Spring has sprung! March 20th marked the official first day of one of the prettiest seasons: Spring. Ottawa is bustling with plenty of fun activities this lovely season, so we have compiled 65+ things to do in Canada’s capital city.
You may like: Fun Things To Do In Ontario During Spring
- Kick off a year of concerts with Justin Bieber. Ontario’s very own superstar will be bringing his Justice World Tour on March 27th to Canadian Tire Centre.
- Shop at 613 Flea for fun things to deck up your home for spring. You can find artisans, artists, designers, makers and entertainers come together with antiques dealers, independent boutiques, food merchants and vintage clothing vendors and more at this market in Aberdeen Pavilion (various dates).
- Celebrate Indigenous traditions during this beautiful change of season. Enjoy authentic Indigenous programming and an Indigenous Makers and Farmers Market, interactive creative workshops, culinary delights and meet the rare Ojibwe Spirit Horses – fun for young and old. Sīgwan (Spring) Festival will take place from March 25 to 27, 2022.
- Now that the pandemic restrictions are lifted, laugh out loud with Crackup Comedy Festival as some of Canada’s best comedians crack up the room with laughter.
- St. Louis Bar and Grill, known for ‘Devilishly Good!’ times is celebrating its 30th anniversary with ‘all you can eat’ famous boneless wings from March 22 to April 24, 2022.
- Support Ottawa Humane Society Auxiliary by attending their Spring Craft Sale. All proceeds go to support the animals.
- Take the kids to The Mini Pop Kids concert. This jam-packed concert features songs by Justin Bieber, Dua Lipa, BTS, Harry Styles, and Olivia Rodrigo alongside throwback favourites that EVERYONE will love.
- Ottawa area has plenty of maple sugar bushes. Head to the nearest farm on weekends or during Maple Weekend. Plan a weekend trip to Perth during the annual Festival of Maples on April 30th.
- Celebrate the best of Ireland and the Irish on screen from April 8 to 14 at Arts Court Theatre and online during the Annual Irish Film Festival.
- Check out Crave Food & Wine Festival, Ottawa’s new premier food and wine festival worthy of the Capital’s cravings for good drinks, delicious bites and an unforgettable time. April 1-3, 2022. @ Shaw Centre, Colonel By Drive, Ottawa.
- Gifted, award-winning, chart-topping… cool. There are plenty of apt adjectives that apply to Meghan Patrick. Meghan Patrick is a musician who always tells it like it is in a voice as gorgeously persuasive as they come and she will be at Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe on April 9, 2022.
- Ottawa Little Theatre offers professional shows with a strong sense of community. It’s a cherished place and starting May 4th, the show will be Burn! It’s a contemporary thriller, full of twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat!
- The international Irish dance phenomenon, Riverdance will be in Ottawa as part of their 25th-anniversary tour. Drawing on Irish traditions, the combined talents of the performers propel Irish dancing and music into the present day, capturing the imagination of audiences across all ages and cultures in an innovative and exciting blend of dance, music and song. April 15 to 17 @ National Arts Centre.
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Easter is coming soon. Take the kids for an Easter Egghunt at the Log Farm or at Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm.
- Welcome spring babies at petting zoos, zoos and farms around Ottawa.
- Enjoy the good weather that spring brings (well hopefully, anyway!) by heading to the pedestrian-only street that goes on … and on! Sparks Street is a trendy and beloved spot and is credited to being Canada’s first pedestrian mall that is packed full of cool shops, restaurants and more.
- With 29 Olympic medals, including six golds, Canada has grown accustomed to success at the Winter Olympics. Ice Dance has been particularly strong as Canadians have won gold or silver in the last three Winter Games and Piper Gilles & Paul Poirier are strong favorites to keep that streak alive this year. The reigning Canadian Dance Champions and eight-time Canadian National Medalists hope to showcase another medal for all of Canada when they headline the 2022 Stars on Ice tour. The world’s premier figure skating show is scheduled to visit Ottawa on Sunday, May 1 for a 4 p.m.
- Join one of Canada’s preeminent country bands at Shenkman Arts Centre. The Washboard Union will be in Ottawa on April 29th.
- Follow Anya, a brave young woman from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s as she sets out to discover the mystery of her past when Broadway Across Canada, the foremost presenter of touring productions in North America, brings Anastasia musical to Ottawa. April 26 to May 1 @ National Arts Centre.
- Head to Green Corners Farm, a u-pick Tulip farm in May to pick your own tulips and enjoy the sights and aromas of over 100,000 tulips.
- Ottawa Fringe Festival’s Undercurrents Festival is back this spring with live and in-person performances. Running from April 20-30 at Arts Court in downtown Ottawa, this exciting event features the best up-and-coming works of contemporary theatre by performers from Ottawa and around the country.
