Why Ottawa Is Incredible in Winter

Ottawa sometimes gets a bad rep as a quiet government city, but winter is when the city really shines. The Rideau Canal turns into the world's largest skating rink, Winterlude brings ice sculptures and snow slides to the city, and there are plenty of museums and good restaurants to break up the cold. If you want a simple and enjoyable winter weekend without a packed schedule, Ottawa is an easy pick.

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Start on the Rideau Canal

Begin with the Rideau Canal Skateway, a 7.8 km stretch of frozen canal running right through downtown Ottawa. Go early in the morning when the ice is smooth. There are skate rentals, so you don't need to bring your own. For families with young kids, they rent sleighs so little ones can hop in and out whenever they want.

If you skate from downtown toward Dow's Lake, you will pass Parliament Hill, bridges, and historic buildings along the way. Warming huts and snack stands line the route.

Definitely try the maple taffy and BeaverTails. Hot fried dough on a cold day is exactly as good as it sounds.

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Time Your Trip for Winterlude

If your visit lines up with the Winterlude festival, the city feels noticeably more active. The festival runs for three weekends every winter across Ottawa and Gatineau, and most activities are free.

Confederation Park Ice Sculptures

International sculptors create huge ice pieces shaped like animals, figures, and abstract designs. During the day you can see every detail. At night the sculptures are lit in color and look completely different.

Snowflake Kingdom in Gatineau

Jacques Cartier Park becomes a giant winter playground with snow slides, tubing runs, snow sculptures, mazes, and family activities. If you want that classic Canadian winter moment, this is it.

During Winterlude you can easily move between the canal, the ice sculpture park, and downtown events. It makes the whole trip feel connected and lively.

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Warm Up in a Museum

Ottawa has several excellent museums, and winter is the perfect time to use them as warm up breaks.

• National Gallery of Canada
  Large, bright, and known for its Canadian and Indigenous art collections.

• Canadian Museum of History
  Located across the river with great views of Parliament. Inside you will also find the Canadian Children's Museum, which is one of the best family attractions in the region.

• Canadian War Museum
  Well known for its military vehicles, tanks, and interactive exhibits that appeal to kids and adults.

Pick one or two depending on the temperature and how long you have been outside.

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Eat Well in ByWard Market and Centretown

Both neighborhoods are easy to reach from downtown and have plenty of options for winter evenings.

Good picks:

• Play Food and Wine
  Small plates and a great wine list.

• Riviera
  Upscale, in a beautifully restored former bank.

• Fauna
  Seasonal dishes and a cozy atmosphere.

For something casual, grab ramen, pho, or poutine. Ottawa does warm comfort food extremely well.

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Recover at Nordik Spa Nature

End your weekend at Nordik Spa Nature, a huge indoor and outdoor spa 10 to 15 minutes from downtown in Chelsea, Quebec. It is the largest spa in North America, with hot pools, saunas, cold plunges, relaxation areas, and the underground saltwater flotation pool (Källa).

A simple cycle of:

1. Hot pool
2. Cold plunge
3. Rest

is the ideal way to finish a winter weekend.

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Where to Stay

For a short trip, staying central makes everything easier.

• Downtown and ByWard Market
  Walkable to the canal, Parliament, and restaurants.

• Centretown and Golden Triangle
  Close to Elgin Street dining and still near the canal.

• Gatineau near Jacques Cartier Park
  Convenient for Winterlude's Snowflake Kingdom.

Pick whatever keeps you close to the activities you care about most.

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What to Pack

Ottawa winter is cold, but the right gear makes it easy.

• Waterproof winter boots
• A real winter coat
• Warm hat, scarf, and mitts
• Hand warmers for skating days
• A swimsuit if you plan to visit the spa

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Planning Your Ottawa Winter Trip

Ottawa may not be the first city people think of for a winter getaway, but with skating, Winterlude, great food, and a world class spa, it makes for a fun and memorable weekend, especially if you lean into the season.

If you want help planning your Ottawa trip or any other winter destination, you can plan your trip with Hudson AI.

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