29 Best Things To Do in Ottawa in January 2024

January is the best time to travel if you’re planning a budget-friendly trip to Ottawa. It hits that sweet spot between the December Christmas crowd and the February Winterlude folks, meaning fewer crowds! And hotels aren’t crazy expensive yet.

I’ve lived in Ottawa since 2021 – and visited every winter as a kid to see my aunt – so I’ve got your fun plans covered. I’m going to help you navigate the best things to do (including indoor activities for those freezing days), and help you stay warm.

Let’s get your January travel plans sorted!

If you don’t have time to read the full post here are my top 3:

✅ Stay at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, the heart of Ottawa’s rich history and enjoy easy access to all the city’s top attractions, making your visit to Ottawa truly exceptional. 🏢

Outdoor Winter Activities in Ottawa

January is the coldest of Ottawa’s winter months. Believe it or not, it’s actually a super fun time to spend outdoors! If you’re wondering what to do in Ottawa in January, get your full winter gear on and head outdoors for these fun things to do in Ottawa in the winter:

1. Skate the Rideau Canal

Every winter, the 7.8km (4.8 mi) Rideau Canal transforms into the world’s longest natural ice skating rink. Skating over this frozen UNESCO World Heritage Site is such a unique experience! It’s great for families, couples, and even if you’re skating solo.

It’s located right in Downtown Ottawa, making it a convenient skating highway for the locals. You’ll spot Ottawans skating through with their work briefcases, study backpacks, and grocery bags (it’s me, I’m the grocery bag lady).

There are skate rental stores along the canal, but if you plan to skate for more than a few hours, I recommend getting a good used pair from Play It Again Sports. The cost pretty much evens out to purchase your own.

The Rideau Canal Skateway usually runs between January to early March, depending on the weather, and it’s free for the public.

Note: It’s rare that it opens in January. In recent years, it hasn’t frozen until February as there needs to be 2 weeks of temps below -10C consecutively.

2. Spot Sights of Christmas Lights

I love taking in the sights of the festive Christmas lights every year, and some of the more popular spots will still have them up through the first week of January.

Magic of Lights at Wesley Clover Park is THE place to see Ottawa’s prettiest Christmas lights display. Drive through at your own pace to see beautifully lit trees and animatronics.

The park light experience opens at 5PM, making it a fun thing to do in Ottawa at night. It gets less busy post-Christmas, so you can enjoy the pretty lights in January without the crowds.

I love the Parliament Christmas Light Show too! It’s a free 15-minute show that’s projected onto the Parliament buildings. It runs on a loop from 5:30PM onwards, so if you’re catching it halfway through, stay for the next round so you can enjoy the full story!

Most end January 6th or 7th in time for Orthodox Christmas.

3. Go Cross-Country Skiing

If you’ve never tried cross-country skiing, add it to your list of fun things to do in Ottawa this winter!

Cross-country skiing is usually done on flat or hilly groomed ski trails. It’s beginner-friendly and way less daunting than zooming down a steep mountain.

Gatineau Park has some of the best cross-country skiing trails (you’ll need a Winter Pass). The park has over 200km (124 mi) of classic cross-country, skate, and back-country ski trails.

Wesley Clover Parks is another awesome spot for cross-country skiing in Ottawa. It’s home to over 18km (11 mi) of ski trails for classic cross-country and skate-skiing and would be a great place to visit in Ottawa in January.

4. Try Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is one of the most popular Ottawa winter activities.

Snowshoes are a special kind of footwear that allows you to walk on snow (versus sinking knee-deep in it). 

Canada’s love for snowshoeing is rooted in its rich history. They were a crafty invention by the Canadian First Nations to navigate the country’s harsh winter. Today, it’s a popular hobby and sometimes a necessity for getting around the city.

Gatineau Park is the best place to try snowshoeing in Ottawa. There is a range of beginner, intermediate, and expert trails to choose from but keep in mind you’ll need a Winter Pass to snowshoe here.

Ottawa’s Greenbelt Trails are great for snowshoeing too! The Pine Grove trail is a local favorite for its self-guided forestry annotations. The Mer Bleue Bog Trail is popular with families for having a kid-friendly route.

