Ottawa 
Victoria Day Weekend Events & Activities in Ottawa
Friday, May 19 – Monday, May 22, 2023
A list of activities and events to do during the Victoria Day long weekend in Ottawa.
Contents:
- Activities
- Events
Activities
1. Go Hiking
The Ottawa Valley area offers many hiking trails and walking opportunities for families to enjoy some fresh air and beautiful scenery not too far away from the Ottawa city core. These relaxed trails and green spaces are accessible and will allow the entire family to get connected with nature and check out the most stunning vistas in the Ottawa Valley region.
- 25 of the Best Hikes in and Around Ottawa
- 20 Family Hikes and Walks in and Around Ottawa
- 25 Must-Visit Nature Attractions and Nature Hotspots in and Around Ottawa
2. NCC Weekend Bikedays
Enjoy car-free biking this weekend. Outdoor enthusiasts will be able to enjoy close to 20 kilometres of scenic parkways in the heart of Ottawa, that are open exclusively for active use. Whether you’re biking, walking, running or skating, this program is for you! Details
Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway | 8 am to 4 pm, Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway | 8 am to 4 pm, Colonel By Drive | 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Other Biking Pathways:
- Kanata Loop Trail, Ottawa
- The Rideau Trail
- The Rideau River, Falls & Hall Ride
- Experimental Farm Pathway
- Greenbelt Pathway West
- Leamy Lake Pathway
- Ottawa River Pathway
- Rideau Canal Western Pathway
- Rideau River Eastern Pathway
- Voyageurs Pathway
3. Go Fishing
Looking for a great fishing spot to call your own? Cast a line at:
Where to fish:
- West Carleton—Morris Island Conservation Area, Fitzroy Harbour, Fitzroy Provincial Park, MacLaren’s Landing, Buckham’s Bay Port of Call marina
- Nepean North—Shirley’s Bay, Crystal Beach, Dick Bell Park, Champlain Bridge
- Ottawa East—Rockcliffe Yacht Club, Blair Road
- Orléans East—Petrie Island
- Vanier Parkway—New Edinburgh Park, Riverain Park
- Downtown—Dow’s Lake, Brewer Park, Billings Bridge Plaza area, Windsor Park, Brantwood Park, OC Transpo Bridge (between Lees and Hurdman Stations)
- Hunt Club Bridge South to Manotick—Eccolands Park, Black Rapids locks, Chapman Mills Conservation Area, Riverside Park
- Manotick Area—Walter Upton-Collins Park, Rideau Township marina
- Kars and Osgoode Area—Long Island marina, Kars recreation area, Kars public wharf, W.A. Taylor Conservation Area
- Dilworth Road, off Highway #416—Baxter Conservation Area, Reeve Craig boat launch
- Kemptville and Kemptville Creek—Rideau River Provincial Park, Muldoon Launch, Pirate Cove Marina, Curry Park
4. Explore some waterfalls
Warm spring temperature means, melting ice and thunderous waterfalls. Spend a sunny spring day outdoors and use the opportunity to see some of the most stunning melting waterfalls in and around Ottawa. Remember to wear reliable hiking shoes when you go.
5. See some public art
Check out some of Ottawa’s Public art features! You can see many of them from your car or walking around the city.
House of PainT has created a map you can use to tour the murals and graffiti.
6. Go Birding
With spring setting in, see whether you can spot baby birds on your day out! This is also an awesome way to get to know your city and find some new parks in Ottawa.
Mud Lake located within Lac Deschênes is a major migratory corridor and is a popular site for bird watching.
7. See animals at Parc Omega
Breathe in the fresh air at the Parc Omega. Drive through the nature park and observe wild animals from the northern hemisphere, like wolves, elks, and deer – all from the comfort of your vehicle.
8. Hunt for Geocaches
Explore the many geocaches located throughout the city. This family-friendly activity uses a mobile app or a GPS device. Check out the trails where you can enjoy Geocaching Trails.
9. Visit a Garden
Sculpture gardens and flower gardens are the perfect blend between nature and art, featuring art installations from local and international artists concerning multiple different themes.
10. Plan Your Summer Garden
Get your kids to plant and maintain a summer garden this year. It’s time to start planting seeds indoors and planning what your summer will have in store. Visit Garden Centres with kids and plant a summer garden.
11. Play Golf
Book a tee time at your nearest golf course.
12. Laze around a beach
The beaches are not officially open (with lifeguards) this weekend. But you can still visit and walk along the shores.
Gatineau Park Beaches:
- Meech Lake, Gatineau Park
- O’Brien Beach
- Blanchet Beach
- Philippe Lake, Gatineau Park
- Breton Beach
- Parent Beach (for campers only)
- Smith Beach (for campers only)
- La Pêche Lake, Gatineau Park
- La Pêche Lake beach
- Leamy Lake, Gatineau
- Leamy Lake beach
City of Ottawa Beaches
- East Ottawa: Petrie Island Beach, 727 Trim Road.
