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Published: 10/21/2025
Discover Ottawa, Ontario This Winter
Believe it or not, I rank Ottawa, Ontario as one of the best places to visit in winter.
Sure, if you’re looking to immerse yourself in winter, you won’t do much better than heading north to Canada (or Alaska). But hitting the slopes in Banff or taking a “closer than Europe” style mini-break in Montreal or Quebec City aren’t your options for a Canadian winter vacation. In fact, I suggest you head to Canada’s capital, Ottawa, instead!
It’s true, Ottawa definitely isn’t its best hype man. Like Cincinnati, Ottawans seemed genuinely surprised (and a little flattered) that we’d come just to visit. Home to the Rideau Canal, a World Heritage Site that’s best experienced in deep winter, as well as amazing museums, and of course, the seat of Canadian government, don’t sell Ottawa short just because its residents often do.
With winter festivals, hockey games, specialty fried pastries (hello BeaverTails!), and an endless supply of hot (or chaud) beverages, Ottawa’s a bilingual Canadian city on the Quebec/Ontario border that showcases Canada at its best.
I’m here to convince you that Ottawa’s the perfect destination to turn you into full-blown winter enthusiast. So, let’s dive into the best things to do in Ottawa with this three-day winter itinerary. By the time you finish this post, I bet you’ll be booking your tickets to Ottawa in late January or February. Catch you on the Rideau Canal!
Three Day Winter Itinerary for Ottawa, Ontario
About this Ottawa itinerary
As the fourth largest city in Canada, there’s no shortage of things to do in Ottawa. Despite the city’s sleepy reputation, you’ll find countless museums, historic sites, and outdoor activities spread across Ottawa’s metropolitan area of approximately 1.4 million residents.
I designed this itinerary with a first-time visitor in mind. While you’ll certainly get an excellent taste of Ottawa in these three days, plenty of great Ottawa activities aren’t included here simply because there wasn’t enough time to realistically fit them in.
I’ve only included activities and attractions within walking (or skating) distance of Parliament Hill so you’ll spend most of your time actively doing things instead of faffing around getting from Point A to Point B.
One note: You will need a rental car for Day Three when you’ll venture across the Ottawa River for a Quebec day trip.
Day One
- Little Victories Coffee Roasters – Elgin
- Confederation Square and National War Memorial
- Parliament Hill
- Zak’s Diner
- Rideau Canal
- Sparks Street
Little Victories Coffee Roasters (Elgin)
Every good day starts with coffee and today’s going to be a very good day, so head down to one of Ottawa’s most popular coffee shops, Little Victories Coffee Roasters on Parliament Hill.
The vibe here is calm and coffee forward . . . aka they’re not big on flavored syrups and they have a pour-over coffee bar. There’s a small, but tasty selection of baked goods if you, like me, require an almond croissant with your flat white.
The shop is one of several businesses in the 1890s Central Chambers building, a National Historic Site of Canada that’s celebrated for its beautiful Queen Anne Revival architecture.
Confederation Square and National War Memorial
Once you’ve finished your coffee headed straight across Elgin Street to Confederation Square, where you’ll find the National War Memorial. As you look north from the Square, you’ll get a nice view of Parliament and Chateau Laurier – the large castle looking hotel on the east side of the Rideau Canal.
Since I missed going to the Canadian Vimy National War Memorial in northern France during my time at the Somme, I wanted to pay my respects at the Ottawa memorial. Originally dedicated to World War I soldiers, the memorial is also home to Canada’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. With the advent of World War II and other conflicts, the memorial now honors all Canadians killed in battle.
If you visit during Ottawa’s Winterlude festival, you’ll also find ice sculptures remembering Canadian Armed Forces in the square.
Tour Parliament
Maybe it’s nerdy, but I couldn’t imagine going to Canada’s capital and not touring Parliament! (Kind of like going to Washington D.C. and not bothering with the Mall or U.S. Capitol.) Happily with a little forward thinking, it’s very easy to get a glimpse of the inner workings of the Canadian government, even for non-citizens.
