Hotels and Travel
Before you check in, you need to get here.
First off BOOK YOUR HOTEL – Our list was updated as of Aug 1, 2026.
Best bet for moderate: Cartier Place and Arc (Scroll down for links)
Best budget: Saint Lo and Econolodge (Scroll down for links)
Need help or advice? Give us a call at (613) 232-8769 or email guestservices@animationfestival.ca.
Planes and Trains
We’ve got deals just for OIAF attendees travelling by planes and trains.
To get around while you’re here, consider Ottawa public transit options. All OIAF venues are within walking distance from each other in the downtown and Byward Market area.
Need help or advice? Give us a call at (613) 232-8769 or email guestservices@animationfestival.ca.
Travel to Ottawa
Flying into Toronto? That’s a 4.5-hour drive to Ottawa.
Flying into Montreal? That’s a 2-hour drive to Ottawa.
For those travelling overseas via Montreal’s Pierre Trudeau Airport (formerly Dorval), transportation to Ottawa should be arranged in advance. Buses to and from Montreal run approximately 3 times a day and the average cost is $51.
VIA Rail trains run approximately 5 times a day from Toronto and Montreal. Prices vary.
International travellers: You may need a Visa or eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization). The cost of an eTA $7 CAD. You can check whether an eTA is required and apply for one here: Visa or eTA Requirements
Airline Discounts for OIAF Attendees
Air Canada
Promo Code: CT222JQ1
- The booking is to be made to the following city: Ottawa, YOW (CA)
- The travel period begins Wednesday, September 16, 2026 and ends Sunday, October 04, 2026.
- Travel is valid Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday.
- For North America, 5% applies on standard fares, 10% on flex fares & higher. For International Travel, 10% on standard fares & higher. 12% discount on Business Class fares (exception: 5% on the lowest Business Class).
Parking and public transit Recommendations
Around the ByTowne (325 Rideau)
There is usually street parking on Rideau or Nelson which is free on weekends or after 3:30 pm.
$ Loblaws Rideau (1 min walk)
363 Rideau – enter on Nelson
$5 for 2.5 hours – or for the day on Sat / Sunday
Do not use for a late show, though, because this lot closes at 10pm.
Around the Mayfair Theatre (1074 Bank)
Sometimes you can get lucky and get street parking on Bank but otherwise drive into Willard, Belmont and those surrounding streets.
Around the Ottawa Art Gallery (10 Daly)
There is some street parking on Nicholas, Besserer, Daly, and the surrounding streets, but it is now free only after 7:30 pm and on Sundays.
$ University of Ottawa Desmarais Garage (1 min walk to OAG)
55 Laurier – drive in off of Nicholas – underground
Pay and Display or use the HotSpot app (#4002)
$5.50/hour with $9.00 Max after 3 pm and on weekends
$ Gilad Parking (1 min walk to OAG)
90 Besserer Street – on street – pay and display
The evening rate is $8, and the all-day rate is $8 on Saturday and Sunday (and you can go in and out)
$ City Hall Parking (10 min walk to OAG)
110 Laurier Ave W.
After 6 pm and on weekends it’s only $2! A steal – but a bit of a walk.
$$$ Rideau Centre – Green Garage (1 min walk)
72 Besserer Street Lot 113
Day rate (12 hours) $20.00 / $14 for 2.5 hours
Public Transit
Getting around the city is easy with OC Transpo and the O-train! Simply tap your Interac® Debit card, credit card or Google Pay or Apple Pay mobile wallet on the fare reader on buses and fare gates at O-Train Line 1 stations. Read more. Or purchase a Presto card for only $4 and load it with your fare(s) in advance. Coming in from Toronto? Your Toronto Presto cards are valid here too!
The train is a convenient way to get to the Ottawa Art Gallery. Get off at the Rideau Centre, exit on Rideau and walk away from the Chateau Laurier. Turn right where Joey’s restaurant is. Keep walking past the Doubletree until you get to Daly.
For the ByTowne – jump on the 7, 12, 14, or 18 – wait by the Indigo.
Day passes are also available for purchase and can be bought as a 1, 3, 5, or 7 day pass. The DayPass lets you ride on OC Transpo, Para Transpo and STO from the time of purchase until it expires. To ride, just tap your DayPass at the fare gate or show it to the operator as you board the bus. Having a pass will make it easy and convenient for getting to and from the OIAF venues, especially if you are staying near the LRT (O-Train) or a downtown bus route.
Visit Prices for all your fare rates and options.
Buy your Presto card online or at an OC Transpo Customer Service Centre or participating Shoppers Drug Mart, Loblaws, and Real Canadian Superstore locations.
OC Transpo Ticket Machines can be found at all O-Train stations and the Ottawa airport has an OC Transpo Ticket Machine located on Level 1: Arrival and Baggage claim.
Still need more information?
Please visit OC Transpo https://www.octranspo.com/en/ For all the information you need about Ottawa’s bus and O-train service! You can also call 613-560-5000.
OIAF Partner Hotels (Downtown)
Arc The.Hotel Ottawa
Weekend only ✅ ⭐ Good Price!!
Amidst the best that downtown Ottawa has to offer, you will find ARC THE.HOTEL OTTAWA. Steps from Parliament Hill and the city’s most popular attractions, our hotel offers an oasis of calm and a retreat from urban bustle.
