How to Get There
July 7, 2026:
Doctoral Consortium & Tutorials
July 8-9, 2026:
AIME Main Conference
July 10, 2026:
Workshops
Getting There
Ottawa is a welcoming and easy-to-access city, offering a variety of convenient travel options for visitors coming from North America, Europe, and beyond. Its compact downtown area, reliable public transportation, and central campus make exploring a breeze. Located conveniently between Toronto and Montreal, Ottawa is well-connected by VIA Rail, major highways, and direct international flights through Ottawa International Airport (YOW). The city’s small downtown core and modern light rail system (O-Train) make it simple to get around on foot or via public transit. Plus, the University of Ottawa’s campus is right downtown, just steps from cultural hotspots, hotels, and plenty of dining choices.
✈️ Ottawa International Airport (YOW)
The Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW) is located just 20 minutes from the University of Ottawa campus and serves over 5 million passengers annually. Travel options include:
- Direct flights to and from major Canadian cities (Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary)
- Direct U.S. routes (New York JFK, Newark, Chicago O’Hare, Washington D.C., Charlotte)
- European routes (seasonal direct service to London Heathrow and Paris; one-layover connections via Montreal and Toronto)
Airport transportation options include taxis, ride-hailing services (e.g., Uber), airport shuttles, car rentals, and public transit via OC Transpo Route 97 or O-train to downtown.
🚄 Rail and Intercity Access
Ottawa is served by VIA Rail, Canada’s national rail carrier. Delegates can travel along the Québec–Windsor Corridor, the country’s busiest intercity route.
- Montreal → Ottawa: ~2 hours
- Toronto → Ottawa: ~4 to 4.5 hours
- Quebec City → Ottawa: ~6.5 hours
The Ottawa train station is just a 10-minute drive from campus by taxi or LRT. Intercity bus lines and car rentals are also available for regional access.
🚇 Local Transit and Walkability
Ottawa’s OC Transpo transit system includes the O-Train light rail and city buses. The uOttawa station (Confederation Line) is located directly on campus, linking delegates to:
- Downtown hotels and restaurants
- Train station (via Tremblay stop)
- Ottawa airport (via bus/LRT transfer)
- Museums, ByWard Market, Parliament Hill, and Gatineau
The University of Ottawa campus is highly walkable, with many venues, accommodations, and restaurants within a 5–15 minute walk.
🛂 Entry Requirements for International Participants
International attendees may require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. To check your eligibility, visit the official Government of Canada visa tool.
- TRV: Required for most visa-requiring countries; apply online well in advance.
- eTA: Required for visa-exempt air travellers; apply online for CAN$7.
The organizing committee will provide:
- Invitation letters upon request
- Guidance on visa timelines and documentation
For conference-specific information, please refer to the business visitor guidelines.
