Things to do in Ottawa in winter, from outdoor adventures to cozy indoor activities! This locals guide includes all of the best places to go this winter.
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THERE ARE SO MANY WONDERFUL THINGS TO DO IN OTTAWA IN THE WINTER.
There are so many things to do in Ottawa that it can seem overwhelming. On the other hand, many online people say there is so little to do. I suspect this is a symptom of a lack of advertising; Ottawa is notorious for keeping things quiet, for better or for worse. There are a handful of amazing things to do this winter, with the kids, that you may or may not know about.
WONDERFUL THINGS TO DO IN OTTAWA IN WINTER: A LOCAL’S GUIDE
WINTER WONDERLAND AT OMEGA PARK
The winter is a truly wonderful time to visit Parc Omega, as you can explore the 2200 acres of Parc Omega and see the animals with their beautiful fluffy winter coats. Exiting your car in the Colonization Area, you can walk amongst some of the animals to feed them carrots too.
Within the Park, there are options to feed the animals as well as spend the night. While a little pricey, spending the night in the park and sleeping amongst the wolves is an incredible adventures with the kids.
Winter treats at High Tea
Visit High Tea at Chateau Laurier for some delectable sandwiches, homemade scones, and festive pastries. There is a cute children’s menu of hot dogs and fries, so even your pickiest of eaters can join.
During the holiday season, don’t forget to visit Elf’s Pub on Gingerbread Lane . This adorable pop-up is open for a limited time during the holidays, currently November 26, from 5:00 pm until 11:00 pm, every day until January 6, 2025.
RIDEAU CANAL SKATEWAY
The Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, holds the Guinness world record for the largest naturally frozen rink. It’s 7.8 kilometres in length, the equivalent of 90 Olympic-sized rinks. There are change rooms, rest areas, washrooms, and places to buy food along the canal. Don’t forget to try the famous Canadian treat, Beavertails.
Traditionally, The Rideau Skateway is open from January to March, but lately, it has been far from that. Keep a close eye on their social media to find predicted dates. Visit as soon as you, since we can no longer be sure how long it will remain open during the season.
SENS RINK OF DREAMS
From December 1, 2019, to March 31, 2020, enjoy free ice skating on a refrigerated ice surface 7 days a week from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm. Skate rentals and skate sharpening are available daily at Ottawa City Hall.
SKATING THROUGH THE FOREST
If a skating rink isn’t your style, Patinage en Foret lets you skate through the quiet Forest. Just 45 minutes from Ottawa, in Quebec, starting at $8.70 entry fee and you can pick your entrance window and activity of choice.
Winter Lights Across Canada
From December 5, 2024 to January 7, 2025 Downtown Ottawa and Gatineau come alive with twinkly lights. After the sun goes down, the lights come out. Check out the website for a full map of displays, including Jacques-Cartier Park, the National War Memorial and the Supreme Court of Canada.
SUGAR BUSH
There are dozens of Sugar Shacks around the area for your family to visit. They are a great way to spend some quality together, take a sleigh ride through the snow and enjoy some delicious pancakes.
Did you know, Canada produces more than 80 percent of the world’s maple syrup, producing about 73 million kg in 2016? The vast majority of this comes from the province of Quebec, which is the world’s largest producer, with about 70 percent of global production.
VISIT OTTAWA DURING WINTERLUDE
Come celebrate Canadian winter fun during the annual Winterlude festival in Ottawa, January 31 to February 17, 2025! During this free annual event, you can marvel at beautiful ice sculptures, skate on the world-famous Rideau Canal Skateway, and play till you drop in Snowflake Kingdom. But many more indoor and outdoor activities await, all highlighting Canada’s cultural, artistic and culinary diversity!
- Ice Dragon Boat Festival
- The Snowflake Kingdom is located in Jacques-Cartier Park in Gatineau
- Snow sculptures
CHRISTMAS MARKETS
There are any number of Christmas markets during the Advent. From homemade craft shows to larger markets in historic locations, there is a market to visit every weekend and each one offers something new.
Lansdowne Market is the busiest of all markets I have seen since living in Europe, spanning 7 weeks from mid-November to early January. The Canadian History Museum has an amazing Christmas Market mid-November, and Carp Farmers Christmas Market the last weekend of November.
OTTAWA’S KIDSFEST
Don’t miss out on Ottawa’s Kidsfest (Feb. 29 & March 1, 2020), Ottawa’s longest-running parent and kid show highlighting an amazing assortment of entertainment and exhibitors sure to delight kids and inform parents.
THE NUTCRACKER – BY Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet
For 4 days a year, The Nutcracker plays at the National Arts Center. Tickets sell out quickly and the price is not for the faint at heart, but it is a must-see at least once in a lifetime.
FREE THINGS TO DO IN OTTAWA THIS WINTER
- Visit the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride Centre!
- On Thursday evenings, admission to the permanent exhibits of the National Gallery of Canada, the Canadian Museum of History, the Canadian War Museum and the Canadian Museum of Nature is free from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- The Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, the Canada Aviation and Space Museum and the Canada Science and Technology Museum offer free admission daily between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
- The Bank of Canada Museum (formerly the Currency Museum of the Bank of Canada) reopened on July 1, 2017 in a totally renovated building.
- Visit the Royal Canadian Mint!
- Visit Rideau Hall.
DAY TRIP
Just because Ottawa is the Nations Captial, doesn’t mean everything is downtown. There are a few hidden gems in the surrounding areas, worthy of a day trip, that will bring a smile to your children’s face and are definitely worth the drive.
ALIGHT AT NIGHT AT UPPER CANADA VILLAGE
One of the biggest outdoor light festivals in Ontario is at Upper Canada Village until January 5th. Heritage buildings, trees, and fences are decorated with hundreds of thousands of Christmas lights. Get your tickets in advance and arrive early.
DOG-SLEDDING
Enjoy a journey through forest trails as you ride in a sled pulled by trained dogs at Escapade Eskimo
TOP PLACES TO PHOTOGRAPH IN OTTAWA THIS WINTER
As the snow comes and we start to explore the area more, we will be back to present more Instagram worthy places to photograph throughout the city. In the meantime, take this list that we have gathered for you and be sure to report back on your amazing pictures. You may find them being showcased on our Instagram or Facebook group!
- Gatineau Park
- Parliament
- Ottawa River
- Rideau Canal Skateway
- Fairmont Château Laurier
- Rideau Falls
