Introduction
Canada’s crisp capital city transforms into a winter playground filled with outdoor adventures, dazzling lights displays, and frosty fun. From skating on the Rideau Canal to tubing down snowy hills, Ottawa embraces the chill with an abundance of wintry activities and festivals. Here are 10 reasons why this scenic city should top your list for a frosty getaway.
- Rideau Canal Skateway
Glide along the 4.8 mile (7.8km) Rideau Canal Skateway, the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink right through the heart of downtown Ottawa.
- Canadian Winterlude Festival
Ottawa’s premier winter celebration features ice sculptures, snow playgrounds, concerts, and events like the thrilling Bed Race across frozen waters.
- Sugar Shacking
Experience a quintessential Canadian tradition of indulging in maple taffy, baked bread, and other goodies made from fresh maple syrup at local sugar shacks.
- Skiing and Snowboarding
The nearby Gatineau Hills offer excellent downhill skiing and snowboarding terrain just 15 minutes from the city center.
READ ALSO: 5 Best Family-Friendly Ski Destinations for Your Winter Adventure
- Outdoor Skating Rinks
Lace up your skates and opt to twirl on one of the scenic outdoor rinks like Remic Rapids Park or the canal-side Lansdowne Park.
- Tubing and Tobogganing
Grab an inner tube and go soaring down the thrilling snow slopes of parks like Mooney’s Bay or the slippery slopes on Parliament Hill.
- Hot Drinks and Cozy Firesides
After frosty adventures, defrost in style at Ottawa’s charming cafes offering hot chocolates, mulled wine, craft cocktails and flickering fireplaces.
- ByWard Market Shopping
Bundle up and shop the enchanting German-style outdoor Christmas market stalls selling gifts, treats, and hot food at this historic downtown market.
- Fairmont Chateau Laurier
An Ottawa icon, this grand castle-like hotel transforms into a winter wonderland and the perfect romantic retreat with special packages.
READ ALSO: Top 5 Affordable Destinations to Explore in Canada
- Northern Lights Viewing
During peak seasons, venturing just outside Ottawa provides incredible possibilities for spotting the dancing auroras illuminate the night sky.
From twinkling light displays to cup after steaming cup of hot cocoa, winter in Ottawa delights with an endless array of snowy pursuits. The bitter Canadian cold becomes a treat when you can skate frozen canals, glide through Gatineau Park, and weave through Christmas markets all in one long frosty weekend. Bundle up and bring your appetite for outdoor adventures – this winter escape is beyond cool.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best months for visiting Ottawa in winter?
Late December through early March offers the peak winter experience with the Rideau Canal open for skating, events like Winterlude taking place, and conditions ideal for outdoor pursuits.
How cold does it get in Ottawa during winter?
Temperatures often range from highs around 20°F (-7°C) to lows dipping below 0°F (-18°C). However, with the wind chill factored in, it can feel even more brutally cold.
What should I pack for a winter trip to Ottawa?
Be sure to bring very warm winter gear including a heavy coat, snow boots, thick socks, gloves/mittens, a warm hat that covers ears, thermal base layers, and accessories like hand/foot warmers.
How far is skiing from downtown Ottawa?
Several ski resorts are located in the Gatineau Hills just 15-20 minutes from Ottawa like Camp Fortune and Sommet Edelweiss.
Are there indoor activities in Ottawa during winter?
Yes, the city has many indoor attractions like the Canadian Museum of History, National Gallery of Canada, Bytown Museum and indoor waterparks to escape the cold when needed.
Conclusion
With its sparkling canal skateway winding through downtown, festive lights and Christmas markets, and seemingly endless snowy playgrounds, Ottawa truly embraces winter in all its frosty glory. While brutal chills might deter some, the adventurous traveler will find Ottawa’s coldest months filled with incredible outdoor activities, cultural delights, and surprisingly cozy evenings inside by the fire. From tubing at Mooney’s Bay to skating along the Rideau Canal, Ottawa shows just how wondrous Canadian winters can be when you dress warmly and accept the chilly embrace. Add in the joys of hot chocolates, maple syrup shacks, and the magical chance of spotting the Northern Lights dancing above, and you have the recipe for a perfect winter escape. For those willing to brave the brisk, Ottawa is an ideal place to get out and play in the snow one day before warming up by a roaring fire the next. Just pack plenty of layers and a sense of adventure, and you’ll see why this frosty capital city bursts with such a cool winter vibe.
In another related article, Experience Winter Wonderland at Sun Valley Ski Resort, Idaho, USA