5. Go Dog Sledding

Dog sledding is every bit as fun as it sounds and the perfect activity for a January trip! You can explore Ottawa’s beautiful wintery landscapes on a sled pulled by a team of trained dogs, making for an incredibly unique and novelty experience.

If you’ve never been dog sledding, I recommend going on this highly-rated dog sledding tour. You’ll get an hour of dog sledding, a snowshoeing activity, and even a warm Quebec-style lunch and hot cocoa!

6. Try Tobogganing 

Tobogganing is yet another fun thing to do in Ottawa in winter. Yup, we really make full use of Ottawa’s winter months here! Grab a sled and spend an afternoon with your kids (or inner child) sliding down snowy hills.

It might seem simple, but make sure you do it safely. Not all hills are good for tobogganing. Some have hazardous icy surfaces, while some are too close to traffic. It’s best to try this activity on National Capital Commission’s selected toboggan hills.

7. Skate Through a Scenic Forest

Spend some time at the Icelynd Skating Trails for a super unique winter activity. On this 2km (1.2 mi) natural ice path, you’ll get to skate through 100 acres of snow-topped woods. It’s a welcomed change to skating in an ice rink, and the view is magical!

Skating through the forest is a great activity for all ages. Afterwards, you can warm up by the fire pits and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa. You can also sample awesome local fare from pop-up food vendors on weekends. The whole experience makes it one of the best Canada attractions in winter!

8. Enjoy a Hike

Hiking is one of my ultimate favorite things to do in Ottawa during winter. There’s something so dreamy about walking along the snow-covered trails.

Ottawa has some of the most breathtaking hiking trails, and although many of them close in winter, you’ll still find plenty of options.

The Mer Bleue Conservation Area Loop is a good place to start! The 7.2km (4.5 mi) trail offers a beginner-friendly trek through the area’s pristine landscapes.

The Hogs Back Falls Loop is another beginner-friendly trail offering surreal views of the frozen waterfalls. On this 1.3km (0.8 mi) hike, keep your eyes peeled for beavers, birds, and other local wildlife.

9. See Canada’s Wildlife at Parc Omega

You can see more of Canada’s unique wildlife at Parc Omega. This wildlife center is about a 1-hour drive from Ottawa and is home to various animals, including elks, moose, boars, bears, coyotes, and wolves.

Try the drive-through safari to get up close to the wildlife. It’s so great to see wild animals roaming in their natural habitats, and it’s a lot of fun feeding carrots to the friendly elks and deer.

You can stay a night in the park too! Parc Omega’s accommodation options include tents and pods, but staying in one of their wolf cabins is the coolest experience. They share a glass wall with the wolf observatory!

10. Unwind at Nordik Spa

After enjoying all the adventurous Ottawa winter attractions, I think you’ll find the outdoor baths at this Nordic-style spa a welcome treat. Enjoy a soothing soak surrounded by serene Ottawa views.

The spa offers top-to-toe relaxation options, including massages, facials, foot care treatments, and saunas. There are great options to grab a bite, too, including a restaurant, beer garden, lounge bar, and cafe.

Best Ottawa Winter Food Experiences 

The chilly weather in January makes yummy stuff like warm BeaverTails and hot chocolate all the more comforting! These are the best eating places to visit in Ottawa in winter:

11. Explore ByWard Market 

ByWard Market is a vibrant little foodie heaven filled with diverse places to eat. Whatever cuisine you’re craving, you’ll probably find it here.

Check out these popular eateries in the area:

• Chez Lucien: Cozy spot for burgers and beer.
• Khao Thai Restaurant: Friendly Thai spot. Try their tom yum! 
• Saigon: Hip Vietnamese cafe serving excellent pho.
• Tomo: Great spot for sushi.
• Ahora Mexican Restaurant: Lively place serving the best tacos and burritos.

Bonus for my fellow celiacs: Gluten-free options are available at all these eateries.

Along with delicious food, there are also many stalls selling all kinds of artisanal goods, from pickles to pastries.

12. Have a BeaverTail

A warm BeaverTail on a cold day in Ottawa is truly one of life’s simplest pleasures. This Canadian snack is basically a deep-fried pastry with your choice of toppings. I like the classic cinnamon sugar BeaverTail. It’s hard to beat!

