Police said they'll be trying their best to keep area roads safe this long weekend, but the numbers are against them.
Victoria Day weekend means many are heading out of the city to cottages and other sunny retreats, sometimes not fully focused on the road.
"You have the kickoff to summer coming . . . people are opening up their cottages, travelling, they're excited and perhaps in a hurry to start relaxing," said Cst. Catherine Noonan of the OPP.
"Typically on our long weekends we will suffer losses on the highways."
Police said drivers should make sure cargo is properly secured, give themselves plenty of travel time and not drive while intoxicated or distracted.
There's still much to offer if you're coming into or staying in Ottawa for the weekend, such as free horse-drawn wagon rides and performances in the Byward Market.
"We don't see markets like that back home," said one tourist. "It's really nice, really good."
"It's terrific, it's bustling, lots of activity, shops and unique things to buy," said another.
Queen Juliana Park in western Ottawa will have midway rides all weekend, with plenty to offer for families.
"We come here every year, but this year it's special because our granddaughter is here," said Cathy Lapenskie.
"(We're) getting on a couple rides, eating some cotton candy and candy apples after," said DJ Idehen, there with 19-month-old Ia'koya.
In Ottawa's downtown core, patios were packed along Elgin Street.
"I think everybody's happy, they're more relaxed. The weather is supposed to be good," said Pamyna Bourgeois, referring to temperatures around 30 C Sunday and Monday.
On the quieter side, the sunshine means it's a great time to get the garden ready.
"We have to get our garden ready so this is the time to do it," said one gardener.
"I think it's the first long weekend that we get with sunshine and people are motivated with that," said another. "I think that it's basically the beginning of the summer."
With many having Monday off, there will be widespread closures and schedule changes to services across Ottawa.
With reports from CTV Ottawa's Ellen Mauro and Stefanie Masotti