- Take mom to celebrate Mothers Day at NAC and enjoy internationally renowned classical ballet company Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal presentation of beloved fairy-tale Sleeping Beauty from May 12 to 14th.
- Experience the “adventure of food” at C’est Bon Cooking! Here you can learn new tricks and recipes to enjoy that use this product this fresh for Spring! The knowledgeable chef will teach many memorable dishes.
- Cheer the participants or participate in the races during Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend. This is Canada’s largest running and walking festival with six races, including the Ottawa Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, 2K and Kids Marathon, as well as the Lumberjack, Voyageur or Bytown distance challenges.
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Explore Ottawa-Gatineau’s Garden Promenade during Ottawa Garden Days. Ottawa Garden Days is an opportunity for Canadians to enjoy their own garden, visit or take part in their favourite garden experience, get inspired at their local garden centre or travel to a nearby destination to enjoy their favourite garden. From birds to butterflies and frogs, you can spend all day enjoying the gorgeous sites, smells and sounds. 19 Gardens You Should Explore in and Around Ottawa
- Sing with Choir! Choir! Choir! as the Toronto-based group leads the audience to perform a powerful concert on June 5th at the National Arts Centre.
- Have a night of laughter with moms Kristin and Jen as they bring #IMOMSOHARD to National Arts Centre on May 21st.
- Are you a stamp collector? ORAPEX, the Ottawa Regional Association of Stamp Exhibitions will be held at the Nepean Sportsplex on April 23-24, 2022. ORAPEX is one of only a few national-level stamp shows held annually in Canada and is part of the American Philatelic Society’s “World Series of Philately.”
- Ottawa Grassroots Festival is celebrating 10 years this year, The festival will be held from April 21 – 24 at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and will feature amazing line-up of performances and workshops for all ages.
- Explore the interesting exhibitions, galleries, and art from around the globe at the iconic National Gallery of Canada. If you’re wanting to immerse yourselves, splurge on a guided tour or opt for an audio guide!
- Join the ecstatic crowds at TD Place as Ottawa REDBLACKS kickoff their pre-season game against Toronto Argonauts on May 27th.
- Been meaning to flex your creative side? The Mud Oven is a great destination for all things ceramics! Head to the vibrant art studio in the classic Old Ottawa South district! When you visit, you get to pick from a variety of items that you can either paint, glaze or do your hand-crafted ceramics!
- Need more ceramics-themed activity? Meet artists like Katrina Chaytor, Ben Carter, Marianne Chenard and Sami Tsang, and a fantastic panel of experts from across the country during the 2nd annual ceramics conference during June 1st weekend.
- Buy from local artists during one of the largest gatherings of fine artists in the Ottawa Valley. View and appreciate art created by juried artists from across the region from April 30 – May 1, 2022 at Arts Carleton Place Fine Art Show and Sale.
- Need more craft shows as you shop for a Mother’s day gift? Originals – The Spring Craft Sale is Ottawa’s most unique spring shopping event, bringing together the very best handmade talent, from all across Canada to the Nation’s Capital, for four unforgettable days.
- Spring melt makes thundering waterfalls. Plan a journey into nature this spring and see some of Ontario’s most stunning waterfalls.
- Want to experience something 7,700 years old? You can at Mer Bleue Bog, a part of Canada’s Canadian Greenbelt where you can experience a boreal old habitat with many species, rare plants, and other beautiful wildlife. The bog is located on an ancient part of the Ottawa River and consists of 33.43km of protected land.
- Enjoy Ottawa’s scenic beauty and cycle to raise money for the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario on May 1st or for the sailors of the Royal Canadian Navy in June. If you are up to it, join for Rideau Lakes Cycle Tour, a two-day trip to Kingston and back.
- Relax, and soak up the good weather at the peaceful Dow Lake. It is an accessible location, and there are plenty of places to relax and enjoy. If you’re feeling brave you can also rent a kayak, canoe or paddleboat to hit the water.
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Ottawa PoutineFest returns in 2022. Taste the best in traditional, exotic and extreme poutine at City Hall Plaza from April 28 to May 1, 2022.
- Take kids out for a ball game as Ottawa Titans Baseball Club start their 2022 season with an exhibition game against Capitales Quebec on May 10th at RCGT Park.
- Ottawa’s Children’s Festival is a celebration of the best performing arts for young audiences and their families, featuring the finest in theatre, acrobatics, puppetry and music from highly acclaimed international and local artists. It is a perfect way to enjoy May long weekend.
- Experience the wonderful music and performance of Canadian Rockstar – icon, Avril Lavinge! Her tour, which is the first in over a decade, is called “Bite me Canada, 2022!” Are you ready to rock? @ TD Place on May 9th.
- Shop at Westboro Village‘s retailers during Shop the Village event scheduled from May 8th to May 23rd. Checkout special offers, activations, live entertainment and more!