BeaverTails are popular at the ByWard Market store, but you can also find them in other locations around Downtown Ottawa. For the ultimate Ottawan experience, grab a BeaverTail at their winter kiosk as you’re skating along the Rideau Canal.

13. Enjoy Some Poutine

Loading up on poutine is just one of the best winter things to do in Ottawa. Piping hot French fries loaded with gravy and cheese curds taste a gazillion times better in freezing weather!

You can get fantastic poutine at these top places:

• The Great Canadian Poutinerie Bank: Great takeout option.
• Wilf & Ada’s: Quaint diner serving classic poutine. 
• Level One The Loft: Serves an over-the-top version with a four-cheese blend. 
• Aroma Meze: Greek-style poutine. 

These restaurants all offer gluten-free poutine options too!

14. Load Up on Pub Grub at Ottawa’s Oldest Tavern

Grab a pint and settle in for a good time at The Laff, one of the oldest institutions in Ottawa. The malty 1849 Ale is the house specialty here, brewed specially for the tavern.

Pickled eggs, deep-fried cheese curds, and maple bacon sausages are some of the yummy menu specialties. They’re known for their stellar burgers too.

The Laff is a great place to check out Ottawa’s music scene. Most nights, there’s a live show covering genres from blues to rock ‘n’ roll.

15. Have Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Chateau Laurier

Afternoon Tea is a great way to spend a January afternoon in Ottawa. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, no place in Canada does high tea quite like Fairmont Chateau Laurier!

The indulgent menu includes your personal pick of loose-leaf steeped tea, their famous scones, imaginative sweets, and the most flavorful tea sandwiches. Everything tastes amazing! You can add on afternoon cocktails, wine, and champagne too.

Enjoying tea in this historic hotel is one of the most epic Ottawa things to do in winter. Although expensive, if you can swing it, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience worth having.

16. Enjoy Cocktails at the Tallest Rooftop Bar

To enjoy the city’s best view, head to Copper Spirits & Sights. This hip bar on the 16th floor of Andaz Ottawa has the tallest rooftop patio in the city, where you’ll get stunning views of the Rideau Canal, Parliament buildings, and ByWard Market.

Although it’s a pretty upscale place, the vibe here is nice and relaxed. The service is friendly, and the drinks are good. The modern fire pits around the lounge are perfect for staying warm in winter.

17. Go for a Wine Tour

Ottawa produces some pretty fantastic wines! About 10 different wineries are located in and around Ottawa, with most producing red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines.

You can sample the best of Ottawa’s wines on a wine-tasting tour. It’s a wonderful way to stay warm in winter! I love how most tours pair their wine with curated cheese platters and charcuterie boards. Some tours include cider tastings too.

18. Treat Yourself to Taffy

You know how much we Canadians love our maple syrup. When in Ottawa, do as the Ottawans do and suck on some sweet maple taffy!

Taffy is basically maple syrup lollipops, made by hardening maple syrup on ice or snow over popsicle sticks, hence the name “tire d’érable sur la neige” (maple taffy on snow).”

Canadian taffy is my favorite childhood treat, and it will always remind me of my days as a kid skating the Rideau Canal, fueled by one too many maple taffy.

19. Warm up with Hot Chocolate

Ottawa can get numbingly cold in January. The good news is, it’s perfect hot cocoa weather! When Ottawa’s winter temperatures start dipping a little too low, walking around the chilly streets feels much better when you’ve fueled up on hot chocolate!

These cafes have some of the best hot chocolate in town:

• Cacao 70
• Chocolats Favoris
• Quelque Chose Patisserie

Best Indoor Winter Activities in Ottawa

Museums and galleries are a must-do in Ottawa! On extra-cold days, explore the city in the warmth of these indoor attractions:

20. Visit Rideau Hall

Rideau Hall is the home of the governor-general. You can join their free 45-minute public tour to learn more about Canada’s government and how the governor-general works.

You don’t have to be a politics buff to appreciate the place, though. It’s such a beautiful building to wander through, with its regal European architecture.

Rideau Hall is one of the best Ottawa places to visit in winter, as there’s a skating rink here that’s open to visitors too! Plus, admission to this national historic site is free.

21. Tour the Parliament

Ottawa is the capital city of Canada. It’s the only place you can tour Canada’s Parliament buildings, making it one of the most unique things to do in Ottawa.

