Pack your snowsuits and long-johns! We are braving the cold and making the most of the season with outdoor activities and some exquisite dining experiences. Here are some spots to check out.

DAY 1

Winterlude

If you’re visiting during the first three weekends of February, you can experience Winterlude, a free annual festival that takes place in the Ottawa-Gatineau region.

Skate along the Rideau Canal

Skate along the Rideau Canal, the world’s largest naturally frozen ice skating rink (and a UNESCO Heritage Site) that spans 4.8 miles (that’s 7.8 kms) and winds through Downtown Ottawa. Make sure to stop for a BeaverTail, an iconic Canadian pastry that’s deep-fried and comes with various toppings - and was invented in Ottawa.

Ice Dragon Boat Race Festival

If being on the ice isn’t your thing, you can be a spectator at the Ice Dragon Boat Race Festival, featuring dragon boats outfitted with special blades. Each team consists of 8-10 paddlers, 1 steer-person, and 1 drummer.

Ice Carving Competitions

Ottawa is host to various ice carving competitions during Winterlude, featuring sculptures crafted by artists from around the world. This year, you can find them just one block south of Parliament Hill on Sparks Street.

WinterPride

Ottawa celebrates the LGBTQ2+ community with WinterPride, featuring parties and performances. Canada embraces diversity and WinterPride is just one of many celebrations to show that.

Play Food & Wine

If you’re looking for a restaurant to take a group of friends (or you just want to try a lot of menu items), visit Play Food & Wine. Their menu consists entirely of small plates using local, sustainable and seasonal ingredients that are designed to share. 

You’ve got to try the ricotta gnocchi, and make sure to save room for their inventive desserts.

DAY 2

C’est Bon Gourmet Food Tour

The best way to get to know a new place is through its food, and C’est Bon Gourmet Food Tours offers a variety of different walking tours with the goal of introducing you to Ottawa’s vibrant food scene. 

Our tour takes us through local favorite restaurants and shops downtown, ending at Byward Market, one of Canada’s oldest marketplaces. The market and surrounding area have such a diversity of food, you’re sure to find something here for everyone: from pastries to pizza.

Afternoon Tea at Zoe’s in the Fairmont Chateau Laurier

If you’re looking for something more refined, head to Zoe’s in the Fairmont Château Laurier for afternoon tea, set in a grand space that was once a concert hall. Here you’ll find an extensive menu of savoury and sweet bites - from a double stacked smoked salmon and cucumber sandwich, to a chocolate cake with Baileys and Kaluha. 

Holtz Spa

After a morning of exploration and indulgence, uwind at Holtz Spa, a full-service spa, fitness studio & hair salon. They’ve got a variety of treatments to help you unwind and if you’re looking for something unique - and very Canadian - try the maple body scrub.

Copper Spirits & Sights

Kick off the evening with cocktails at Copper Spirits & Sights, the city’s tallest rooftop bar, sitting on the 16th floor of the Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market Hotel.

By nightfall, it’s a pretty lively spot with mood lighting and a DJ. Given how cold it can get in Ottawa, you might not want to leave!

Fairouz

End your day at Fairouz, an upscale Middle Eastern restaurant, located in a heritage mansion in Ottawa’s Somerset Village. Here you’ll find a menu of modern Middle Eastern cuisine utilizing local ingredients and farm fresh produce.

DAY 3

Parc Omega

If you want to discover Canada’s wildlife, history & heritage, make a day trip out to Parc Omega.

Just one hour outside of Ottawa, this nature park is home to many species of Canadian wildlife all within their natural environment. It’s a family-friendly experience that is educational and even interactive.

Riviera

Cap off a fun-filled weekend in Ottawa with dinner at Riviera, an upscale restaurant housed in what was once a bank. This grand space channels glamour and luxury with a menu to suit.

Oysters, scallops, steak & lobster - each dish on the menu is elegant and impressive. It’s the perfect spot for a posh & classy evening, and a must for special events.

So those are just a few of the spots you can hit up during a winter weekend in Ottawa! If you’ve got a favourite, let us know. See you next time… à la prochaine!

Ottawa is magical all year round!