- Inflation biting your desire to redecorate? Shop during the Annual Great Glebe Garage Sale. With a reputation as one of the first and possibly largest neighbourhood recycling events, over the years, the sale has also become a wonderful, spontaneous neighbourhood festival attracting artists and musicians, foodies, all while enjoying the (usually) sunny spring weather.
- Need some serenity? City of Om or Yoga and Wellness Festival returns to Ottawa in 2022 with 45+ classes & workshops on June 4th and 5th.
- Byward Market is one of Canada’s oldest markets that date all the back to 1826! Get a taste of history – and all the fantastic food – with a visit. You can see the creative artisan shops, funky times, and art for sale, too. It’s a pretty special place and we recommend going early in the day – as it gets super busy as the day goes on!
- With longer nights, head out in the evening to experience the joy and tasty brews available at Floral Hall Brewery. This funky joint has everything you can ever crave for craft beers from pilsner to oatmeal stout, IPA and so much more!
- The sauciest festival returns for 2022 edition. Ottawa Ribfest is set to welcome champion Ribbers from all over North America showcasing the best of grill and sauce from June 1 to 5, 2022.
- Showjumping with spectators present is back at Wesley Clover Parks starting May. Events scheduled for this season include Ottawa Dressage Festival, Ottawa Horse Trials and many more!
- Love basketball? Then, get to TD Place to cheer the capital city’s home team. Ottawa BlackJacks playing in the Canadian Elite Basketball League begins their 2022 season on May 25th at TD Place. FYI: The BlackJacks will be hosting the 2022 CEBL Championship Weekend from August 10-14, 2022.
- Want to feel like a celebrity or maybe a famous spy? Take a helicopter tour from Canadian Aviation and Space Museum. You’ll depart from the museum and behold incredible sites like Ott, the city of Gatineau, the Casino du Lac-Leamy and various tourist attractions like the Parliament Buildings. You can do a 10-minute flight for 1, 2 or 3 people or extend your flight and discover as you wish, to the north, along the Ottawa River to the east or west, or the south along the Rideau Canal!
- When is the last time you had some relaxation? If the answer is … hmm…I can’t remember, its time for a pampering session at the iconic Nordic-Spa Nature. A quick 20 minutes outside downtown Ottawa and you will be swept away by the stunning beauty as its set right in nature. Soak in the tubs, get a massage, chill out in the sauna and so much more.
- The Ottawa Valley area is a hiking paradise where beautiful hiking trails are located just minutes away from the Ottawa city centre. Set out for a hike for some fresh air and a chance of scenery on some easy to moderate trails that will get you moving and allow you to see some of the most incredible vistas in the Ottawa region.
- What screams it finally spring more than getting to dine al fresco?! Nibble on tasty bites and drinks at the funky Metropolitan Brassiere & Restaurant that offers live music almost every night. Bon appetite!
- Visit more than 100 significant buildings across Ottawa for free during Doors Open Ottawa held during the first weekend of June. Doors Open Ottawa is the second-largest Doors Open architectural event in North America.
- Visit Manotick Village during the annual Dickinson Days. What began as a birthday celebration for Moss Kent Dickinson, the founder of Manotick, mayor of Ottawa, and builder of Watson’s Mill, has developed into a weekend festival with a parade, fireworks, entertainment, live music performances, wagon rides, meals, booths, farmers market, activities for kids, rock bands, and tours at Watson’s Mill & Dickinson House.
- Enjoy outstanding craft beers, smooth wines and spirits, delicious food, and excellent live entertainment at Orléans Craft Beer Festival scheduled for June 9th to 11th.
- Cheer Canada when Ottawa hosts eight of the top teams in men’s volleyball this June 7 to 12. This will be the first major event for Canada since the Olympics in Tokyo.
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Mud Hero, the largest All-Canadian Obstacle Event Series comes to Ottawa on June 11th. Walk, run, skip and get muddy as you tackle over 18 obstacles and challenging terrain at Commando Paintball.
- Get into the greenery at beautiful Gatineau Park, a mere 15 minutes from downtown Ottawa. It features a 90,000-acre park that offers a variety of activities from bird watching to hiking to a picnic. While there, you can peek into the old Mackenzie King Estate from 1903 which was built by Canada’s 10th prime minister William Lyon Mackenzie King!
- Spend a weekend with Dad at Little Italy and celebrate all things Italian. Check out Ferraris during Ottawa Ferrari Festival, and treat him to Father’s Day luncheon.
- Take in every brushstroke and masterful blending of colours inside a captivating atmosphere as you step inside Monet’s painting when Imagine Monet exhibition comes to EY Centre on June 16th.
- Welcome a summer of Festivals with Ottawa Fringe Festival which unites artists and audiences in a fun, exploratory environment.