Travel & Transportation

IDEA is proud to be an organization that represents a diverse membership from over 25 different countries around the world. Our conferences have always been and will always be open to anyone who has an interest in district energy, regardless of immigration status or nationality. We will strive to assist anyone traveling internationally to an IDEA conference by providing any and all information and support that we are able.

In preparation for our event, IDEA has registered the 2026 IDEA Annual Conference and Trade Show with the IRCC to assist with the processing of Visa applications from our attendees.

Please review this information on what documents you need for entry to Canada. Here you will find a full list of those countries for which a Visa and/or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is required.

Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to apply for a Visa and how to submit an ETA Application. 

If you need to apply for a Visa, IDEA will provide you with an invitation letter once you have registered for the conference. Requests should be directed to Cheryl Jacques and must include the following information:

• Participant’s full name (as per their passport) AND,
• Participant’s date of birth AND,
• Passport country of issuance AND,
• Passport expiration date AND,
• Visa application number (ex. V123456789)

Ottawa is closer than you think!

• Ottawa sits between Montreal (to the east) and Toronto (to the southwest), right on the Ontario-Quebec border. Ottawa is actually closer to Montreal (~2 hrs) than to Toronto (~4.5 hrs). 
• Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo, NY are the nearest US cities, both within about 3–4 hours.
• Boston and NYC are further southeast, roughly 6–7 hours away by car or a quick 90-minute flight.  

Ottawa International Airport (airport code: YOW) is only 20 minutes from downtown Ottawa. A number of airlines provide non-stop service to Ottawa from many cities. We recommend taxis or Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) to/from the airport. 

• Taxi - pick-up
  The queue forms outside the centre door on Level 1 of the airport. Fully accessible vehicles are available upon request - please speak to the on-site attendant.
• Ridesharing – pick-up
  Head to Pillars 12 and 13 outside of Level 1 (pick up and drop-off is along the curb furthest from the terminal)
• Taxi & Ridesharing - drop-off
  Level 3 (Departures) 

IDEA has arranged for discounted group travel discounts on flights to Ottawa. Check back often as more airline discounts are added!

Take a relaxing train journey to Ottawa from destinations across the country on Canada's passenger train service.

VIA Rail Canada offers a laid back way to travel between Canadian cities. Conveniently, there are numerous daily departures from major cities in southern Ontario and southern Quebec, including Toronto and Montreal.

Ottawa's Central Station is just minutes east of downtown, and a satellite VIA Rail station is located to the west of the city at Fallowfield-Barrhaven.

Visit Via Rail Canada for schedules and fares.