Ottawa is officially shaking off winter mode — and this week's lineup of 45+ things to do proves the city is very much awake.
From April 6 to 12, the capital region is packed with options for just about every kind of Ottawan, whether you're a family looking for a weekend outing, a couple hunting for something new to try, or a solo explorer ready to get outside.
Spring Is Finally Here — Make the Most of It
Early April in Ottawa is a bit of a wildcard — you might get sunshine and mud, or a surprise flurry — but locals know the drill: layer up and get out there anyway. This time of year is perfect for hitting the trails along the Rideau River, cycling the newly reopening pathways, or just wandering through the ByWard Market as patios start to tentatively reopen.
Spring also means maple season is in full swing across the Ottawa Valley. Sugar shacks in the surrounding region are a beloved April tradition, and many are still running operations this week. It's worth the short drive out of the city for fresh taffy, pancakes, and some fresh country air.
Arts, Culture & Indoor Picks
Not every April day is a patio day — and Ottawa's arts and culture scene offers plenty of solid indoor alternatives. Local galleries, theatre performances, and community events fill out the week's calendar, making this a great time to catch something you might otherwise miss during busier summer months.
Keep an eye on venues like the National Arts Centre, local community centres, and neighbourhood spots for pop-up markets, live music, and seasonal programming that tends to kick off around this time each year.
Day Trips From Ottawa
One of the underrated perks of living in Ottawa is easy access to some genuinely beautiful surrounding areas. The Ottawa Road Trips roundup — which inspired this week's list — consistently highlights how much there is within a 1–2 hour drive of the city. Gatineau Park is always a top pick in spring, with trails reopening and waterfalls running strong from snowmelt. The region's small towns — Almonte, Perth, Merrickville — are also worth a wander if you're craving a slower pace and a good independent coffee shop.
Family-Friendly Options
If you've got kids in tow, Ottawa's mix of museums, parks, and seasonal attractions means you're rarely stuck for ideas. The Canadian Museum of Nature and the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum are perennial hits, and spring programming at local community centres tends to ramp up this time of year.
Plan Your Week
For the full list of 45+ curated picks for April 6 to 12, head over to Ottawa Road Trips — they've done the legwork of compiling activities across the city and region so you don't have to.
However you choose to spend the week, Ottawa's got you covered. Spring in the capital has a way of making up for those long winter months — go out and enjoy it.
