Have you been hibernating this winter? We feel you. Winters in Ottawa are long and cold and might have you wanting to stay in.
But if you’ve been living in your “comfy clothes” and you’ve reached your Netflix bingeing limit, it’s time to get out of the house. Warm blankets are nice, but the events going on in Ottawa this winter are pretty nice too.
So here’s our round up of 6 things you should definitely do in Ottawa this winter.
1. Winterlude
This popular winter festival runs from February 1st to 18th and it’s one you won’t want to miss! Test out the massive ice slides, check out the snow and ice sculptures, drink hot chocolate and enjoy a beavertail, or skate on the Rideau canal. As one of the main winter events in Ottawa, Winterlude has something for everyone to enjoy.
2. Nordik Spa-Nature
If you’re looking for a little R&R, Nordik Spa is the place for you. Their Thermal Experience offers plenty of tubs and saunas (our favourite is the orange steam sauna). Feeling tense? Why not try a Swedish massage? Or, you can float in their zero-gravity salt pool! For those who aren’t too keen on winter, Nordik Spa is a beautiful place to enjoy the winter landscape while staying warm.
3. Winter Brewfest
Winter Brewfest takes place at Lansdowne Park on February 15th and 16th. Brewfest will have over 100 craft beers from Ontario and Quebec for beers lovers to taste and enjoy. Beer lovers need to check out this winter event in Ottawa!
4. Sens Rink of Dreams
If you’re not from Ottawa, you might not be familiar with our NHL team the Sens. Every year, the Sens foundation and the City of Ottawa create a beautiful skating rink right outside of City Hall called the Sens Rink of Dreams. The rink is open 7 days a week from 6 AM to 11 PM for the public to skate. Skate rentals and sharpening are available on site!
5. Camp Fortune
Only a 15 minute drive from downtown Ottawa, Camp Fortune is the perfect place to enjoy a day full of snow. Camp Fortune offers a few different snow activities including: skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing. They also offer day and night passes for those that need more time flexibility.
6. Hockey Game at Canadian Tire Centre
One of the most Canadian things of all is hockey! A fun thing to do in Ottawa this winter is to catch a hockey game at the Canadian Tire Centre. And if you don’t like the cold, this activity is great for you because the Ottawa Senators play at an indoor rink!
Visiting Ottawa this winter and need somewhere to stay? Check out our accommodations.