Why is winter in Ottawa so special and famous? Let’s find out the answer!
Winter vacations may be delightful, but many are terrified of the cold. However, no matter how terrifying the concept appears, you may always enjoy the fun of playing in the snow and having thousands of photographs shot of you doing so. Also, if you spend the winter in Ottawa, there are numerous places to visit with many things to do in December. So, put on your warm coat and spend some time in Ottawa in winter.
1. What’s Ottawa’s Weather Like In Winter?
Winter in Ottawa begins in October and lasts until late April. In the month of November, the first snowfall occurs. Even in the month of May, visitors may expect to see snowfall. In the winter, the temperature in Ottawa drops below freezing. The sky remains mostly cloudy, and temperatures range from -14°C to 80°F. It would be best if you prepared for the cold weather by putting on all of your warm clothes.
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2. Top 11 Wonderful Places To Visit In Ottawa’s Winter
If you want to savor the elegance of this Canadian winter paradise in December, here are some winter spots to visit in Ottawa, Canada.
Parc Omega
This is a wild park within one hour of Ottawa. This is one of the top winter attractions in Ottawa. You’re up against nature here, and it’s winter. You may come here with your family, go on a hike, have a picnic, or do anything you like.
In terms of animals, you will witness elk, wolves, and bison, and get a close look at bears. All of the animals are free to wander in their natural habitat. You should also not miss the birds of prey performance, canoe making, daily wolf presentation, pony rides, and other activities.
- Address: 399 QC-323, Montebello, QC J0V 1L0, Canada
- Timing: Monday To Sunday (10 am to 5 pm)
- How to reach: by taxi ($11)
Canadian Museum of History
Everyone is drawn to history, and the Canadian Museum of History is no exception. This location is near Gatineau and just across the Ottawa River. The museum’s collection focuses mostly on Canadian cultural history. Inside the museum, you will be greeted by knowledgeable staff and interpreters who will explain the exhibits. You will learn about folk culture, archeology, and ethnology.
This location has various wonderful exhibition rooms, such as the grand hall, the first people’s hall, the Canadian history hall, and so on. The Grand Hall is loaded with architectural marvels, most notably the panoramic window.
Canadian Museum of History is the best place to visit in Ottawa in winter!
- Address: 100 Laurier St, Gatineau, QC K1A 0M8
- Timing: Monday to Wednesday and Friday (9 am to 6 pm), Thursdays (9 am to 8 pm)
- How to reach: by bus: 105, 44, 85
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Rideau Canal
The canal is a popular tourist destination in Ottawa. This links Lake Ontario with the Saint Lawrence River. In the winter, the canal’s water freezes and transforms into the world’s biggest skating rink. If you enjoy skating, you may visit this location or see others doing so. You can have fried doughnuts while sipping a hot beverage along the Rideau Canal.
- Address: Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Timing: every day (10 am to 4 pm)
- How to reach: by car or by bus from Toronto
Nordik Spa-Nature
All-day snow adventures with no time to relax! That is not possible. When you visit Ottawa in the winter with your significant other, you require some quiet and comfort. The Nordik spa is one of the most romantic things to do in Ottawa during the winter. The spa is about ten minutes from downtown Ottawa.
It is also North America’s largest spa, including outdoor saunas, cafes, outdoor and indoor leisure areas, and a beer garden with a terrace. Several pampering activities are available here, and the sauna can quickly wash away your and your partner’s jet lag.
- Address: 16 Nordic Road, Chelsea, QC J9B 2P7
- Timing: Sunday to Thursday (9 am to 11 pm), Friday and Saturday (9 am to midnight)
- How to reach: 10-minute walk in downtown Ottawa and 20-minutes drive down to the place
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Notre Dame
It was founded in 1345 as a Canadian national historic site. Your Ottawa winter trip will be incomplete if you do not visit this location. Public events and masses are performed here, and the church is adorned for Christmas in the winter. You will be able to witness the breathtaking splendor of Christmas.
So don’t forget to put Notre Dame on the checklist “Best places to visit in Ottawa in winter”.
