While taking a winter vacation is something you can love, many of you also dislike the cold. Regardless of how unsettling the idea may appear, you may always enjoy playing in the snow and having countless photos taken while doing so. Additionally, there are a ton of sites for you and your significant other to explore when you visit Ottawa during the winter. Put on a thick jacket this winter and spend a few days in Ottawa. The winter season in Ottawa starts in October and lasts until the end of April. In November, there is the first snowfall. One may see snowfall during their visit even in May. In the winter, Ottawa’s temperature drops to a frigid zero. The temperature drops from -14 degrees Celsius to 80 degrees F but the sky remains largely gloomy. You must prepare for the chilly weather by putting on all of your warm clothing. Outdoor activities are among the top things to do in Ottawa. Put on some warm clothing and get ready for these adventures!
Top things to do in Ottawa in winter
If that doesn’t convince you, there are plenty of indoor activities in Ottawa as well! It’s winter in Ottawa. Even though it can get very chilly during the winter, locals and visitors still bundle up to take advantage of the many activities and adventures available. Here are some of our top wintertime activities in Ottawa. These are our recommendations for visiting Ottawa’s top winter attractions as we have already spent four winters in Ottawa. You don’t need to travel elsewhere!
1. Ice Skating the Rideau Canal:
It doesn’t get much more distinctive than this if you’re seeking unique things to do in Ottawa. The Rideau Canal near Ottawa, which is frequently crowded with boats in the summer, freezes over in the winter and becomes the longest ice skating rink in the world. It’s well worth it to skate the entire 8 kilometers along the canal when the conditions are ideal. In more ways than one, it’s undoubtedly among Ottawa’s coolest activities. This is one of the best winter sports in Ottawa, so whether you’re an expert skater or a beginner, you must give it a try.
2. Park Omega:
A wild park like this is only an hour from Ottawa. One of the nicest spots to visit in Ottawa during the winter is here. You are up against nature here, and it is winter. You can bring your family here, plan a hike, have a picnic, or do anything else you like. You will have the opportunity to observe elk, wolves, bison, and bears up close. Every animal is free to roam in its native habitat. Additionally, you must not skip the raptor display, canoe building, daily wolf presentation, pony rides, etc.
3. Sens Rink of Dreams:
Ottawa boasts various outdoor skating venues if you’re seeking a more regulated setting. At City Hall, there is an outdoor arena where rentals are offered in addition to Beavertails! Sens Rink of Dreams is open from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm and is constantly crowded.
4. Rideau Hall Historic Arena:
The ice rink at Rideau Hall has to be our favorite. On the site of the former Governor-General of Canada’s mansion sits this historic arena, which was constructed in 1872. Skaters can warm themselves by the woodstove in its recently restored winter pavilion while perusing exhibits about skating and winter in the region. The ice rink is hand-maintained. We were informed that there is no ice-clearing Zamboni. Everything is carried out the old-fashioned way, carefully pushing machinery.
5. Party at Winterlude:
Looking for a place to go to a winter party in Ottawa? Since over 40 years ago, Ottawa and Gatineau have both participated in Winterlude. There are lots of things to see and do during the festival, which lasts for three weekends in February. There are plenty of things to do in Ottawa’s downtown, so look no further. There are numerous events taking place in Ottawa during Winterlude. For a complete list, consult the Ottawa events calendar. The kick-off party with live music and an outdoor dance party should keep you warm well into the evening of the first weekend! The majority of the activities, such as the Ice Dragon Boat Festival and the village bed race, take place on weekends, so try to schedule your visit at one of those times.
6. Marvel at the ice sculptures in Confederation Park:
Confederation Park near Parliament Hill is transformed into an ice sculpture park during Winterlude, one of the most anticipated events in Ottawa. The magnificent ice sculptures created by international artists come from all around the world. Check out these stunning sculptures if you’re unsure of what to do in Ottawa this winter. The weekdays are much less crowded and the ideal time to observe the sculptures. However, go on weekends when there is music and food vendors are open if you prefer a livelier ambiance. For those considering what to do in Ottawa this winter, it is a must.
7. Nordik Spa-Nature:
Snow activities all day long with no rest! That is not possible. You need some quiet and comfortable when you and your better half are in Ottawa during the winter. One of the most romantic activities in Ottawa during the winter is visiting the Nordik spa. Downtown Ottawa is only ten minutes away from the spa. It is also the biggest spa in North America, featuring cafes, outdoor and indoor leisure areas, a beer garden with a terrace, and outdoor saunas. Here, you’ll enjoy many spa services, and the sauna will help you and your spouse quickly recover from jet lag.
8. Watch Sunset from Andaz:
One of the nicest views of the Ottawa skyline is from the Andaz Hotel near Byward Market. Take a cocktail from the bar on the 16th level and watch the sunset over the Parliament buildings. We heartily recommend their wonderful charcuterie dish.
9. Do some winter hiking:
The hiking season doesn’t have to end just because it’s no longer summer. 90% of Ottawa, a sizable portion, is rural. As a result, there is a ton of open land waiting tremendous be hiked, walked, or used for snowshoeing in the winter. Gatineau Park is among the best places in Ottawa for trekking (one of the prettiest things to see in Ottawa). This park is one of the more romantic places to visit in Ottawa and is teeming with trees.