Winter travel is a lot. And Ottawa in winter is no exception.
You need to pack A LOT more. Sometimes it’s too cold to leave your hotel. Or there’s just too much snow to go anywhere! But all this doesn’t mean that winter travel to Ottawa isn’t worth it.
Winter in Ottawa also brings less people, Winterlude, and the best of all: skating on the Rideau Canal.
I’ll cover all the ups and downs of traveling to Ottawa in winter, so you can decide if it’s worth it for you!
Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!
What Is The Weather Like In Ottawa In Winter
Winter can start as early as November and last until March, or even April.
Full blown winter will be from December to February though. That’s when it will be the coldest and the snowiest… yay!
It snows a lot in Ottawa … like more than Montreal. Because of that, it’s also less sunny but tends to be a tad warmer.
| High (C / F) | Low (C / F) | |
| December | -2 °C / 28°F | -10°C / 14°F |
| January | -6°C / 21°F | -14°C / 7°F |
| February | -4°C / 25°F | -13°C / 9°F |
Extras You Need To Visit Ottawa In Winter
One of the biggest differences between traveling to Ottawa in winter is all the extra things you’ll need for winter travel.
If you’re not used to winter, then everything you need to pack may come as a shock to you! I usually have to pack in a bigger suitcase (I used my 26″ Travelpro), or even take an extra duffel just for winter gear!
You’ll need a warm winter jacket, winter boots, and all the fun winter accessories.
I’m talking hats, gloves, scarves…etc. But then there are the sneaky things you might want as well. Like feet and hand heaters (like these on Amazon), long johns, or leg warmers.
For my full list of how to pack for winter, see my packing guide for Montreal in winter, and you might be interested in my printable packing guide on Etsy.
Amazon Quick Links To Winter Gear For Ottawa in Winter
Where To Stay In Ottawa In Winter
I’ve stayed in Ottawa a few times now, each time at a different hotel, so I have a few recommendations for every budget. You can’t go wrong with any of these hotels, they’re all centrally located downtown and just a walk away from everything you’ll need.
The place to stay in Ottawa is none other than the Fairmont The Chateau Laurier – but it is also the most expensive option. You can even upgrade to have a view of the river and Parliament. See options on Fairmont.com or Booking.com.
A more reasonable place to stay (and my favourite) is the Westin Ottawa, especially if you’re visiting in the winter. Modern, updated rooms, you really can’t go wrong. But the best part about the Westin is that it’s directly connected to the Rideau Mall. So you can get all your shopping done without ever stepping foot outside! See room rates & availability on Booking.com.
For a more budget friendly option, stay at the Business Inn and Suites. Let’s just say the rooms don’t have the most modern look, but it’s very practical – giving you a large space for longer stays, breakfast included, and it’s in an even better location downtown (just off of Bank street). See room rates & availability on Booking.com.
See more accommodation options on Booking.com.
The Best Benefit Of Winter In Ottawa: Way Less People
One of the best reasons to visit Ottawa in the winter is for the lack of tourists.
Summers are crazy in downtown Ottawa, with so many tourists. You’ll have to wait at every restaurant, and hotels are more expensive…
Depending on when you visit Ottawa in the winter, it can feel like a completely different city with varying degrees of tourists.
Ottawa in January is probably one of the quietest months you can visit (especially if the Rideau Canal isn’t open yet). When I visited in January, the streets were empty. There were still people, but it was much more enjoyable to walk around. We also didn’t have any problems getting into restaurants.
February can be a bit busier though because of Ottawa Winterlude happening (more on that in a bit!).
Less People In Ottawa Can Also Be A Negative…
We really love when cities are quiet, but there is such a thing as being too quiet! And Ottawa is a city that can suffer from this.
You have to choose where you go a bit more strategically during Ottawa in the winter. We walked by a few restaurants on Elgin that were completely EMPTY! It definitely felt a little dead, especially for a city…
We were the only ones walking on the Rideau Canal, and pretty much had afternoon tea by ourselves at the Château Laurier!
So, if you’re someone that likes travelling with a lot of people around, Ottawa in winter is not the time of year for you to visit!
Things To Do In Ottawa In The Winter
There’s a few things to do in Ottawa in the winter that you can’t do in the summer (making the hassle of winter travel a bit more worthwhile!).
I mean, if you’re travelling to Ottawa in the winter, you have to take part in at least some of these winter-only activities!
P.S. Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you can’t also do the top things to do in Ottawa as well (like visit Parliament and walk through Byward Market).
Skate On The Rideau Canal
The Rideau Canal Skateway is THE thing to do in Ottawa in the winter.
I sometimes travel to Ottawa in winter just for a day to skate on the canal (it’s an easy day trip from Montreal!).
I mean it’s an experience that you can’t get anywhere else. The Rideau Canal is the longest naturally frozen skateway in the world.
It’s 7.8 kilometres long and runs through the middle of downtown Ottawa until Dows lake. And it’s incredible! You’re not skating in a circle on a lake, but skating by Ottawa sights!
And if you aren’t a fan of skating, you can still experience the frozen canal. You can still walk on the canal, and enjoy all the vendors that set up on the ice. Pick up a hot chocolate or a beaver tail!
Check To Make Sure The Rideau Canal Skateway Is Open
Like I said, the Rideau Canal is a naturally frozen skateway, which means it’s VERY weather dependant.
It’s typically opens in January… but you can never count on it.
The skateway needs 30 cm of ice to open, which needs temperatures of -10°C (14°F) for 2 weeks or 3 nights of being below -15°C (5°F) to open.
