa 200 programming throughout the summer.

Affordability also remained an important factor for many travellers. Initiatives such as the Visit Ottawa Pass, Ottawa Museums Pass and Ottawa 200 programming provided visitors with accessible ways to experience the region's attractions, museums, festivals and cultural experiences. In the Outaouais, a wide range of affordable outdoor experiences, including camping, hiking and cycling, also made it easier to enjoy the region on any budget.

"Summer 2026 has been another outstanding season for Canada’s Capital Region," said Michael Crockatt, President and CEO of Ottawa Tourism. "Visitors continue to respond to the combination of major events, cultural experiences and outstanding value available throughout Ottawa and the Outaouais. Events such as our summer festivals, sporting events, and those associated with Ottawa 200 all gave people even more reasons to visit and explore the destination this year."

“For several summers now, the Outaouais has recorded excellent tourism results, and we are very pleased to see this momentum continue in 2026,” said Geneviève Latulippe, CEO of Outaouais Tourism. “Our proximity to the National Capital, combined with the diversity of tourism experiences available throughout the region, is a real strength. Visitors can easily combine urban and cultural experiences, wide-open spaces and outdoor activities within a single stay. This rich offering continues to strengthen the Outaouais’ growing appeal as a destination.”

Looking ahead, the region’s destination organizations hope to maintain momentum into the fall, supported by major events such as the currently underway Wheelchair Basketball World Championships, Aero Gatineau-Ottawa, CityFolk and a strong schedule of meetings, conventions and sporting events.

About Ottawa Tourism 
Through its values of inclusivity, trust, collaboration, and innovation, Ottawa Tourism pursues its vision to be one of Canada’s most visited, sustainable, vibrant, and appealing urban destinations, as well as the tourism authority for key economic development and city-building decisions in Ottawa. Canada’s capital welcomes an estimated 9.8 million visitors annually who spend $2.6 billion in the community. 

About Outaouais Tourism 
Outaouais Tourism is a private, non-profit organization created by and for the industry over 40 years ago. Outaouais Tourism is a privileged partner of the Quebec Government in the tourism sector and contributes to the region’s economic development by overseeing tourism regional coordination, hospitality, information, promotion, marketing and development.

For more information, please contact:

Jérôme Miousse
Director, Public Affairs
Ottawa Tourism
corporate@ottawatourism.ca  

Alice Charbonneau-Bernier
Senior Communications and Public Affairs Manager
Outaouais Tourism
acharbonneau-bernier@tourisme-outaouais.ca