Ottawa in winter has to be one of my favorite places to visit. Perhaps it’s because my now husband and I spent a lot of time there when we were first dating. Maybe it’s because I’m a warm person and enjoy being outside and this city celebrates winter. Or it could be because Ottawa is Canada’s capital full of history, museums and activities for everyone. Whatever it is I am always looking for things to do outside by myself, with the family, or with friends.
Here are the things we have enjoyed to do in Ottawa in Winter.
(**Note: With COVID-19 things are constantly changing. Some places are open, some have different hours and some are closed. We suggest you check out the website for each location before heading out).
RiverOak
RiverOak is a great place for all ages to enjoy outdoor fun. With over 3km of trails with hills, twists and turns and some are partially lit at night. You can even bring your dog, but make sure they are on leash. If you don’t have skates, no worry, you can rent them there.
They are very well set up with COVID-19 regulations, so you can go for a visit and obey the rules. To get your spot use their online reservation system to book your arrival time and show up within 30 minutes of it – but you can stay as long as you’d like.
Follow their Instagram and Facebook.
Must have item: Not that I go fast, but a short and stylish fake fur scarf (or like fancy people call it – a neck shrug) that you can pop around your neck will help you keep warm.
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Rideau Canal Skateway
When you are looking for what to do in Ottawa in winter, the canal may be the biggest attraction. It’s fun to visit with friends and family. You can skate through almost 8km of winding skateway right in the center of the Capital. The canal connects Lake Ontario with Saint Lawrence river and once frozen it’s the largest skating rink in Canada.
Aren’t into skating? No problem, it’s still fun to people watch and visit the Beaver Tail and hot chocolate stations. If you are there in February there are more than enough Winterlude activities that take place on the canal.
Open most days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Check their website for updates.
Must have item: When skating with friends I love to have a hip flask full of amaertto or chocolate liqueur to spice up my hot chocolate.
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Eat a Beaver Tail
While you’re at the canal there is no better place to grab a Canadian treat – Beaver Tail! Don’t worry, it’s not actual beaver. Instead, it’s tasty fried dough that you can top with toppings like Nutella, Oreo butter and my favorite classic cinnamon and sugar. In case your wondering, the dough is stretched out so that it resembles a beavers tail.
Must have item: If you are walking around exploring Ottawa you may want to bring some hand warmers to keep you cozy.
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Go Tobogganing
Whether you have kids or not doesn’t mean you ever outgrow tobogganing, or sliding as we call it. There are some really great hills in Ottawa, grab a sled and get going. Here are a few of the best ones:
Mooney’s Bay Park: Located on Riverside Drive has a large hill with gradual to semi-steep slopes. Parking available at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility however, the hill is not lit at night.
Greens Creek: Nestled in the popular Ottawa suburb Orleans, this is a very large toboggan hill with multi-level slopes maintained by the city of Ottawa. Parking is available at the P26 parking lot and the hill is lite every evening. There are also outhouses at the P26 parking lot.
Walter Baker Park in Kanata is a great hill with long moderate slopes. Parking is available at the Kanata Recreation Complex and the hill is lit in the evening.
Must have item: Some of the hills may be lit, but a pocket flashlight is a great help when making your way to and from your car. This one has a ring to attach to your purse or keychain.
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SNOWSHOE AT GATINEAU PARK
This is one of the easiest winter activities. If you can walk, you can snowshoe. And Ottawa in winter has a lot of places for snowshoeing.
Gatineau Park is probably the most popular place for snow shoeing. They have 70 kms of groomed trails for snowshoeing, hiking and fatbiking (snow bikes) and they rent snowshoes by the hour or day! The trails range in level from easy to difficult and you can go for 1.6 km up to 12.7 km in length. Check out their website to see the trail lengths for your visit.
This is a great activity for families with kids. Pack a lunch and spend the day exploring the beautiful nature of the park.
Before you go, check out the snowshoe trail conditions which are updated regularly during the snowshoeing season by the professional and volunteers who patrol the trails. You will need a daily or season pass to access the snowshoe trails in Gatineau Park and puppies will have to stay home because pets are not allowed on snowshoe trails.
Must have item: Leg Gaiters!! This is an item I only recently found out about, but had to run out and get. They allow you to wear any type of hiking boots with your snowshoes and prevent snow going into your pant legs or boots!