You can join the free guided tours of the Senate Chamber and the House of Commons to learn about Canada’s political history and the work of Senators and Members of Parliament.

In the summer, you also have the option to tour the East Block to see the restored historic offices of the prime minister, governor-general, cabinet minister, and privy council.

22. Marvel at the Notre Dame

If you love the grandeur of old churches, visit the Notre Dame Basilica. This national historic site is known for its starry blue ceiling and intricate stained glass windows. The twin silver steeples are gorgeous too!

Notre Dame is located opposite the National Gallery, so you can visit these attractions on the same day!

23. Check Out Canada’s Art Scene

The National Gallery of Canada by the Ottawa River is a great starting point to check out the largest Canadian and indigenous art collection. You’ll find more than 42,000 works of art here, including paintings, sculptures, and photos.

If you’re looking for free things to do in Ottawa in winter, most museums in the city offer free admission on certain days and times. Admission to The National Gallery is free on Thursdays between 5PM to 8PM.

24. Explore The Canadian Museum of Nature

The Canadian Museum of Nature is a great place to learn about Canada’s rich natural history and diverse wildlife. The life-sized exhibits are beautifully done and are so much fun to see up close.

The hyper-realistic dinosaur exhibit is a crowd favorite here! I love all the interesting trivia you can read in this section. The Arctic exhibit and live bugs gallery are also worth checking out.

Visit on Thursdays between 5PM and 8PM for free admission!

25. Stroll Through The Canadian Museum of History

The Canadian Museum of History is a must-do in Ottawa if you love culture and history. I love how the exhibits have such a human touch, combining artifacts with good storytelling.

This museum has the world’s largest indoor collection of totem poles displayed in the Grand Hall. The signature Canadian History Hall gives you a lot of context on the historical events and personalities that have shaped the country it is today.

You can get in free on Thursdays between 5PM and 7PM.

26. Check Out The Canadian War Museum

The Canadian War Museum has some of the most impressive exhibits, offering visitors a view into the early wars that were a big part of Canada’s history.

The museum does a great job honoring the experience of soldiers through interactive displays, personal stories, and rare artifacts. I love the Military Technology exhibition! That’s where you’ll see full-sized planes, tanks, and fighter jets up close.

This museum also offers free admission on Thursdays between 5PM and 7PM.

27. Visit The Canadian Science and Technology Museum

The Canadian Science and Technology Museum has a kooky scientist vibe that I love!

You’ll see that the interactive exhibits and displays here are mostly for the kids, but I still think they’re great fun for any age. There’s a wide range of interesting exhibits, including old-timey train exhibits and top favorite gadgets.

Check out their signature Crazy Kitchen section. It’s a playful space with cool mind-bending illusions.

You can even get in free from 4PM to 5PM any day!

28. Explore The Canadian Aviation and Space Museum

If you love planes and rockets, you’ll want to spend some time at the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum. It’s home to the largest aviation collection in Canada, with more than 130 aircraft and artifacts from civil and military service.

Even if you have no particular interest in aviation or space, this museum is still worth visiting. I can’t say I have much interest in either, but I had so much fun exploring all of the interactive exhibits.

You can enjoy free admission from Thursdays to Mondays between 4PM and 5PM.

29. Play Board Games

Ottawa actually has some pretty cool gaming cafes, and they’re a great way to spend time with family and friends while enjoying the warm indoors. 

My go-to spot is The Loft. They have a huge collection of games beyond the standard Catan and Carcassone, and the food here is really good! 

If old-school arcades are more your thing, check out House of Targ. You can choose from 15 themed pinball machines and a huge selection of vintage games, including Donkey Kong and Mario Bros.

Best Time to Visit Ottawa in Winter

January is the best time to visit Ottawa in winter if you’re looking for a low-season travel period. It’s not too crowded, so you’re less likely to see long lines at the main attractions. If you plan to attend Winterlude, you should visit Ottawa in February.

Ottawa Weather in January

Ottawa’s January weather is the coldest compared to other winter months. The average temperature in Ottawa in January ranges between -6°C (21°F) and -16°C (3°F). It’s freezing cold most days and takes some getting used to, especially if you’re used to a warmer climate. 

