As winter arrives in Canada’s capital, Ottawa becomes a sparkling winter wonderland, with an abundance of things to do just steps from your hotel room or in the nearby wilderness.. Local markets, festivals and special events mean that there is always something new and different to discover. 

Ottawa is the capital of Canada and the second largest city within the province of Ontario, and so has a wealth of cultural, shopping and dining experiences to enjoy, as well as some fantastic winter experiences in the heart of the city, or just outside. 

Skate on the Rideau Canal Skateway - from roughly late December to late February, this UNESCO World Heritage Site freezes and becomes the world’s largest skating rink—as designated by Guinness World Records. Lace up your skates and glide along 7.8 kilometres (4.8 miles) of ice with scenic views of Ottawa’s downtown core. Or for a different activity try one of the tobogganing sites in the Old Ottawa South neighbourhood.

Over the Christmas period the city is alight with lights and displays and if you head to Parliament Hill you can enjoy the magical Winter Lightscapes multimedia show projected on Centre Block. The Ottawa Christmas Market serves up festive food, drinks, live entertainment and seasonal goods, perfect to get you in the festive mood! 

If you travel during February, you won’t be able to miss Winterlude. North America’s greatest winter festival which takes place over three weekends in February. With spectacular ice carvings and an amazing playground made of snow, Winterlude is a great way to take in the best of Ottawa’s Canadian winter.

You don’t have to venture far from the city to find even more outdoor winter experiences. Across the Ottawa River, just 15 minutes from downtown is beautiful Gatineau Park with 10 kilometres (6 miles) of trails compacted for winter hiking, and cross-country skiing trails. Or try the popular Sir John A. Macdonald Winter Trail where tracks are groomed for snowshoeing, walking and fat biking for 16 km (10 miles) along the Ottawa River.