Ottawa doesn't hide from winter — it owns it. The city has built a winter culture that rivals anywhere in Canada, with the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink, the beloved Winterlude festival, and a dense collection of museums and cultural venues to retreat to when the thermometer drops. Here's how to make the most of winter in Ottawa.
Skating on the Rideau Canal
The Rideau Canal Skateway is 7.8 kilometres of maintained ice from Ottawa's downtown to the suburb of Old Ottawa South — the longest naturally frozen skating rink in the world. The National Capital Commission (NCC) maintains it each winter and provides free skate rentals along the way. There's nothing quite like it. The season typically runs January through late February or early March, depending on temperatures. Grab a BeaverTail from one of the Canal kiosks and skate past century-old buildings — it's a bucket-list Ottawa experience.
Winterlude Festival
Winterlude is Canada's national winter festival and Ottawa's signature event. Running over three weekends in February, it features ice sculptures on the Canal, snow playgrounds in Gatineau's Jacques-Cartier Park, live performances, and family activities. It draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year and is the best time to be in Ottawa in winter.
Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing
- Gatineau Park (just across the river in Quebec) has over 200km of maintained cross-country ski trails in winter — it's world-class and practically in Ottawa's backyard
- Several Ottawa greenbelt trails are open for snowshoeing in winter
- NCC trail maps are available online
Indoor Winter Activities
- Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau is one of the most impressive museums in Canada — perfect for a cold day
- Canadian Museum of Nature on McLeod Street is a beautifully renovated Victorian building with fascinating exhibits
- National Gallery of Canada has one of the finest Canadian art collections in the world
- ByWard Market is warm, lively, and full of cafes and shops year-round
For a full Ottawa activities list, check out things to do in Ottawa or see Ottawa events this weekend for what's on now.
Frequently Asked Questions
How cold does Ottawa get in winter? Ottawa winters are cold by most standards — temperatures regularly drop to -15°C to -25°C with wind chill in January and February. Dress in layers and you'll be fine.
When is the Rideau Canal Skateway open? The Canal Skateway typically opens in early to mid-January and closes in late February or early March, depending on temperatures. The NCC posts daily ice conditions online.
Is Winterlude free? Many Winterlude activities are free, including the ice sculptures and most outdoor events. Some specific performances and activities may have admission fees. Skating on the Canal is always free (skate rentals have a fee).
What do Ottawa locals do in winter? Locals skate on the Canal, ski in Gatineau Park, warm up in the city's excellent cafes and restaurants, and attend hockey games at Canadian Tire Centre (Ottawa Senators).