- Address: 385 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 1J9, Canada
- Timing: Every day (9 am to 6 pm)
- How to reach: by walking from the ByWard Market.
Gatineau Park
If you’re searching for winter activities in Ottawa, you can always go to Gatineau Park. The area is 361 square kilometers, and the main entrance is 4 kilometers from downtown Ottawa. However, the entire green area becomes snowy in the winter, but you may still visit this location for snow fun. There are various routes for biking, skiing, and snowshoeing. All of these activities are available at this Ottawa park.
- Address: Gatineau / Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais Regional County Municipality, Quebec, Canada
- Timing: Monday to Friday (9 am to 2:30 pm )
- How to reach: by cab ($6)
Ottawa Little Theatre
This is Canada’s oldest community theater. This venue was founded in 1913 and was known as the Ottawa Drama League. The setting is a recreation of a historic playhouse.
You will be able to see the entire nine-play season, which includes mystery, farce, drama, and humor. There are various artworks on show here. You may always go to the theater with your significant other and have a great evening.
- Address: 400 King Edward Ave, Ottawa, ON K1N 7M7
- Timing: Every day (11 am to 8 pm)
- How to reach: walking from the Byward market
Mayfair Theater
What is a trip to Ottawa in December without a stop at the Mayfair Theater? Since 1932, this has been the oldest location. If you come here, you will be able to see cult classics and Rocky horror films on Halloween.
There are also indie films and family matinees. The cinema theaters in Mayfair will undoubtedly make you nostalgic. So, grab a bucket of popcorn and head to the Mayfair Theater.
- Address: 1074 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1S 3X3, Canada
- Timing: Every day (10 pm to 1 pm)
- How to reach: by bus number 135.
The Canadian Museum of Nature
When visiting Ottawa in December, museums are among the top locations to go. You may visit the four exhibitions of botany, zoology, paleontology, and geology here.
The earth, fossil, animal, Canadian goose arctic, Canadian garden, stone wall, bird, water, and environment live galleries comprise the museum’s eight galleries. The museum’s features include 3D movies, dinosaur fossils, and a blue whale skeleton. The displays will captivate your child if you go with them.
- Address: 240 McLeod St, Ottawa, ON K2P 2R1
- Timing: every day (9 am to 6 pm)
- How to reach: a 20-minute walk from Parliament Hill or bus routes 5, 6, 14, or 7
National Gallery of Canada
This gallery has the greatest collection of Canada. There are paintings, sculptures, sketches, and pictures in the gallery. The gallery exhibits the work of artists from the United States, Canada, and Europe. If you enjoy art, you will be captivated by the collection of renowned painters such as Emily Carr, Tom Thomson, and others.
You will also be able to witness ‘Madonna and Child with Saint Rich and Saint Sebastian’ by Lorenzo Lotto. National Gallery of Canada is a must-go destination in December in Ottawa!
- Address: 380 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 9N4, Canada
- Timing: Monday to Wednesday and Friday (10 am to 6 pm), Thursday (10 am to 8 pm)
- How to reach: walk to the gallery from the Byward market
Byward Market
This is one of Ottawa’s most famous markets, and even in the dead of winter, you’ll find yourself meandering around and buying items. This location is in downtown Ottawa and has 600 companies that thrive in this market. There are several bars, restaurants, retail establishments, and boutiques to visit.
In the winter, Ottawa is decked out with Christmas lights in December, and you will grow weary of shooting photos here. All the restaurants and dessert stores are open all night, and you can order hot drinks from the heated cafés. You may have a fantastic Italian meal at a restaurant in the Byward Market.
- Address: Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Timing: Every day (6 am to 6 pm)
- How to reach: railway station to Byward or walk from there to the market
3. Incredible Activities To Do In Ottawa’s Winter
- Ice Skating the Rideau Canal
- Watch an Ottawa Senators ice hockey game
- Party at Winterlude
- Marvel at the ice sculptures in Confederation Park
- Go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing
- Eat Beavertails
- Toboggan at Green’s Creek or Mooney’s Bay
- Explore the houses of parliament without the queues
- Relax at Nordik Spa-Nature
- Look around the Byward market
- Winter hiking
