Ottawa is one of the coolest cities in the world and that’s in more ways than one. The capital of Canada is among the coldest on the planet and experiences a great deal of snowfall. With picturesque scenery and plenty of things to see and do, the cold is part of its charm as the city welcomes more than ten million visitors each year bringing in more than $2.5billion.
If Ottawa is on your bucket list of places to visit, there is no better time than visiting now to kick off 2026 in style. This article will walk you through how to have an incredible time in Ottawa during the rest of the winter season.
As the saying goes, failing to prepare is preparing to fail and so before you check out the places you want to experience in Ottawa, it’s imperative you get the boring admin bits done to make the most of your holiday and so first things first, get planning. From travel to accommodation, finding the right flights and places to stay to match your needs and preferences is imperative.
You’re going to be extremely busy enjoying the delights of Ottawa and so it’s also wise to plan for moments of downtime to ensure you are combing activities with relaxation. Schedule hotel stops were you can kick back for an hour or so watching television or playing games via real money online casinos as this will allow you to break up your day of sightseeing. It’s a smart move to compare and assess a range of platforms to identify one that will keep you safe and secure while gaming during your chill time in Canada.
So, now for planning what to do in Ottawa which combines strong community with rich culture and welcomes visitors with open arms. Well, firstly there is an iconic Skateway to enjoy. Every winter, the National Capital Commissions transforms the Rideau Canal into the largest skating rink on the planet. Imagine, gliding along such a beautiful part of this capital city.
It’s 7.8kilometres long meaning you skate right through the capital, having a heap of fun while catching all the great sights along the trail. In fact, the canal is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and so a must-visit destination that will allow you to combine a fun activity with a tour of Ottawa.
The winter skating season runs from January through to early March and so now is the optimum time to experience this incredible route. It is weather dependent but when the elements allow, the Skateway is open around the clock, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. So, whether going for an early morning visit or skating under the moonlight, it’s certainly to make for unforgettable event.
The Winterlude Festival is a great way to get into the spirit of Ottawa during the winter. Open from January 30 through to February 16 this year, the region’s snowy extravaganza offers a unique outdoor experience in the city and Gatineau.
There are a range of activities to enjoy for you, friends and family, with ice sculptures and even a snow slide offering winter fun. There is also a Ferris wheel to hop on which offers great sights of the area while live music will keep you entertained throughout.
No city break is complete without a trip to museum and Ottawa is home to a range of different venues full of history, science and cultural interest. Seven of Canada’s nine national museums are based here in the capital and these museums can be enjoyed whether you are travelling solo, with a pal or with the family tow as each one boasts artefacts and information for all ages.
The National Gallery of Canada boasts a range of the nation’s art and pieces from all over the world. It’s here where you can see the most comprehensive collection of photographs on display and what’s more, there are also workshops where the youngster’s in your party can get creative and produce their own artwork.
For those enjoy finding out fascinating nuggets of years gone by, the National History Museum boasts the largest collection of Canadian artefacts while there are also an interactive element, allowing visitors to travel through alternate worlds.
It’s a special time to check out the ByWard Market District as this is the inaugural year of the new Winter Market. Courtesy of the Destination Development Fund from Ottawa Tourism, the area was transformed into an outdoor Winter Wonderland from November to early January, allowing locals and tourists alike to get into the Christmas spirit.
This is a hub of interesting stops, from shops and restaurants to the arts and entertainment, and so it is little wonder it is the main tourist attraction across region. There are 600 businesses in this part of town and the market hosts 50,000 visitors each and every weekend.
Ottawa is a truly special place all year around but there is something uniquely special about this city in the winter of months. With so much to see, it continues to soar in popularity with people from every corner of the world booking and travelling to check out the capital of Canada. Remember that every trip requires careful and considered planning to make the most of your vacation.