In the winter, you have three choices for how you tour Parliament: a guided tour of the Senate, a guided tour of the House of Commons, or an immersive exhibit. (In summer months there’s an additional fourth option to tour the East Block on Parliament Hill.) Tours are free, but ticketed through Parliament’s website.
Because the main Parliament building is undergoing a years-long renovation you’ll be touring the Senate and House of Commons’ temporary homes. The House of Commons currently uses a space in the West Block administrative building on Parliament Hill. The Senate is located just down the hill in the former railroad station.
I recommend starting your Parliament experience with Parliament: The Immersive Experience on Sparks Street. This 45-minute self-guided tour is part museum exhibit, part audiovisual presentation. Honestly, I didn’t expect much, but it ended up being quite moving and informative.
However, if you only have time for one Parliament tour, I think you should take the 40-minute tour of the House of Commons. This is the only tour offered in the winter that actually gets you on the Parliament complex grounds. You’ll get to look inside the House of Commons chambers and there’s plenty of opportunities to ask questions of your guide.
Zak’s Diner
Ottawa has a thing for diners and Zak’s is perhaps the city’s best-known diner. Located in ByWard Market (which we’ll explore more tomorrow), it seems like folks either love Zak’s or love to hate Zak’s. If you’re looking for a burger and shake, you can’t beat it.
The retro 1950s vibes are strong with classic vinyl booth, memorabilia all over the walls, and a hostess stand made out of the front half of a Ford Mustang. Zak’s has multiple locations around Ottawa, but the ByWard market is the original. Since the restaurant is well known and quite small, it’s best to visit mid-week to avoid crowds.
Rideau Canal Skateway
I hope you packed your ice skates! If you’re visiting Ottawa in winter, chances are pretty good that you’re in town to check out the Rideau Canal Skateway. For approximately 4-6 weeks in the depths of winter, this historic Ottawa waterway turns into the world’s largest skating rink. It’s both an UNESCO World Heritage site and a national treasure.
The skateway opens when ice reaches 30 cm (approximately 1 foot) thickness, usually around mid-January in a typical winter. Sadly, climate change has shortened the skateway’s season significantly in recent years and in the winter of 2022-2023, the skateway didn’t even open. If your Ottawa winter visit hinges on the skateway, watch the weather.
The Rideau Canal Skateway is so much more than a 7.8 km (4.8 mile) long skating rink. It’s a little village that brings together locals and out of towners of all ages and walks of life.
Locals who live along the canal often skate to work. Concession stands selling warm drinks and Beavertails (a thin fried pastry that’s traditionally topped with cinnamon sugar) set up right on the ice. You’re sure to have a nice chat with fellow skaters in one of the warming shacks as you change in and out of your skates.
Honestly, if you’re in Ottawa and lucky enough to have the skateway open, you should plan to skate it every day of your visit. That’s what we did! Be sure to check out my full guide to this impressive skating trail.
Sparks Street
Sparks Street claims to be the first pedestrian mall in North America (similar to Miami Beach’s Lincoln Road, but much colder) and stretches for five blocks from Lyon Street to Elgin. Head here for a bite to eat or a little shopping. A favorite Sparks Street restaurant is the Rabbit Hole and its attached speakeasy, Jackalope.
During the Winterlude festival, the street is transformed into winter art gallery of ice sculptures. While the booths and special Winterlude events only occur on weekends (January 30 – February 16, 2026), you can enjoy the ice sculptures every day of the three-week festival. It’s especially nice to visit after dark when all the ice sculptures are backlit.
Eat a shawarma dinner
I know it sounds crazy, but Ottawa is known as the “Shawarma Capital of the World.” These days, Ottawans are more likely to order a shawarma platter than a pizza if they’re looking for an easy dinner in. This dietary preference is thanks to the influx of Lebanese immigrants who settled in Ottawa in the late 1900s.
Somehow we didn’t manage to eat any shawarma during our time in Ottawa, but in this case, definitely don’t follow my example. Most of the city’s shawarma places are open until the early morning hours, so there’s no excuse for not having a shawarma dinner at least once. (I am ashamed.)
