Head To Ottawa For Family Friendly Winter Adventures
Rideau Canal Ice Skating Rink in winter, Ottawa, Canada
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Embrace winter in Ottawa and explore some of Canada’s top attractions that are perfect for families. Located along the stunning Ottawa River in Ontario, downtown Ottawa is just a 20-minute drive from Ottawa International Airport and there are flights from most major cities in Canada and the United States. Living in Toronto, my son and I travel to Ottawa often either by car, train, or a short flight. Many people visiting Toronto extend their vacation and drive the four and a half hours to Ottawa to explore this vibrant city that’s home to some of the country’s best museums and invigorating outdoor winter activities.
Play All Day At Winterlude
Castles and horses sculpted in ice are created for the annual Winterlude festival, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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Put on your coziest sweater, extra socks, and get ready for outdoor fun at Winterlude. Each February Canada’s capital region becomes a winter wonderland and welcomes visitors from around the world to participate in events and activities. This popular festival is one of my favorite pastimes and my son and I have had a blast at Snowflake Kingdom in the northern part of Gatineau’s Jacques-Cartier Park with super tubing slides, mazes, obstacle courses and stunning snow sculptures. Sparks Street has ice sculptures and outdoor art installations on display in a fun urban sugar shack atmosphere. Byward Market is one of Canada’s oldest and largest public markets and has a new synthetic rink for a fun and frosty skate, and when you get hungry enjoy a famous Canadian BeaverTail. Other Winterlude events include Igloofest Gatineau with captivating music, immersive events, and impressive visuals.
Children on snow slide during Winterlude, Jacques Cartier Park. Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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Winterlude is great for all ages and happens over three weekends, the remaining two are February 7 – 10 and February 14 – 17.
Lace Up For The Rideau Canal
Golden light and late day skaters on the Rideau Canal Skateway. Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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Did you really experience a true Canadian winter if you didn’t go skating? Luckily in Ottawa there are many rinks to choose from, especially the famous Rideau Canal Skateway. This historic landmark is a UNESCO World Heritage Site spanning almost five miles and weaving skaters through the heart of the city from downtown Ottawa to Dows Lake and beyond. It’s been designated by the Guinness World Records as the largest naturally frozen skating rink in the world and is open daily and totally free. Rental skates and accessories are available on site as are sleds, should you be traveling with younger kids that prefer to be pushed along. There are many other skating rinks in Ottawa including Lansdowne Skating Court and Rink of Dreams if the Rideau Canal Skateway happens to be closed due to the weather.
Go On A Ski, Snowboard, Or Snowshoe Adventure
Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and hiking trail in the Gatineau Park during snow storm, path in snow, winter wonderland scenery and landscape, Outaouais, Quebec, Canada (January 2023).
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It’s easy to continue your winter themed journey with multiple outdoor fun options in the Ottawa region that includes hundreds of miles of scenic trails within the city and in the nearby countryside. For a chill cross-country ski experience head to Gatineau Park in Gatineau, Quebec, just a 15-minute drive from downtown Ottawa. There are over 50 circuits of flat, hilly, or rough terrain up to 14 miles long so get your ski poles ready and start exploring. Ottawa’s Greenbelt is another option for skiers with over 13 miles of groomed cross-country trails.
Ottawa, Canada. January 16, 2021. Woman snowshoeing in city park of Ottawa with heavy snow falling and covered trees during a winter storm
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For winter thrill seekers looking for downhill skiing or snowboarding there are plenty of snowy runs and trails to choose from. For a more chill winter vibe, strap on authentic snowshoes and get ready to explore stunning trails including Britannia Winter Trail and Rideau Winter Trail that runs over five miles along the Rideau River east of downtown Ottawa.
Explore Fascinating Museums
Maman sculpture (created by Louise Bourgeois) in front of National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa. Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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No matter how many times we visit Ottawa it seems there is always a new museum exhibit to check out. Ottawa, home to seven of Canada’s nine national museums, makes it easy to experience the entire country in one city by immersing yourself in Canadian history and culture. If you plan on visiting multiple museums, save money with an Ottawa Museums Pass. Winterlude weekends at the Bank of Canada Museum, located in the heart of Canada’s central bank, offer special programming and it’s a fun way for kids to learn about our economy. Art lovers should head to the National Gallery of Canada for the latest exhibits and ongoing collections – be on the lookout for the massive famous spider sculpture outside titled Maman.
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada June 10, 2024 This is the Canadian Museum of Nature, located in Ottawa. Mammoth Sculptures are depicted on the west side of the building.
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If dinosaurs are more your thing, go to the Canadian Museum of Nature for a journey back in time and you will be face to face with life size dinosaur models. There are over 30 skeletons and hundreds of fossils on display including a complete skeleton of Daspletosaurus torosus—the earlier cousin of Tyrannosaurus rex. Another one of our favorite museums is the Canada Aviation and Space Museum where you can explore the most extensive aviation collection in Canada and learn what it’s like to live in space at the Life in Orbit exhibition.
Tour Parliament’s Multimedia Show
The Center Block and the Peace Tower in Parliament Hill at Ottawa in Canada
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The Parliament Immersive Experience is a great way to learn about Ottawa and Canada. This is a unique opportunity to explore the Centre Block in a free multimedia show that’s perfect for families. With flashing lights, outstanding visual effects, and interesting narration – this show features large-scale projections of key spaces in the Parliament Building such as the Senate, House of Commons, Library of Parliament, and Peace Tower. Learn about the historic debates dating back 100 years on Parliament Hill, admire the stunning art and architecture through video projection, and the role Canadians have played over the decades. This experience is a fabulous way to learn about Centre Block that closed in 2019 to visitors for extensive and complex long term renovations. During this time, the Canadian flag continues to fly on the Peace Tower so be sure to snap a photo of this iconic red and white maple leaf blowing in the wind over Ottawa.
The Peace Tower in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Adobe RGB color profile.
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