Whether you’re looking for things to do with your kids during the break, or just looking for a little inspiration to be active outdoors, this list is for you! 

With our top suggestions for hiking, snowshoeing, skating, skiing and many other activities to enjoy this winter in your #WinterCapital, you’re sure to find something that’s right for you! Which of these activities will you try first? 

 

  1. Discover the Rideau Hall Rink, newly refrigerated, and lace up your skates in the restored Dairy Building that has been turned into a winter pavilion.
  2. Explore the groomed multi-use winter trail network in Ottawa and Gatineau. There are over 100 km of trails for shared winter recreational activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking and walking.
  3. While on the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail, stop at The Grand Pizzeria at Westboro Beach to refuel.
  4. Grab a snack at the NCC River House and enjoy panoramic views of the Ottawa River. The Café & Bistro is open Friday to Sunday in winter.
  5. Visit one of the capital's seven national museums or catch a performance at the National Arts Centre. 
     
  6. Go for a 5.5-km winter hike at Green’s Creek.
  7. Take part in one of the events of the Friends of Gatineau Park (registration required).
  8. Play detective and identify animal tracks in the snow. Sign up for a free guided activity.
  9. Try snow biking in Gatineau Park.
  10. Use the City of Ottawa’s interactive map to find an outdoor municipal skating rink near you. 
     
  11. Discover the ruins at the Mackenzie King Estate (bonus: leashed dogs are welcome).
  12. Read moving dedication messages on the commemorative plaques on park benches along the Rideau Canal and in several urban parks.
  13. Celebrate the arrival of Spring by going to the sugarbush, such as the one at the Log Farm.
  14. Thank a member of the Gatineau Park trail maintenance team for their excellent work.
  15. Try “A Prime Minister’s Backyard” cross-country ski route in Gatineau Park.
  16. Take a trip down the Rideau Canal Skateway, and stop at attractions along each kilometre of the world’s largest skating rink.
  17. Go in search of public works of art in the Capital.
  18. Tackle the Wolf Trail loop on snowshoes — a great physical challenge!
  19. Make a snow angel or build a snow person in one of the Capital’s urban parks.
  20. Explore the winter trails on foot, skis or snowshoes at the Centre de plein air du Lac-Leamy (website in French only).
  21. Enjoy the beauty of frozen waterfalls at Rideau Falls Park.
  22. Toboggan down a snowy slope in the Greenbelt.
  23. Visit one of the 10 best skating rinks in the Outaouais region.
  24. Contribute to scientific research by looking for plant and animal species in your neighbourhood — in collaboration with the Canadian Wildlife Federation’s Observation Nation program.
  25. Celebrate Indigenous culture at Mādahòkì Farm. Peruse the farm store or snowshoe on the Legacy Trail. Come out and meet the Ojibwe Spirit Horses.
  26. Explore Shirleys Bay in the Greenbelt, on snowshoes or cross-country skis.
  27. Hit the slopes, and enjoy downhill skiing or snowboarding at Camp Fortune.
  28. Take a self-guided tour, and learn more about the Greenbelt’s Old Quarry Trail in Stony Swamp and the Mer Bleue Bog. 
     
  29. Discover the remarkable trees of the National Capital Region — and discover them at your own pace.
  30. Go for a walk in a winter wonderland.
  31. Give birding a try, and see if you can identify at least one bird species in the region (please be respectful and unobtrusive, and observe birds from a distance).
  32. Plan a snowshoeing or skiing trip to one of Gatineau Park's day shelters to warm up and have a snack.
  33. Try a new activity in Gatineau Park, starting at the Relais plein air. Equipment is available to rent.
  34. Celebrate urban art by admiring an impressive 37m2 mural near Major’s Hill Park, in collaboration with Urban Art Collective.
  35. Walk along the frozen river on the Rideau Winter Trail, which is easily accessible from the O-Train's Hurdman Station.
  36. Kìwekì Point restores access to one of the most spectacular lookouts in the National Capital Region, with panoramic views of Parliament Hill and Ottawa-Gatineau.
  37. Visit Sentier Blanc Val-Tétreau. This trail runs along the Ottawa River, in Gatineau, from Brébeuf Park to Golf Château Cartier.

Winter activities survey

Have you visited any of these sites this winter? Take our survey about winter activities on NCC sites and tell us about your experience.

For more ideas, please visit these websites: Ottawa Tourism and Outaouais Tourism.