Family Day Weekend in Ottawa: The Ultimate Local Itinerary
Ottawa is one of Canada's best cities to celebrate Family Day Weekend — and if you haven't made plans yet, consider this your sign to get moving. The capital comes alive over the February long weekend with a mix of outdoor thrills, cultural pit stops, and warm-up spots that make the most of winter before it melts away.
Here's how to do it right.
Start With the Ice
No Family Day Weekend in Ottawa is complete without hitting the Rideau Canal Skateway. Weather permitting, it's one of the most iconic winter experiences in the world — 7.8 kilometres of groomed ice cutting through the heart of the city. Lace up at one of the canal-side chalets, grab a BeaverTail, and let the kids burn off energy while you take in the skyline. It's free to skate, and rentals are available nearby if you didn't pack your skates.
For those who prefer snow over ice, Gatineau Park is just across the river and offers cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails through the Gatineau Hills. It's a stunning half-day escape that feels worlds away from the city.
Hit a Museum (They're Worth It)
Ottawa's national museums are a Family Day staple — and for good reason. The Canadian Museum of Nature is a perennial favourite with kids, featuring everything from dinosaur skeletons to live butterfly exhibits. The Canada Science and Technology Museum is another great pick for curious minds of any age, with hands-on displays that actually hold attention spans.
Best of all: many of these institutions run special Family Day programming with drop-in activities, guided tours, and kid-friendly workshops. Check their websites ahead of time to snag a timed entry pass.
Explore the ByWard Market
No Ottawa itinerary is complete without a stop at the ByWard Market. Even in winter, the market buzzes with energy — local shops, artisan vendors, and some of the best brunch spots in the city are all within walking distance. It's a great spot to warm up mid-day, grab a coffee, and browse before heading back out.
Evening Wind-Down
After a full day out, settle in for dinner at one of Ottawa's fantastic family-friendly restaurants in Centretown or Westboro. The city's food scene has grown enormously over the past few years, with everything from cozy Italian trattorias to wood-fired pizza spots and ramen joints that the whole family can agree on.
If you want to keep the evening going, check out what's on at the NAC or one of Ottawa's independent theatres — Family Day Weekend often brings special performances and matinees designed for younger audiences.
Plan Ahead
Family Day falls on the third Monday of February in Ontario, making it a three-day weekend. Ottawa Tourism has a full itinerary guide with updated programming and event listings — worth bookmarking as the weekend approaches so you don't miss ticketed events or timed-entry windows.
However you spend it, Ottawa in winter is genuinely magical — you just have to lean into it.
Source: Ottawa Tourism via Google News
