The Best Pet-Friendly Hotels to Book in Ottawa, Canada

Second in Ottawa-postcard fame only to the nearby Parliament Buildings, Fairmont Château Laurier is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city – and one of its swankiest stays. That means you can expect pampering for your pooch as much as for yourself when you book into its pastel-hued rooms, furnished with polished wooden beds and framed photos. When you want to treat yourself, there are bountiful opportunities. A Thai yoga massage, perhaps? Or an elaborate afternoon tea, starring fluffy cherry scones smothered in mascarpone cream and strawberry jam? At Laurier, you can’t lose.

Pet-friendly stays can be cool and contemporary, as this stay near ByWard Market proves. Rooms flaunt slickly polished surfaces, glassy modern pendant lights and the occasional pop of emerald against a dramatic monochrome backdrop. If you don’t want to leave your furry companion, there is an excellent room service menu catered by the on-site Norca restaurant; think scallops with black-garlic mashed potatoes and lamb shank with arborio rice and wild mushrooms. Chow down while enjoying your epic view towards parliament with your contented pooch.

Need a great spot for morning walkies? Confederation Park, a patch of green punctuated by foundations, trees and sculpture, nails it. And you can make a visit part of your daily Ottawa routine when you book into the Metcalfe, as it’s just around the corner. This historic, boutiquey pad is known and loved for its cool urban rooms, which major in loud wallpaper, button-back chairs and expanses of exposed brick. An indoor pool is on hand for year-round splashabouts, and there’s an airy lounge space lined in bookcases.

Foodies love ByWard Market, home to the Andaz, for its daily farmers’ market, trendy restaurants and buzzy bar outlets. There’s a huge range of outdoor bites to savor here – including cinnamon-spiced beaver tail pastries – and you can bring your pet without worrying about indoor regulations. But there’s more to love about the slick contemporary Andaz than the location. They’ll treat your pet like royalty, welcoming them with a dedicated bed, bowl and cookie. There’s even an ace rooftop bar, the highest in the city.

It’s in the heart of the business district, but Alt Hotel Ottawa doesn’t feel in the least bit stuffy or corporate. What with the flexible checkout times, 24-hour gym and in-room yoga mats on request – not to mention the cute cafe, Happy Goat – it’s a haven of cool, hence the city-breaking young couples keeping you company. Rooms are dressed in crisp whites and funky art and there’s a statement lobby space with a bold rainbow fresco. Pets can join you in your room for a small extra fee.

The best pet-friendly stays in Ottawa aren’t all in the city center. Brookstreet, a rambling resort with golf and spa, is to the west of downtown, near a conservation forest laced with hiking trails just perfect for exploring with your furry friend. Seven nights a week you can settle in to enjoy live jazz in the Options lounge, then move on for a dinner of beef tenderloin or sushi in the Perspectives Restaurant. The classically styled rooms are the business – all wood, white and pops of red – and are, of course, pet-friendly.

Ever get the sense your dog (or cat) appreciates soothing neutral decor, contemporary bathrooms and city views? They no doubt do, and they’re sure to love Arc, in the business district, a few minutes from Parliament Hill. Meanwhile, you’ll go gaga over the breakfasts, which go big on the likes of French toast with smoked bacon, aged cheddar, blueberry compote and grated apple. The hotel can help arrange bike hire so you can go cycling along the Rideau Canal – the perfect activity if you have a pup that really needs to stretch its legs on an energetic outing.

One of the great attractions of the Sheraton Ottawa is the heated indoor salt water pool – your invitation to revive and refresh after a day spent exploring the sights (or perhaps attending meetings in the surrounding businesses district). Your pet won’t necessarily be able to join you for corporate matters, but they can enjoy your room, a classically comfy place for relaxing, with burnt-red carpets and cream walls. Two restaurants are on hand if you don’t feel like heading out to eat.