- West Ottawa: Britannia Beach, 2805 Carling Avenue.
- South Ottawa: Mooney’s Bay Beach, 2926 Riverside Drive.
- Central Ottawa: Westboro Beach, 745 Sir John A. MacDonald Parkway.
Events During Victoria Day Weekend
Rideau Carleton Casino, 4837 Albion Road, Ottawa
May 22, 2023
613-864-5323
FREE
Celebrate the long weekend with a bang! Join us for a free dazzling fireworks display at Rideau Carleton Casino on Monday, May 22 at dusk. Outdoor family entrances ... »
Upper Canada Village, County Rd 2, Morrisburg
May 21, 2023
Regular Admission
Join in the celebration as our 1860s Village celebrates Queen Victoria’s birthday. Sing “God Save the Queen”, hear historical patriotic speeches, see grand military manoeuvres’, lace ... »
Laugh Lounge, 61 York Street, Ottawa
May 21, 2023
4168978177
$20
What’s up Ottawa! Who’s down for some big laughs? On Victoria Day Long Weekend, The Triple Decker Comedy Tour comes to Ottawa, Sunday May 21st! ... »
588 Hog’s Back Road, Ottawa
May 20, 2023 To October 8, 2023
$27 to $37
A Pirate’s Life provides interactive ‘pirate life’ theatrical experience with a boat cruise in a look-a-like pirate ship. Join the scurvy crew and live the Pirate ... »
The Log Farm, 670 Cedarview Road, Nepean
May 20, 2023 To September 4, 2023
$12.50
The entire experience is outside enjoying nature, with acres of space to run and play. Lots of animals to see, feed and touch. Hay play structures to ... »
40 owl lane, Foresters Falls
May 20, 2023 To September 17, 2023
$117 & up
Experience the great Canadian river trip – this is a travel-path forged by First Nations, traversed by fur traders since the 1600’s and fostered by foresters at the ... »
The Hull Marina, 160 Laurier street, Gatineau
May 20, 2023 To May 21, 2023
888-450-3991
$25 to $55
Be prepared to drop it down and bring it up, it’s time to party Ottawa! Ottawa Boat Parties presents Victoria Day Long Weekend Boat Party Toronto 2023. ... »
Southam Hall, 1 Elgin, Ottawa
May 20, 2023
$48 - $98+fees
Alexandra Stréliski is a Montreal-based pianist who creates minimalist and cinematic music. As Billboard calls her “one of the foremost new stars in modern classical”, Noisey ... »
Club SAW, 67 rue Nicholas Street, Ottawa
May 20, 2023
$15 - $29+fees
WolfGANG Sessions at Club SAW is a night of music that is sure to entertain. Grab your adventurous friends and take them out for a wild night ... »
Wesley Clover Parks, 401 Corkstown Road, Ottawa
May 20, 2023 To May 21, 2023
Free
The Sweetly Affordable Art Fair (SAAF) is an exhibition offering a wide selection of affordable art and artisanal items for visitors to choose from. With most pieces ... »
Britannia Beach, 102 Greenview Ave, Ottawa
May 20, 2023 To September 17, 2023
$74 to $89
From the sweep of the river, the Ottawa looks as majestic as when Champlain re-discovered it four centuries ago. This one-of-a-kind trip has everything, right in Canada’... »
Herb Garden, 3840 Old Almonte Rd., Almonte
May 20, 2023
Free
Events by Ollie Grey presents: The Herb Garden Market! 🪴 A local small business market at the stunning Herb Garden venue in Almonte. There will be 30+ vendors selling ... »
The Stadium at TD Place, Ottawa
May 20, 2023
Free
The team is excited to announce that FAN FEST is returning to The Stadium at TD Place on Saturday, May 20th! Bring your family and friends to ... »
Red Bird Live , 1165 Bank Street, Ottawa
May 20, 2023
6479624545
$15
Toronto-based songwriter Melissa Lauren is that rarest of performers, one as comfortable in jazz as in pop, as well as the space where the two genres converge. ... »
Theatre du Casino du Lac-Leamy, 1 Blvd du Casino, Gatineau
May 19, 2023 To May 20, 2023
$51.08 - $61.08+fees
Canada’s newest hit show is back by popular demand. Motown Soul is a live concert experience celebrating some of the biggest names in music such as ... »
Rideau Curling Club, 715 Cooper Street, Ottawa
May 19, 2023 To May 21, 2023
$10 to $25
CanGames gathers hundreds of miniatures, role-playing and board gamers together in over 300 different games spread over the convention’s 8 time slots. All manner of gamer experiences, across ... »
Dundonald Park, 516 Somerset St W, Ottawa
May 19, 2023 To August 25, 2023
Free
Bring your favourite fold-up chair or picnic blanket and join your neighbours for a FREE SHOW Fridays 6:30-8pm featuring a roster of rotating local talent. You ... »
Wesley Clover Parks, 401 Corkstown Road, Ottawa.
