– By Rebecca Stanisic –
Plan your winter trip to Canada’s capital city and discover the history, outdoor destinations and family fun.
Winter in Ottawa, Ontario can be a wonderland of historic discovery, gastronomical delights, and outdoor adventuring for all ages. Ottawa invites winter-lovers and those less-than-thrilled by dropping temperatures to come explore and experience Canada’s capital city. It’s only a short drive from the United States border making it the perfect weekend road trip for families in either country. Here’s how to plan your 48-hours with the kids in Ottawa.
Rideau Canal
Where To Stay In Ottawa With Kids
By staying near Ottawa’s downtown and Byward Market area, you’ll have access to walkable activities, dining and food, as well as skating. Take the car when needed for a short drive to other destination points.
The Ottawa Marriott Hotel is downtown and near the Parliament Buildings and museums. It has a welcoming pool and we know children under 10 years old will love the kids area. Older kids and teens can play in the game room which is filled with a pool table, air hockey table, basketball court, table tennis and more.
Want to stay at a castle? Book in at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier. This stunning location offers easy access to the Rideau Canal for skating, book your family for afternoon tea and embrace the historic location.
Ottawa’s Outdoor Adventures Await
On the Rideau Canal
Outdoor enthusiasts can pack their skating gear or rent what you need (bring your own helmets) at one of the many outdoor rinks in the area, like the Rink of Dreams at City Hall, or experience the Rideau Canal Skateway which is a tourist attraction unlike any other.
Home to the world’s largest skating rink, the Rideau Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and transforms to over 7 km of skating surface when conditions allow. Be sure to stop for a Beaver Tail, the fried dough with sweet toppings that you’ll love.
If you aren’t ready to lace up, you can look to snowshoe or hike across one of the many area trails.
Curiosity Calls At One of Ottawa’s Many Museums
Museum of Nature exhibit
Ottawa is renowned for its many museums with families frequently visiting. Children will love to discover the Canadian Children’s Museum (at the Canadian Museum of History) or they’ll want to examine the exhibits at the Canada Science and Technology Museum.
Nature enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Canadian Museum of Nature (the dinosaur exhibit alone is worth a trip with kids), and the creative activities at the National Gallery of Canada will impress your budding artist of any age.
Dining With The Family In Ottawa
BeaverTail pastries are a uniquely Canadian tradition, hand-made and served up with a variety of toppings at special events throughout the year and at the permanent kiosk in the ByWard Market.
Ottawa has no shortage of amazing places to eat, and families with kids of all ages can find a favorite bite that satisfies. For a retro diner experience, visit Zak’s Diner (impress the kids with a milkshake!).
The Grand Pizzeria and Bar has piping hot pizza coming out of their ovens (and other favorites), or stop by for a beverage only and order a craft beer, cocktail or coffee at their outdoor ice bar before sitting around their fire pits.
Just need a snack for something sweet? Grab a donut at Maverick’s before taking a stroll to sip on a Belgian hot chocolate or juice smoothie at Juice Dudz.
What Else To Know Before You Go To Ottowa
Winterlude is a major winter festival in Ottawa that takes place for over two weeks in early February every year. Some events and activities are slightly dependent on the weather, but even so, there are a variety of ways to participate in free events, indulge in special menus at partner restaurants, and create memories to warm your family’s hearts.
If you do plan to visit in the winter, try to overlap with some of the Winterlude excitement, but book early to ensure you have the accommodations and tickets of your choice!
Rebecca Stanisic is a writer, speaker and content strategist for small business owners. She writes about family, travel, food and life stories. She’s been writing on her parenting blog, A Little Bit of Momsense, since 2009. Rebecca is the proud mom of two and is fuelled by fiction and coffee.