It probably depends on how frequently one hobbies. If it's just once in a while, like me, then a trip across town isn't so bad. (I can add that I lived in Toronto for 25 years so what Ottawans think of as bad traffic actually isn't.) Travelling across Ottawa at any time other than rush hour or on days when the hockey team is playing, I've rarely taken more than 30 min to get from Orleans to Stittsville, which is not at all bad. More important to me is ease and anonymity of parking. My personal favourite would be to drive out to a rural location, makes for a more relaxing visit.