Last updated on June 30th, 2023 at 11:02 am

This true winter wonderland Capital of North America, Ottawa, offers plenty to do during the Christmas holidays. Ottawa is often overshadowed by its bigger counterparts like Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec City. But trust us when we say that you are in for a fun surprise with these winter holiday activities we recommend below.

Don’t forget to carry your thickest coat and then layer up some more.

We are prepared to embrace the winter weather during Christmas in Washington DC, but since Ottawa is further north, we had to prepare for lower temperatures. Don’t be delusional; it WILL be below freezing outside! I finally got a chance to wear my thick winter overcoat from Chicago after ages.  

Here are the things you should not miss on a winter vacation trip to the capital of Canada, Ottawa. For my gay friends, here is a guide on how to enjoy Ottawa in all seasons. 

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

Parliament Hill Christmas Light Show

Ottawa is the capital of Canada, for those of you who didn’t know, and it boasts a beautifully architectured Parliament house. The best part about visiting during the holidays – is it’s not just lit up for Christmas. It actually sparkles up a light show every night. Did we mention that the light show is absolutely FREE?!

The show lasts about 10 minutes and it is played on a loop from 5.30pm to 11 pm every night. This year the show will be on display from December 5, 2018, to January 7, 2018. If you are anything like me then your inner kid will be jumping out to see the show every night you there on a re-run 🙂 More information on the light show on Ottawa Tourism’s official website.

Enjoy Ice Skating

Afterall you are in Canada, you’ve gotta skate on the land of ice. Opened new this year to the public, an ice skating rink in front of the Parliament Hill. This rink is open from Dec. 7, 2017, to Feb. 25, 2018, and it is free for 40 minutes. However, you need to have passes to enter which are also free and available online for two days in advance. There are many other skating rinks in Ottawa.

If you stay a bit longer after Christmas or are visiting Ottawa earlier next year and you have to check out the Rideau Canal Skateway. The Canal Skateway is named the world’s largest naturally frozen ice skating rink by Guinness Book of World Records! However, the skateway only opens when the ice gets thick enough in the winter. So it can be anytime after the first week of January.

Eat Canada’s favorite food, Poutine 

You cannot return from Canada without having some Poutine. Nope, not happening! Poutine is Canada’s classic favorite, an interesting twist to regular french fries. They like to add cheese curds and gravy on top of their fries. Yummy in the tummy! And beyond Poutine, there is an excellent variety of good food and drinks to enjoy here especially in Byward Market. 

Related: Fun ways to spend a weekend in Quebec City, Canada

Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica Ottawa

A simple yet elegant gothic church in the middle of the city. It was very calming to hear the church bells go off every hour, which we could clearly hear since we stayed only a few blocks away from it. Definitely worth a visit for its gorgeous interiors.

National Gallery of Canada

Right opposite Notre Dame Basilica is the National Gallery of Canada. Beat the cold outside and enjoy a day inside the museums exploring a variety of Canadian and worldwide art on display.

Visit the Royal Canadian Mint

Learn how the coins are made or just enjoy the collection of several gold and silver coins on display at the Canadian Royal Mint. It’s best if you make reservations before visiting and the general admission prices are $6 for adults. We didn’t get a chance to visit the mint but it’s also on our bucket list for the next time we go to Ottawa.

Byward Market

One of our favorite places to eat and to shop was Byward market. A lively intersection of streets filled with stalls and vendors selling some very Canadiandian cheese, wine, maple syrup, and a variety of other Canadian goodies. If it is your lucky day and a vendor offers you free samples, make sure to taste the cheese and maple syrup as you walk through the market. 

For the first time this year, Byward Market is hosting Ottawa’s very own Christmas market so make sure to check it out.

At the intersection of Sussex Dr and York street, there are stairs that go up to MacKenzie Avenue. The view from the first initial flight of stairs into York street is iconic, and you get to see the memorial park. If you continue to walk down Sussex Dr towards Rideau St, you will find a “Moscow Tea Room” that is worth trying and the ambiance won’t disappoint. 

Indulge in food and drinks

Well, another way to stay warm in the Canadian winters is to grab your self a fine glass of whatever drink you prefer and order yourself some delicious meals. There are plenty of amazing restaurants spread around the Byward market.

Enjoy the Christmas lights and art-work at local streets and parks

Although it is freezing at this time of the year it’s very pretty outside with the snow and the Christmas lights. After all, you cannot stay indoors the whole time so bundle up and head out exploring the many bylanes and parks of Ottawa.

Hit the snow slopes in the nearby mountains 

If you have had enough of the city life and want to get adventurous in the Canadian winters then nothing better than hitting the nearby snow slopes. There are plenty of slopes within driving distance of Ottawa.  From Camp Fortune which is only 15 mins drive from the city to Mount Cascades which is only 20 mins away to Edelweiss which is only 30 mins away.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links

Where to Stay

We would recommend staying in the central area around Ottawa downtown which walking distance from all the action. Below are a few hotels we would recommend. We are not affiliated with any of these properties directly but if you book through our affiliate links mentioned below it will help us maintain this website 🙂

• Andaz Ottawa Byward Market
• Novotel Ottawa
• The Westin Ottawa
• Courtyard by Marriott Ottawa Downtown

Hope you guys have a fantastic Christmas holiday! And if you are heading to Canada then hope this guide helps you with a few activities to plan around the holiday 🙂 

Happy Traveling!