If you’re looking for shawarma around Parliament Hill and ByWard Market, some of the best rated restaurants are Mr. Fez Shawarma, Shawarma Time and Place, and Shawarma Manifesto. Further afield, check out Shawarma Station or Shawarma Al Mouna.
Day Two
- Breakfast at Cocotte Bistro
- ByWard Market
- National Gallery of Canada
- Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica
- Afternoon tea at Zoe’s
- Go to a hockey game
- Drinks at CRAFT
Cocotte Bistro
Start your morning with a French-style breakfast (dare I say . . . un petit dejeuner) at Cocotte in the ground level of the Metcalfe Hotel. We loved this stylish bistro that’s filled with greenery and sleek Euro-style décor. The café’s French vibes remind you that Ottawa’s a bilingual city whose influences are equally English and French.
Another option: Wilf and Ada’s. I really wanted to head to this popular Ottawa breakfast spot, if only because my name is Ada. Since there just aren’t that many of us, I like to celebrate my name whenever the opportunity arises. Sadly, Wilf and Ada’s was just a little too far off our beaten track in Ottawa. Next time!
ByWard Market
Technically ByWard Market refers to the Victorian marketplace located just across the Rideau Canal from Parliament.
But ByWard is an entire commerce district of Ottawa that’s filled with shops, restaurants (soooo many Irish pubs!), and market stands. It’s the perfect spot for a little retail therapy! The current market hall is approximately 100 years and is a replica of the 1876 market hall that burned down in 1926.
While market certainly isn’t as interesting in the winter when it’s confined to the indoor heritage hall rather spilling out into the surrounding streets, it’s still worth a spin or two through the historic building. Pick up an “Obama Cookie” from Le Moulin de Provence bakery and do a little souvenir shopping at Tickled Pink or Canada in a Basket. Upstairs, you’ll find public bathrooms and some panels detailing ByWard’s history.
Beyond heritage hall, there are plenty of other independent shops to check out. We especially enjoyed Masala jewelry and crystal shop as well as the French language bookshop, Librairie du Soleil. Nan’s Parlour is a fun stop for a libation if you happen to passing by during their (somewhat limited) operating hours. Of course, don’t miss out on taking your photo by the light-up Ottawa sign.
If you haven’t already tried a BeaverTail, you should definitely pick one up from the ByWard market stall. Just like New Orleans has beignets and Hawaii has malasadas, Ottawa also has a signature pastry. Beavertails are very thinly rolled pieces of pastry that originated in nearby Killaloe, Ontario.
National Gallery of Canada
If you only go to one museum while in Ottawa, I recommend the National Gallery of Canada. This world-class museum features the work of European and American masters (don’t worry – you’ll see some of Monet’s famous depictions of the Etretat cliffs here), a large modern collection, and peaceful garden and water courtyard.
What really makes the museum special are its Canadian and Indigenous galleries. I was especially taken by the work of the Group of Seven. This group of seven (white, male) Canadian painters was formed in the 1920s and captured Canada’s unique northern landscape in oil painting. We spotted some very familiar northwestern Ontario scenes!
Pro tip: If you’re planning to visit several Ottawa museums, check out the Ottawa Pass. This pass covers admission into many Ottawa museums and includes discounts at iconic Ottawa businesses like BeaverTails and Zak’s Diner. The pass is often offered at significant discounts during the winter.
Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica
While not an absolute Ottawa must see, this attractive Gothic revival cathedral is located right across the street from the National Gallery. As the oldest church in Ottawa, it’s held the funerals of several notable Ottawan personalities, including Prime Minister Wilfrid Laurier. A small cash donation is requested if you go inside.
Afternoon Tea at Zoe’s
Even if you’re not staying in the beautiful Chateau Laurier Hotel at the base of Parliament Hill, you should at least book their afternoon tea at the hotel’s stylish restaurant, Zoe’s.
Tea at Zoe’s is an important event for many Ottawans. It’s where grandmas take granddaughters and girlfriends catch up. Ottawa engagements, graduations, and other important rites of passage are celebrated around a Zoe’s afternoon tea tray. While there’s no specific dress code, it’s a fun excuse to dress up even if, like us, you’re just popping down from your hotel room.
