Winter in Ottawa gets a bad reputation from people who've never actually leaned into it. The truth? Ottawa is one of the best cities in Canada to embrace the cold season, and with so many free and affordable options, there's no excuse to stay cooped up indoors.
Here's a roundup of the best winter activities in and around Ottawa right now.
Skiing & Snowboarding
You don't need to drive far from Ottawa to hit decent slopes. Popular options within a 90-minute drive include:
- Mont Cascades (Cantley, QC), 30 minutes from downtown, great for families and beginners
- Edelweiss (Wakefield, QC), 40 minutes away with solid intermediate terrain
- Camp Fortune (Chelsea, QC), classic Ottawa-area ski hill with lessons and night skiing
All three are accessible and affordable compared to western resorts, and the vibe is relaxed and community-oriented.
Tubing
Snow tubing is pure winter joy and Ottawa delivers. Several nearby operations offer tubing lanes for all ages, no skill required, just a willingness to zoom down a hill in a giant inflatable ring. Check Edelweiss and Mont Cascades for their tubing parks.
Ice Skating
Beyond the Rideau Canal (which just closed for the season), Ottawa has dozens of maintained outdoor rinks across the city. City-operated rinks in parks like Lansdowne, Jack Purcell, and Walter Baker are free to use and regularly groomed. Many are lit for evening skating.
Winter Hikes and Snowshoeing
The Greenbelt trails, Gatineau Park, and the NCC pathway network are absolutely stunning in the snow. Gatineau Park in particular offers groomed cross-country ski trails (fee applies) and snowshoe-friendly paths through old-growth forest.
Sightseeing in the Snow
Ottawa's skyline and landmarks hit different when dusted with snow. The Parliament buildings, Rideau Hall grounds, and Major's Hill Park are all gorgeous winter photography spots. Bundle up and wander.
Winter in Ottawa isn't something to survive. It's something to enjoy.
Source: @ottawalist