Address: 140 Slater Street, Ottawa, ON, K1P 5H6
Telephone: 1 (613) 238-2888
Website: https://www.arcthehotel.com/
Rates: $209 Reservation Deadline: August 12, 2026
Booking Link: OIAF2026 – ARC.THE HOTEL OTTAWA
Hilton Garden Inn Ottawa Downtown
Full week AVAILABILITY ✅ ⭐ $239
Newest Hilton on the block! Opened in 2019, newly renovated. We’re in downtown, four blocks from the Parliament of Canada, and five blocks from Ottawa City Hall. The Ottawa River and Victoria Island are less than a kilometer away. The Canadian War Museum and the ByWard market are both within two kilometers. Enjoy all-day dining in the Tulip restaurant. Our Pavilion Pantry is open 24 hours for drinks and snacks.
Rates: $239 Reservation Deadline: August 24, 2026
Booking Link: https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/yowcdgi-92e-fa9c3a86-443a-4e55-bff3-a685d3a36b23/
Delta Hotels by Marriot Ottawa City Centre
✅ ⭐ $289 Great Price
Booking link: Reservation-Link
Close to the light rail or a 15 minute walk to the National Arts Centre
Enjoy a relaxing stay at Delta Hotels Ottawa City Centre in the downtown core. Our Ottawa, Ontario hotel is near Parliament Hill, the ByWard Market, Rideau Canal and CF Rideau Shopping Centre. Dine at Prova Bar & Kitchen and enjoy Italian cuisine with a modern twist. Maintain your fitness routine in our hotel’s gym, relax on our outdoor terrace or take a dip in our indoor, oversized saltwater pool. Book your next meeting in downtown Ottawa, Ontario, in one of our event venues and take advantage of our complimentary business centre, high-speed WiFi and over 24,000 square feet of total space. Our stylish hotel offers sleek, spacious rooms and suites featuring pillowtop bedding, floor-to-ceiling windows, scenic city views and a new Club Lounge! The team at Delta Hotels Ottawa City Centre look forward to your visit.
Address: 101 Lyon St. N, Ottawa, ON K1R 5T9
Telephone: 1 (888)-236-2427 and quote code OIA
Le Germain Hotel 
LIMITED AVAILABILITY ⏰
More rooms now available $341-584
A boutique hotel in the heart of Ottawa’s business and entertainment district. Le Germain Ottawa is the boutique hotel for today’s global travellers who appreciate worldly style and sophistication, paired with local inspirations. A jewel of contemporary architecture, the decor at once understated and inviting will create a unique experience for your senses. Le Germain Hotel Ottawa is a true urban oasis.
Address: 30 Daly Ave., Ottawa, ON K1N 6E2 (connected internally to the OAG and Arts Court
Telephone: 613-691-3230
Booking Link: OIAF 2026 X Le Germain Hotel Ottawa

Doubletree by Hilton
LIMITED AVAILABILITY ⏰
Prices now up to $400-$500 per night
The comfort of home away from home. Doubletree by Hilton offers modern design and cozy rooms, with a maximum comfort. Treat yourself to something special, you deserve it! Spacious rooms with one king bed or two doubles, complimentary Wi Fi, ergonomic work area , LCD TV, in room safe, mini cooler, hair dryer and tea/coffee machine. Access to the indoor pool as well as the fitness area also included.
Address: 33 Nicholas St, Ottawa, ON K1N 9M7 (Across the street from Arts Court and OAG)
Telephone: (613) 230-3033
Booking Link: OIAF2026 X DoubleTree by Hilton Ottawa Downtown

Les Suites Hotel Ottawa
LIMITED AVAILABILITY ⏰
We are a fully furnished – condominium sized hotel. Fully equipped kitchen, washer & dryer, separate bedroom and living room, private balcony, 24hrs security, fitness centre and pool. Our suites vary from 700 sq ft to 1000 sq ft. We have completely renovated our suites over the past year.
❌ Modern One Bedroom Suites:
$309.00/night (full occupancy: 1-4 guests)
✅ Modern Two Bedroom Suites:
$439.00/night (full occupancy: 1-6 guests)
Individuals requiring accommodations should contact the hotel before Tuesday, August 11, 2026. Attendees are asked to simply call 1-800 267-1989 (US & Canada) or 1-(613) 232-2000 (International) and quote group reservation code 144731 to receive the above preferred rates.
OIAF Expedia Links
Book these hotels on Expedia to help support the Festival!
Budget-priced:
Econo Lodge (a motel – right downtown!): Available ✅ ⭐ $125
https://expedia.com/affiliate/76XlMzL
ByWard Blue Inn: ❌ Fully Booked
https://expedia.com/affiliate/AKITjo8
Business Inn: ❌ Sold out
Moderately-priced and close to transit (10min from OIAF venues)
Courtyard by Marriott (Recommended): ❌ Fully Booked
https://expedia.com/affiliate/NMTLVmU
Moderate:
Cartier Place Hotel: Available ✅ ⭐ $252+
https://expedia.com/affiliate/JeU96eV
Holiday Inn Express on King Edward Available ✅ ⭐ $333+
https://expedia.com/affiliate/VQHNNwF
Swiss Hotel (Close to venues ): ❌ Fully Booked
https://expedia.com/affiliate/UrP2Ihh
Alt Hotel (Cool vibe!): ❌ Fully Booked
https://expedia.com/affiliate/k1rvNCf
Deluxe:
Fairmont Chateau Laurier: Available ❌ Sold out
https://expedia.com/affiliate/PUjcgdP
Andaz: ❌ Sold out
https://expedia.com/affiliate/q1VoDeo
You must stay more than 7 nightshttps://expedia.com/affiliate/bIuHYAv
Hostels
Stay around downtown Ottawa on a budget!
SaintLo Ottawa Jail Hostel.
Address: 75 Nicholas Street, Ottawa, ON K1N 7B9
Telephone: (613) 235-2595 Website: saintlo.ca
Rates: Starting at $40
Book Online: https://saintlo.ca/en/reservation/#step-2/ottawa-jail