The tea itself features a very typical selection of savory sandwiches and sweet treats including scones and clotted cream. You choose from a selection of more than 20 teas with an optional add-on of a cocktail or glass of sparkling wine. Our server told us in all seriousness that “the best tea times start with a glass of prosecco.” Who were we to disagree?
Go to a hockey game at TD Place
No doubt about it, Ottawa is a hockey town. I’m pretty sure it’s straight up blasphemy to go to Ottawa in the winter and not go to a hockey game.
You don’t have to go to PWHL game while you’re in Ottawa, but I would.
Even if I wasn’t a lifelong women’s hockey fan, going to a game at TD Place is extra special because while the Rideau Canal Skateway is open, you can skate to the game. That’s right – if you’re staying in the Parliament Hill area, just strap on your skates and headed the 4.4 kilometers down to Lansdowne Park and TD Place Arena via your own blades. (Bonus: if your team needs you during the game, you’ve got your skates right there.)
The Ottawa junior team, the 67s also play at TD Place so you’ve got a few options if you want the experience of skating to your hockey game. And yes, they serve poutine at the concession stands.
Alternatively, you could head out to an Ottawa Senators game. The city’s NHL team is based in the western suburbs at Canadian Tire Centre in Kanata. It’s about a half hour drive from central Ottawa and definitely not as uniquely Ottawan an experience as skating down to TD Place. (But I bet they still have poutine . . . .)
CRAFT Beer Market
Whether your team wins or loses, head around the corner from TD Place to CRAFT Beer Market to close out the night with fellow hockey fans. With more than 100 beers on tap, including a couple non-alcoholic options, there’s a tasty brew with your name on it to either drown your sorrows or keep the good vibes flowing.
If your team did as poorly as mine did (woof, Minnesota Frost) you might need to add on some nachos or maybe even a pizza to turn your evening around.
Day Three: Day Trip to Quebec
- Tim Horton’s
- Pick up rental car in downtown Ottawa
- Patinage en foret skate trail (Lac-des-Loups, Quebec)
- Nordik Spa Village (Chelsea, Quebec)
Tim Horton’s
I know, I know “tell me you’re not Canadian without telling me you’re not Canadian . . . .”
However, as an American, I’m not going to go to Canada and not go to Tim Horton’s. Since today we’re picking up a rental car and heading out of Ottawa, today’s the perfect day to have a grab and go breakfast. I recommend a Bagel BELT breakfast sandwich, a latte, and of course, some Timbits!
If you are Canadian and don’t think Tim Horton’s constitutes a special treat, you could instead grab a quick breakfast from the Sconewitch which has a great selection of sweet and savory scones as well as sandwiches. Pro tip: The Elgin Sconewitch entrance is actually on Gloucester Street, right next to the building’s loading dock.
Patinage en foret
Today we’re hitting the open road and heading north to Lac-des-Loups, Quebec. This small hamlet is home to Patinage en Foret, a six-kilometer long skating trail nestled in the boreal forest. Optional, but not really: I highly recommend blasting Celine Dion on your drive up, preferably her earlier French albums. When in Rome . . . .
You can reserve tickets online, but if you’re visiting midweek like we were, you can just show up and essentially have the entire maze of intersecting skateways to yourself. While all the attendants preferred to communicate in French, I felt right at home as I settled onto one of the benches in the large plywood warming shack to change into my skates.
In addition to being a cozy place to change, the warming house offers skate sharpening, skate rental, a small selection of souvenirs, and a concession stand where you can get warm drinks and homemade snacks. (Don’t sleep on the homemade beavertails!)
You’re basically skating in someone’s backyard and there’s something very charming about whizzing past pine and spruce trees to the sound of just the wind and your skates cutting through ice. The trail has seasonal decorations (Valentine’s Day during our visit), birdhouses, and plentiful benches for a breather or to tighten your laces. There’s even an outhouse at the farthest point from the warming shack.
Nordik Spa Village
We ended up skating over seven miles at Patinage en Foret, so it was definitely time for a little R&R. Happily, the largest spa in North America, Nordik, is located just outside of Ottawa in Chelsea, Quebec.