If the canal is open, read my full guide to skating on the Rideau Canal in Ottawa.
Walk/ Ski / Snow Show Along Winter Trails In Gatineau Park
Gatineau and Ottawa are twin cities across the river from each other, so it’s worth wile checking out while you’re visiting.
Especially since Gatineau has the largest nature park to Ottawa to enjoy some of the best winter activities.
Gatineau Park has groomed hiking and cross country skiing trails. A quick and easy walk is along Sugarbush Trail in Chelsea Quebec (which is also a cute town to walk through after!).
You can also rent snow shoes from the visitors centre of you don’t have your own.
Or opt for a truly unique experience at Gatineau Park, Nocturnal Snowshoeing Adventure and Dinner. It’s a three hour guided hike through the park, but halfway through you have a warm prepared dinner at a cabin.
Ski In Quebec (Camp Fortune)
Downhill skiing is also a big winter sport!
Funny enough, the closest ski mountain to Ottawa is in Quebec at Camp Fortune. It’s a smaller hill, but makes a great day trip from Ottawa.
Try Dog Sledding (Day Trip From Ottawa)
Be pulled by dogs in the Outaouais winter wilderness in Petit-Nation.
Aventure Outaouais offers an organized tour that leaves from Ottawa, so you don’t have to worry about transportation.
Ottawa In December: Winter Lights Across Canada
If you’re visiting Ottawa in December, you might be in luck to see the Winter Lights Across Canada.
This is an incredible light show that lights up Parliament with Canadian culture and heritage works of art.
Ottawa In February: Winterlude
Winterlude is Ottawa’s largest winter festival during the first three weekends of February.
Ottawa Winterlude is a pure celebration of everything winter: skate on the Rideau Canal, admire the jaw dropping ice sculptures, and more!
There’s something for everyone at Winterlude Ottawa. You’re meant to be outside enjoying time spent with family and friends.
P.S. Montreal is a short day trip from Ottawa and hosts a plethora of winter festivals too!
Indoors Things To Do In Ottawa In The Winter
I’m not the first to admit that the cold can sometimes be a bit too much. Especially if it’s been day after day of -10 °C (14°F) … at a certain point, you just don’t want to be outside anymore.
So, here are some suggestions for more indoor things to do in Ottawa in the winter.
Go To One Of The Many Museums In Ottawa
Ottawa is known for their museums. Even if you’re not a fan of museums, I’d be shocked if you can’t find one you like here!
What’s nice about visiting Ottawa in winter is that you don’t have to feel guilty being inside a museum all day.
My favourite museum growing up was the Canadian Museum of Nature.
But they also have the Canada Science and Technology Museum for both kids and adults. For art lovers, head to the National Gallery of Canada.
Go To A Senators Game
Another perk about Ottawa in winter is that it’s hockey season!
Ottawa’s hockey team are the Senators, they play at the Canadian Tire Centre. If you’ve never gone to a game before, this is a true Canadian winter experience (that’s indoors!).
The Senators aren’t the best Canadian hockey team, but it’s still a hockey game. And typically the tickets are cheaper than if you go to a hockey game in Montreal.
See the Senators schedule (make sure it’s home game before buying the tickets!).
Winter (Indoor) Farmers Market
I love a good farmers market in the summer, and that’s one of the worst parts about winter – no farmers markets!
Well, now you can enjoy a local farmers market during the worst months of the year!
613Flea offers a holiday Night Market in December, and an indoor Winter Farmers Market on Sundays from January to April.
Drive Through Park Omega
Park Omega is a bit outside Ottawa (in Quebec again), and not exactly indoors… but it’s also not outdoors either.
You’re in your car the whole time (with the heat hopefully on!). So it’s like the best of both worlds – you feel like you’re outside, but you’re not cold!
You’re driving through to see different Quebec wildlife in giant outdoor enclosures. Bring your own (giant) carrots to feed the deer and elk! Drive really slowly with buffalo, and try to spot a moose or wolf!
Warm Up With A Coffee Or Tea (Or Hot Chocolate!)
There’s nothing better than spending the day outside in winter and then warming up with a warm drink inside.
Whether it’s for afternoon tea, or coffee tasting, I have a few favourite cafes around Ottawa that I love going to for a nice warm drink.
So…. Is Ottawa Worth Visiting In winter?
I think Ottawa in winter is worth visiting. It’s a completely different experience than in the summer.
Sure it’s colder, and you don’t always feel like going outside, but some of the activities you just can’t do in the summer.
I think the Rideau Canal Skateway makes a visit very worthwhile – you just have to make sure it’ll be open. To be safe, you’ll probably want to plan a trip to Ottawa in mid February.
We planned a trip for the last weekend of January, thinking of course it will be open… nope! And it still wasn’t open the first weekend of February. Granted, 2023 was a really weird winter for Ottawa and Montreal.
Anyway, Ottawa in winter is just magical. Plus, I find you can actually enjoy visiting the top tourist attractions because in the summer it’s just overrun.
Winter Bucket List (Printable)
Don’t let the winter cold get to you this year, get out and try new winter experiences with my downloadable Winter Bucket List.
I’ve put together a list of fun winter activities perfect to stay busy this winter. Plus if there’s anything extra you think of, there are two blank winter checklists for you to fill out with your own ideas!
Winter Travel Quick Links On Amazon
Read More Related Posts
- Skating On The Rideau Canal In Ottawa: Complete Guide
- 10 Unique Things To Do In Ottawa: Do This NOT That!
- Best Cafes In Ottawa For Coffee, Tea, Or Just A Break
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Last update on 2024-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API