Train
Driving
Sainte-Luce to Ottawa
Updated: 31 May 2026
Traveling from Sainte-Luce to Ottawa covers roughly 850 kilometers. You can drive via Highway 20 and Highway 417, which takes about 9 hours. Alternatively, take a local shuttle to Rimouski station and board a VIA Rail train to Montreal, then transfer to an Ottawa-bound train. This route traverses the heart of the St. Lawrence River valley. It is a popular path for those moving between the Gaspé Peninsula and the National Capital Region.
Total Distance: 850 km driving distance, 720 km straight-line air distance.
Fastest Way
Driving is the fastest method, taking approximately 9 hours.
Cheapest Way
Driving is generally cheaper if traveling with more than one person.
Compare Sainte-Luce to Ottawa Routes
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Connecting
|
Direct
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 11 hours | 9 hours |
| Avg Price | 150-250 CAD | 120-180 CAD |
| Operator | VIA Rail | Personal Vehicle |
| Route | Rimouski Station to Montreal Central, then to Ottawa Station. | Highway 20 to Montreal, then Highway 417 to Ottawa. |
| Tip | Book your tickets in advance to secure the best 'Escape' fare class. | Avoid Montreal during rush hour (7-9 AM and 3-6 PM) to save time. |
Travel Tips
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Train BookingUse the VIA Rail website to book your connection from Rimouski to Ottawa.
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TrafficThe stretch of Highway 20 through Montreal is notoriously busy; plan your transit accordingly.
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ParkingDowntown Ottawa parking is expensive; look for hotels that offer parking packages.
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Public TransitOttawa has an efficient light rail system (O-Train) that connects the main station to the downtown core.
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LanguageOttawa is bilingual; you will hear both English and French throughout the city.
Safety Tips
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Highway SafetyHighway 417 can be prone to heavy congestion; maintain a safe following distance.
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Winter WeatherOttawa experiences significant snowfall; ensure your vehicle is equipped for harsh winter conditions.
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Pedestrian SafetyBe aware of cyclists and pedestrians in the downtown core, especially near the canal.
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Emergency ServicesDial 911 for any emergency; the city has a robust response network.
People Also Ask
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Is there a direct train?No, you must transfer in Montreal.
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How long is the train ride?The total travel time including the transfer is about 11 hours.
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Is driving better than the train?Driving is faster, but the train is more relaxing and allows for work or reading.
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What is the best highway?Highway 20 and Highway 417 are the primary routes.
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Are there flights?You can fly from Mont-Joli (YYY) to Ottawa (YOW) with a connection.
Quick Info
- From Sainte-Luce, Quebec, Canada
- To Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Modes
Best Time to Travel
May to October for comfortable driving and sightseeing.
Things to Do in Ottawa
1
Parliament Hill
Visit the seat of Canada's federal government. Take a guided tour of the Centre Block and see the Peace Tower.
2
Rideau Canal
Walk or cycle along this UNESCO World Heritage site. In winter, it transforms into the world's largest skating rink.
3
ByWard Market
Explore one of Canada's oldest public markets. It is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and local food vendors.
4
Canadian Museum of History
Located just across the river in Gatineau, it houses extensive exhibits on Canadian heritage and indigenous cultures.
Tags
Sainte-Luce to Ottawa
VIA Rail Sainte-Luce
driving to Ottawa
Quebec to Ontario travel
Ottawa transport guide
train from Rimouski
traveling to Canada capital
best way to Ottawa