Tucked amid the forest of Gatineau Park, a large forest park on the north side of the Ottawa River, Nordik features a full range of spa services including massages and facials, several restaurants, and countless saunas and hot tubs.
The spa is divided into three sections, social, quiet, and silent. Since most of the pools and baths are accessed through outside walkways, you really do feel immersed in nature during your visit.
We opted to go to a Kalla, a salt water pool with extra flotation. Weirdly, your neck gets really sore holding your head up in the salt water, so be sure to grab one of the foam rings they provide to help support your head. You want to use the complimentary skin sealant on your lips and any small wounds to prevent stinging too.
The term “village” is very accurate descriptor; every time you turn the corner you seem to stumble into a new section of yurts, sauna, and pools. We stayed for five hours and I’m pretty sure there was an entire section of the spa that we never saw.
Need To Know Ottawa Winter Visitor Information
Other winter activities in Ottawa
With so many high-quality museums and access to all the winter pastimes like skiing and sledding, there are so many Ottawa winter activities I couldn’t fit into this three day itinerary.
Don’t worry, if you’re looking for more inspiration on what to do in Ottawa in the winter, I’ve rounded up all the best Ottawa winter activities both inside and out.
What weather to expect during an Ottawa winter
If you think Ottawa in winter sounds pretty magical, but you’re worried that it’ll be cold, I’m sorry to inform you that Ottawa in the depths of winter is indeed quite chilly by most people’s standards. (Don’t worry, I have a full Ottawa winter packing list for you know exactly what to bring!)
I don’t mean to constantly play the “I’m from northern Minnesota” card, but Ottawa is actually at a lower latitude than my Gunflint Trail home and I thought the weather, which was about 10 degrees warmer than at home, was a nice “balmy” escape.
The average temps in Ottawa in February are a high of 26 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 9 degrees F. It’s slightly colder in January (average of 22 and 7) which is the coldest month on average in Ottawa and things starts to warm up significantly in March.
Ottawa gets approximately 90 inches of annual snowfall, so expect plenty of snow cover. We visited during a massive blizzard where it dumped about 15 inches of snow. Since we had nowhere we need to go, we got full-on snow day fun. Canadians don’t shy away from treating their roads and sidewalks with ice melt, so as long as it’s not a blizzard, it’s very easy to get around by foot or car even in the depths of winter.
Where to stay in Ottawa
As the seat of the Canadian government, visitors are expected in Ottawa. As a result, you’ll find no shortage of hotels, especially in the downtown area near Parliament Hill. If you’re in town to experience the Rideau Canal, it’s a good idea to stay close to the start of the skateway at the base of Parliament Hill so you don’t have to lug your skates very.
We opted for the most obvious choice: the Fairmont Chateau Laurier which towers over the canal like a bonafide French chateau. By far the most iconic hotel in Ottawa, we really enjoyed our stay here. All the historic touches of this former railway hotel were right up our alley.
Other convenient lodging options for Rideau Canal skaters include the Lord Elgin Hotel, the Westin, and Alt Hotel. All of these hotels are located conveniently close to all the locations on this itinerary as well. If you prefer to have the amenities of home in your Ottawa lodging, there are two Sonder apartment hotels located right downtown as well as many vacation rental options.
Conclusion: It’s well worth visiting Ottawa this winter
I hope this three-day Ottawa itinerary has inspired you to make a trip to Canada’s capital this winter. If you’re a winter sports fan, Ottawa is a true snowy paradise, especially if you love ice skating. It’s hard not to get swept up in Ottawa’s winter enthusiasm. After all, this is the city that devoted three weeks to its Winterlude festival in late January and early February.
While no one’s accusing Ottawa of being fast-paced, we found so much to do. Between multiple skates on the Rideau Canal, touring Parliament and museums like the National Gallery, shopping, dining, and day trips into the Quebec forest to skate trails and the largest spa in North America, we found Ottawa the perfect cure for winter doldrums.
If you need a little jumpstart to your love of Ottawa winter, grab a classic BeaverTail pastry and hot chocolate from the BeaverTails stall in ByWard market and get exploring. There’s no excuse not to bundle up and experience Ottawa this winter!
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