Ottawa January Events

Although January is quieter compared to Christmas celebrations in December and Winterlude festivities in February, there are still fun happenings to check out.

These are the top Ottawa events in January:

• Magic of Lights: Magical display of Christmas lights.
• Alight at Night Festival: A scenic evening walk through a living-history village.
• Rideau Canal Skateway: World’s longest natural ice rink opens to skaters.
• Carleton Cup: The ultimate Canadian triathlon (Skate – Run – Drink).

If you’d like to attend Winterlude, stay in Ottawa until at least the first week of February. The winter festival usually runs the first three weekends of February.

One of my favorite highlights of Winterlude is being a total kid in the huge Snowflake Kingdom winter playground. Also, the Ottawa Ice Dragon Boat Festival is a fun race to catch!

How To Get Around Ottawa In Winter

If you’re staying in Downtown Ottawa, these are the best options to get around:

• By foot – The downtown area is highly walkable.
• By skates – Strap on your ice skates and zip down the Rideau Canal Skateway.
• By bus – Taking the bus is efficient and covers a wide area.
• By LRT – The LRT is not as extensive as the bus, but there are convenient stops at the Parliament, Rideau Canal, and the University of Ottawa.

If you’re staying beyond the downtown area, public transportation options are limited. These are the best ways to get around:

• Rent a car if you’re okay to drive on slippery winter roads.
• Take an Uber!

Where To Stay In Ottawa In January

I love staying in hotels with in-room Jacuzzis in the winter. A hot Jacuzzi is a much-needed treat after a long day out in the cold! I recommend staying in any of these top hotels with hot tubs in Ottawa.

Alternatively, these are my go-to hotel recommendations to suit every travel budget:

• Best Luxury Hotel In Ottawa: Fairmont Chateau Laurier
• Best Mid-Range Hotel In Ottawa: Delta Hotels 
• Best Budget Hotel In Ottawa: Ottawa Jail Hostel

Ottawa in Winter: What To Wear

Canadian winters are on a whole other level, and you’ll need good winter gear to stay warm and comfy, especially if you’re spending a lot of time outdoors.

Here are the essentials for winter in Ottawa:

• Well-insulated winter jacket – Go for zipped jackets rather than buttons. They’re better at keeping the chilly wind out.
• Fleece/sweaters – Pick wool, fleece, or knit materials to stay warm.
• Thermal shirts – You’ll need these on extra-cold days. Swap with a regular T-shirt for warmer days.
• Snow pants – These are a must if you’re doing outdoor winter activities.
• Fleece-lined leggings – You can use them as pants or as innerwear.
• Long underwear – This will be your base layer.
• Thermal socks – You’ll need plenty of these, as you’ll get your feet damp from all the snow.
• Waterproof snow boots – Sturdy boots can help keep you safe on slippery sidewalks.
• Waterproof gloves – You’ll need a good quality pair to withstand the cold, especially if you’ll be doing any type of winter sports.
• Hats – Don’t skip the hat when you’re bundling up. It helps the body to retain heat.
• Scarves – Keep your neck warm with fleece or wool scarves.

FAQs About Ottawa in January

Final Thoughts: Ottawa Winter Activities

Ready for your trip to Ottawa in January?

Despite the freezing cold weather, January is a great month to be visiting Ottawa! It’s not every day that you can skate along Rideau Canal! There are many winter sports and activities to choose from in Ottawa, and you are sure to find a few things to fill your itinerary.

Plus, January is low season, so you can expect fewer crowds. Flights and hotels also tend to be cheaper, so you can save quite a bit on your trip.

Start planning for your trip this January with my guide on the best places to stay in Ottawa, and have a blast this winter!

✅ Stay at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, the heart of Ottawa’s rich history and enjoy easy access to all the city’s top attractions, making your visit to Ottawa truly exceptional. 🏢

Read More Things to Do Ottawa in Winter:

• 17 Wonderfully Fun Things to Do in Ottawa in Winter
• Everything You Need to Know Before Skating the Rideau Canal in Ottawa
• 35 Best Restaurants in Ottawa Ontario From a Local
• 8 Best Places to See Christmas Lights in Ottawa and Get in the Festive Spirit
• 29 Best Things To Do in Ottawa in January
• Ottawa in December: Ultimate Guide + 15 Things to Do

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