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Top winter activities in Ottawa

Rideau Canal Skateway

Top winter activities in Ottawa

Come winter, some head indoors. Canadians go out--especially in OttawaExternal Link Title, Ontario. Ottawa is like a winter postcard come to life: lovely white snowscapes, strolling crowds bundled up in coats and scarves, lively outdoor festivals with enormous ice sculptures and al fresco ice bars, twinkle lights illuminating frosty trees, and skaters gliding along the Rideau Canal.

Winter in Canada’s capital city is delightful. It’s chilly, and that’s how the locals like it. In fact, they revel in winter. Join in the fun and while you’re at it, pause for a steaming hot chocolate and BeaverTailExternal Link Title on the street, shop at the year-round, historic ByWard MarketExternal Link Title neighborhood, and warm up at one of the latest trendy restaurantsExternal Link Title, coffee shops, or a cozy heated patioExternal Link Title.

 

Ice skate outside

Rideau Canal Skateway

Rideau Canal National Historic Site. Credit: Ottawa Tourism

It's quintessentially Canadian: skating the Rideau CanalExternal Link Title, a UNESCO World Heritage SiteExternal Link Title and the world's biggest naturally frozen rinkExternal Link Title, free and open January to March, conditions allowing. Rent skatesExternal Link Title and see if you can make the nearly five-mile distance from downtown to Dows Lake, stopping at a snack shack or heated hut to recharge. If the canal's not frozen, try the outdoor and lighted Ottawa City Hall Rink of DreamsExternal Link Title (November to March). You can also snowshoe, cross-country ski, or winter hikeExternal Link Title around town.

 

 

See art, and plenty of it

National Gallery of Canada

National Gallery of Canada. Credit: Ottawa Tourism/National Capital Commission

You can spend all day or all week in the light-filled galleries of the country's premier art showcaseExternal Link Title. Some 1,200 permanently displayed works of renowned artists in this architectural landmark tell the story of Canada's heritage and culture. With a focus on Canadian and contemporary, collections of paintings, photographs, sculpture, and drawings include indigenous and international, plus high-profile visiting exhibitions--from centuries-old to the avant-garde. Out front, pause to take in the fabulous view of the Parliament buildings, festively illuminated during the holiday season.

 

 

Get your culture fix

Winter Pride

Winter Pride Credit: Ottawa Tourism

Take in a concert at February's popular jazz festExternal Link Title, with performances at multiple downtown venues. The three-day celebration--known for its bold programming, loyal fans, and enthusiastic audiences--spotlights emerging and established local artists and international headliners. Other not-to-miss events include WinterPrideExternal Link Title, the Ottawa Winter BrewfestExternal Link Title and dozens of seasonal events and performancesExternal Link Title.

 

 

Celebrate the season in ice

Winterlude

Winterlude: A Capital celebration of winter. Credit: Canadian Heritage

It's tradition: The first three weekends of February mean WinterludeExternal Link Title, a city-wide annual celebration of all things winter. Taking place day and night, this free event showcases all things wintry--outside, of course. There's an international ice carving contest downtown at  Confederation Park, concerts and dancing, skating lessons, outdoor hockey tournaments, outside playground with giant snow slides (grownups welcome, too), outdoor skating along the Rideau CanalExternal Link Title, food and wine pairings and chef demos, even a race across the ice with decorated beds. Who says summer gets all the glory?

 

 

Take in the twinkle lights

Parliament Hill

Parliament hill in Ottawa

Parliament Hill isExternal Link Title the heart of Ottawa. From early December through January, 400,000 lightsExternal Link Title illuminate the stately gothic parliament buildings overlooking the Ottawa River and nearby downtown. At the official lighting, carolers serenade gathered crowds. Stay for the evening light and sound show projected onto the Parliament buildings every 15 minutes from 5:30 to 11:30 pm. Listen to a daily bell tower concert or learn about the Hill's many sculptures commemorating significant Canadian figures. If you like holiday cheer, the Hill is your place.

 

After your vacation in Ottawa, chances are winter will be your new favorite season.

 

 

See what else there is to do in winter at the Ottawa Tourism website.