Ottawa is a city of many delights, but like any city, it suffers when the weather is wet, and you end up limited in terms of what you can do. After all, who goes to Ottawa planning to sit in a hotel room all day?
Well, sometimes, that’s the reality of it! However, that doesn’t mean the whole trip has to be a wash (pun intended); we’ve got plenty of great picks for the rainiest Ottawa days that will help pass the time until the clouds part and the sun comes back.
What better way to tackle a grey, boring, miserable day than with some games? Video games have become one of the most popular pastimes in the world for good reason, and they really come into their own when the outdoor world is too wet to enjoy. The industry was worth an estimated $29.48 billion in 2025, and since mobile devices have now outstripped both consoles and desktops in terms of popularity, this is an option that’s ideal whether you live in Ottawa or you’re just visiting.
And regardless of the device in question, you won’t find you’re limited when it comes to gaming options. You don’t even have to be a die-hard gamer seeking to play the latest big release for this to be a great pastime. Even more classic options are available online these days. Take, for instance, online live roulette games in Canada. You can play these from a phone or computer, and they’re an ideal rainy-day option because they don’t require huge amounts of focus or a long, dedicated session. You can simply dip in and out while enjoying a hot drink or watching an episode of your favourite show.
What’s more, roulette has no learning curve beyond learning how the betting options work, which makes it an ideal pick for beginners who don’t want to spend half the morning learning a complicated rulebook. At the same time, it’s a game with staying power; people enjoy it year after year, with its classic gameplay providing something you can return to repeatedly. Playing it live injects a little bit more fun into the activity, transforming it from an everyday game into something that feels considerably more engaging – a little like a trip to a land-based casino, but with no need to face the rain.
Games should therefore be high on your list of rainy-day options, and they’re likely to stay there for the foreseeable future!
Ottawa is known for being an incredible place to eat and drink, and you don’t have to miss out on that just because it’s wet. In fact, the weather might present you with the perfect opportunity to slow down and just sit and soak up the city’s ambience for a while.
There are some truly phenomenal coffee shops to try in Ottawa, regardless of the vibe you feel like capturing. Cozy, eclectic, mysterious, fun, welcoming, quirky, or just really high-end, there are options for basically everyone.
Don’t just pick a random cafe and head in there, though – that’s a move for when it’s sunny outside, and you can swap locations with ease. Instead, do a bit of research and find one that really suits the atmosphere you want. After all, you’re planning to settle in for at least an hour or two, so you want to choose with care.
Make sure you’re courteous to the cafe when doing this; you want to ensure you’re ordering enough to make up for occupying a table for a prolonged period. Done right, though, this is a very rewarding way to stay in touch with Ottawa’s pulse at the same time as keeping out of the pouring rain. You might even get tips from the waitstaff on what to do when the skies clear.
As well as its great cafes, Ottawa has no shortage of libraries, and these make wonderful bolt-holes when the heavens open. You can go to the Rosemount Library if you want a snug nook to settle down in for the afternoon, or you can opt for Rockcliffe, a branch of the Ottawa Public Library, if you’re looking for somewhere that’s usually quiet, peaceful, and soothing. Being surrounded by books and nature is one of the best ways to spend a wet afternoon; you’ll be able to admire the lush greenery from the windows while browsing through the books.
Alternatively, pick from one of the many others, such as Greenboro, Greely, or Alta Vista – all wonderful places to tuck yourself away for a few hours, watching the rain and losing yourself in the stories. Ottawa has far more libraries than you could visit in one rainy afternoon, so check out the options and find one that feels right to you.
What better way to pass a wet morning or afternoon?
Photo: Zeeshaan Shabbir, Pexels
