Top 10 things to do in Ottawa during winter
Winter in Ottawa, Ontario, is a once in a lifetime experience that you must put on your bucket list. The high-rise buildings, hitting the light as the sun goes down, and the fresh Ottawa air that makes you feel good. If you’re planning on taking a trip that’s not too far from home, Ottawa is a perfect choice. With a series of indoor and outdoor activities to choose from, Ottawa has something from everyone.
You’re in Ottawa for the winter and you are looking for something to do? There are more than enough activities to keep you busy. Here are my top 10 favourites.
#10 Green’s Creek
Greens Creek is a large toboggan hill with multi-level slopes in Orleans. Nothing says winter in Canada quite like tobogganing down epic snow hills, if weather permits; and to have a good time sledding with your friends and family. Just don’t forget to wear your snow-pants.
#9 ByWard Market
While you’re in the middle of the city, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the historical ByWard Market. If you’ve lived in Ottawa all your life, then you know that the ByWard Market is an important attraction in Ottawa. If you’re visiting Ottawa and you want to know all the amazing restaurants we have to offer, you’ll be pleased to know that most of them are located in the ByWard Market.
For more information, you can check-out their website: https://byward-market.com/en/home/
#8 Rink of Dreams
Skating season has finally and officially kick-started in Ottawa. The 12,500 square foot rink located at the City Hall has been a tradition in Ottawa for several years, and Ottawans have plenty of time to take advantage of the rink’s great amenities, including heated indoor changerooms. From December until March, the Sens Rink of Dreams will be open seven days a week from 6:00 AM till 11:00 PM.
#7 Rideau Canal Locks
Similar to a number of European canal locks, this area of Ottawa is especially beautiful in the winter. You can either observe the locks or go take a stroll next to the Ottawa river; regardless, your time will not be wasted. You can also learn a bit about Ottawa’s early history inside the Bytown Museum.
For more information, you can check-out their website: https://bytownmuseum.com/
#6 National Art Gallery of Canada
Did you even come to Ottawa if you didn’t visit the giant spider? Located outside of the National Art Gallery of Canada, this spooky eight-legged statue makes a great backdrop to any of your photos. The National Gallery of Canada is perfect for you if you love art. Every Thursday from 5 to 8 pm there is free admission to national galleries.
For more information, you can check-out their website: https://www.gallery.ca/
#5 Mer Bleue Bog
Mer Bleue Conservation Area is one of the best places to explore in Ottawa. And for no cost, you’d be crazy not to take advantage. This long winding boardwalk offers the perfect spot to enjoy quiet boreal-like ecosystem. The wildlife is very alive; you will be able to spot beavers, chickadees, woodpeckers and muskrats.
Hike Length: 1.5-km loop
Amount of Time to do: 30 mins
#4 Lansdowne Park
Lansdowne has become a center for businesses, restaurants and a whole gallery of attractions and events. During the winter, Lansdowne is great for skating, shopping, holiday light events and the market. If you’re hungry, you’ll be really close to some of Ottawa’s trendiest bars and restaurants.
#3 Gatineau Park
Gatineau Park is a 361 square kilometers wedge of land extending north and west from the city of Gatineau. With over 165 kilometers of hiking trails, there is a lot of ground to cover. The breathtaking sceneries and wildlife are enough to keep you busy all day long.
#2 Rideau Canal
A bucket list item for many people around the world is the Rideau Canal. During the winter, the water freezes and becomes the world’s largest skating rink as designated by the Guinness Book Of World Records. You can skate on the maintained ice for 7.8 kilometres from downtown Ottawa to Carleton University via Dows Lake. Along the way, you’ll see heated huts, washrooms, food kiosks; and you can skate for free!
#1 Winterlude
Many Ottawans look forward to this event all year, because it’s the defining celebration of Ottawa’s winter. The Winterlude festival spans from January 31st till February 17, every year.
Winters in most Canadian cities can be quite boring, but Ottawa has really worked hard on creating this event in order to cheer people up. Most festival activities are free and take place in the urban Ottawa-Gatineau region. During the event, special programming is included on sites, just like the Ice Boat Festival, multiples ice rinks, concerts, tube sliding, zip lining, skiing and of course the snow sculptures.
And while you’re there, make sure to say hello to the smiling Winterlude mascots – the Ice Hogs. I can vouch that they give really warm hugs.
Check out the website: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/winterlude.html
. . .
To get the full travel guide on Ottawa, you can grab my Ultimate Travel Guide.
4
