The Full Guide To Ottawa In Winter: Is The Cold Worth It?

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 for yourself if it’s worth it!

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. The 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 (like 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.

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 just the lack of tourists that are there.

Summers are crazy in downtown Ottawa, there are SO many people. You’ll have to wait at every restaurant, hotels are more expensive…

Depending on when you visit 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.). February can be a bit busier though because of Ottawa Winterlude happening (more on that in a bit!).

I mean, when we 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.

But, too little people can also be an issue…

Less People In Ottawa Is Also A Negative…

We really love when cities are quiet. Especially during COVID, having less people is a pure benefit for us.

But, you have to choose where you go a bit more strategically if you don’t want to be the only people there. We walked by a few restaurants on Elgin that were completely EMPTY!! It definitely felt a little dead…

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

There’s no denying that the Rideau Canal Skateway is THE thing to do in Ottawa in the winter. I sometimes travel to Ottawa in winter just to skate on the canal (it’s an easy day trip from Montreal!).

I mean it’s such an experience that you can’t really 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 is incredible!

Even if you aren’t a fan of skating, this is skating like you’ve never seen before. They have vendors set up on the ice for hot chocolate and beaver tails. And you’re not skating in a circle, but you get to enjoy Ottawa as you skate by!

Winter Bus Tours

Usually all the tours are in the summer, or if they’re in the winter, it’s too cold to be outside for that long. But you’re in luck, Ottawa has a winter only city bus tour.

A cute A.F. vintage trolley bus will take through the city to all the main spots with a live guide. The best part, is that you don’t need to freeze your butt off on this tour!

It’s the perfect way to learn about the history of Ottawa, see the city, and stay warm all at the same time!

Walk/ Ski / Snow Show Along Winter Trails In Gatineau Park

If you do want to trek outside, why not explore some of Gatineau. Gatineau and Ottawa are twin cities across the river from each other after all.

It’s not a far drive to Gatineau park and you can enjoy some of the best winter activities. They have groomed hiking trail 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.

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.

Related

10 Unique Things To Do In Ottawa: Do This NOT That!

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 over the first three weekends of February.

Ottawa Winterlude is a pure celebration of everything winter. Go skating 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.

* 2023 was the first year that the Rideau Canal will not be open for skating on the first weekend of the festival!

Heading to Montreal? You might be interested in…

The Top 10 Montreal Winter Festivals To Make The Most Of Winter 2023 – 2024

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 degrees… 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!

The Winter Farmers Market is at the Aberdeen Pavilion on Sundays from January to April.

Drive Through Park Omega

Okay, 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 kind of like the best of both worlds – you feel like you’re outside, but you’re not cold!

You’re driving through to see different 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.

There are a few cafes around Ottawa that I love going to for a nice warm drink (these are some of my favourites!).

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 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 Travel Quick Links On Amazon

Read More Related Posts

• An Honest Review The Fairmont Château Laurier: Is It Worth It?
• 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 2024-04-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API