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Cross Country Skiing
There is no shortage of cross-country skiing trails just waiting for you to visit in Ottawa in winter. With over 200km of groomed trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and walking, there is a place for you. We suggest you check out the trails at Gatineau Park and the Green Belt.
Gatineau Park has 190km of cross country ski trails in the winter that are groomed regularly (these are different from their snowshoe trails). Be sure to choose a trail that suits your experience. It may be cross country skiing, but many expert trails have steep inclines and drops that beginners will find difficult. Don’t stress tough, there are still tons of easy and intermediate trails. The park actually offers some suggested cross country ski trail routes. Like their snow shoeing, they also rent skis at the park.
The ‘Green Belt’ cross country skiing is the Ski Heritage East (SHE) trail system from Orleans to Rockcliffe via the Ottawa river and is maintained by 3 local ski clubs. The National Capital Greenbelt offers over 100km of trails and another 25km of recreational pathways, most of which are suitable for cross-country skiing in the wintertime. All of the trails are suitable for beginner and family outings. Check out the trail details and latest Green Belt cross country skiing conditions here.
Another spot for great trails is a bit out of town, but truly beautiful. Check out the 16 km Sir John A Macdonald trail along the Ottawa River.
If you are looking to rent skis in Ottawa in winter: Fresh Air on Wellington Street and Trailhead Paddleshack on Carling Rent in Ottawa and Greg Christie’s rents in Old Chelsey near Gatineau Park.
Must have item: For cross country skiing, I get SUPER warm once we get moving. If the price of a Patagonia puff vest is too much, try this Essential light weight water resistant vest. Layer it with a spring jacket and you are ready.
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Skate through a forest
People in Ottawa REALLY like outdoor skating. If the Canal is too big for you, you can have the unique experience of skating THROUGH a forest. Located next to Gatineau Park (30-45 minutes from Ottawa), Patinage en Foret provides a 3km nature trail weaving through a forest in a magnificent open-air landscape. This is great for smaller kids and beautiful days when other areas may be packed. When there’s a light snowfall, it’s also a great place for dates. If you don’t skate, you can snowshoe or hike along a designated trail next to the ice surface. You can rent skates on the property and if you see Loupie the local wolf that visits the area don’t worry, he’s friendly.
You might not get a Beaver Tail like on the canal, but they have their own take on the popular snack – so make sure you grab a ‘Wolf Tail’.
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Visit and Indoor Outdoor Patio Bar
Who said patios are for summer only? If your checking out the popular Byward Market in the heart of Ottawa, you will want to visit the Copper Spirits and Sights lounge at the Andaz Ottawa Byward Market hotel. Located on the 16th floor, this swanky lounge claim to fame is to be the city’s tallest rooftop bar. Overlooking Ottawa’s copper-topped buildings you can sit back and enjoy a craft cocktail and enjoy the winter view.
With comfy seating, cozy blankets and plush pillows you will be comfortable and warm thanks to fire pits and heaters. To be covid safe- don’t forget your mask!
Must have item: Although they provide cozy faux fur blankets, make sure your looking stylish and staying warm with a knit hat with a faux fur pompom.
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Skate on the Rink of Dreams
Ottawa in winter it all about hockey From early December to mid-march, you can enjoy free ice skating 7 days a week from 9:00am to 11:00pm. Check their site for the latest times for the rink.
Available (weather permitting) the refrigerated ice surface is located in the heart of downtown Ottawa at Ottawa City Hall. If you are there on the weekend you can even grab a Beavertail!
Must have item: For really young kids you may want to look into Skateez skate trainer. It’s small and clips onto their skate so they can walk and get used to balancing. It’s kind of like training wheels for skating.
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Winterlude
There is nothing else that creams winter in Ottawa that Winterlude. No list of activities in Ottawa in Winter is complete without it.
Taking place February 5 – 21, 2021, the Winterlude festival is being reinvented to allow you to celebrate Canadian winter fun, as well as Canada’s rich artistic and cultural diversity. Information on programming and COVID-19 protocols will be released in January 2021.
This epic festival takes place in the Ottawa-Gatineau region during the first three weekends of February each year. There are too many activities to count so you will want to check out their website for more details.
Must have item: If you are planning on visiting Ottawa in winter you will want to invest in a good thermos or insulated mug. As you head out for a day it will keep your coffee or hot chocolate warm as you explore.
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Do you have any ideas of what to do in Ottawa in Winter? Share them below.