May 18, 2023 To May 21, 2023
Free
The Ottawa Dressage Festival is Canada’s largest dressage show. It is presented by National Capital Dressage, a private, not-for-profit organization whose mission is to promote the ... »
Azrieli Studio, 1 Elgin, Ottawa
May 18, 2023 To May 20, 2023
$15 - $35+fees
You could call it a striptease of the soul or, at least, a theatrical exposure. On stage alongside his luminous 3D avatar, actor, author and director Emmanuel ... »
Southam Hall, 1 Elgin, Ottawa
May 18, 2023 To May 19, 2023
$15 - $99+fees
Anna Thorvaldsdóttir’s Catamorphosis is a living, breathing orchestral work inspired by “the fragile relationship we have to our planet.” As Thorvaldsdóttir explains, this swirling, ... »
Babs Asper Theatre, 1 Elgin, Ottawa, ON K1P 5W1 CA
May 18, 2023 To May 27, 2023
$15 - $59+fees
NAC Indigenous Theatre in association with Theatre Calgary presents the Belfry Theatre and Savage Society production of Little Red Warrior and His Lawyer. From director and Governor ... »
Rock Dunder Hiking Trail, Stanley Lash Lane, Lyndhurst
May 15, 2023 To November 15, 2023
$6
Rock Dunder is a treasure that lies within the UNESCO Thousand Islands Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve. Rising 275 feet above Morton Bay, Rock Dunder provides breathtaking views of ... »
Rockcliffe Flying Club, 1495 Sir George-Étienne Cartier Pkwy, Ottawa
May 15, 2023 To November 15, 2023
$45 to $199 per person.
Enjoy the views of Parliament and downtown Ottawa from above! Travel along the picturesque Ottawa River, Strap on your aviator’s cap and goggles and get a ... »
Anywhere, Canada
May 14, 2023 To May 31, 2023
$50
Run or walk in your community or from the comfort of your home, all at your own pace. The virtual Sporting Life 10K can take place anywhere—... »
Mr.Lube parking lot, 1442 Baseline Road, Ottawa
May 14, 2023 To October 15, 2023
Free
Join for the night market in town thatis great place to shop, and support local! Live Music, Good Food, and a whole lotta fun! Different Magical Musicians ... »
Various Restaurants, Ottawa
May 14, 2023 To May 20, 2023
Varies
Renew your love for unique restaurant experiences. Dive into a city-wide culinary experience like none other at Taste Ottawa. We invite everyone in Ottawa to enjoy an ... »
Kanata Theatre, 1 Ron Maslin Way, Kanata
May 9, 2023 To May 20, 2023
613 831 4435
$18 -$25
Cecily, Reggie and Wilfred are in a home for retired opera singers. Each year, on the 10th of October, there is a concert to celebrate Verdi’s ... »
All across Canada
May 6, 2023 To May 21, 2023
Science Odyssey is Canada’s biggest festival of science and technology with over 1000 activities for explorers of all ages. »
The Gladstone Theatre, 910 Gladstone Avenue, Ottawa
May 6, 2023 To June 4, 2023
$60+fees
All aboard, sisters! The hysterical sequel to the smash-hit Menopause The Musical® is finally here ! Five years after their chance encounter in a department store, we set ... »
Various Venues, Ottawa
May 6, 2023 To October 8, 2023
Free
Every weekend from May to October, the NCC opens parkways in Ottawa exclusively for active use, morning and afternoon. Whether you’re biking, walking, running or skating, ... »
Planet Fitness Locations, Canada
May 5, 2023 To August 31, 2023
Free
Planet Fitness is offering free passes to teens with its High School Summer Pass program, allowing Canadian high schoolers aged 14-19 to work out for free at ... »
Ottawa Little Theatre, 400 King Edward Avenue, Ottawa
May 3, 2023 To May 20, 2023
613-233-8948
$14 to $30
The life of a teenager hangs in the balance when he is tried for the brutal stabbing of his father. The open-and-shut case becomes anything but when ... »
Ottawa Art Gallery, 50 Mackenzie King Bridge, Ottawa
April 1, 2023 To August 27, 2023
613-233-8699
Free
This retrospective exhibition highlights the work of Ottawa-based artist Norman Takeuchi. Together, this array of drawings, paintings, and prints spanning the years 1961 to 2022 demonstrate the continuity of ... »
Little Ray's Nature Centre, 2781 Colonial Rd, Sarsfield
March 9, 2023 To June 1, 2023
613-822-8924
$150-$345
Little Ray’s Nature Centre is open for VIP private tours of our new nature centre aiming to open this summer! Explore all the animals and new ... »
Canadian Museum of History, 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau
February 4, 2023 To July 4, 2023
$14.00 - $21.00
SK Films and BBC Earth announce the release of their upcoming documentary, “ARCTIC: OUR FROZEN PLANET,” produced by BBC Studios’ globally-renowned Natural History Unit and narrated by ... »
Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod St, Ottawa
December 14, 2022 To April 3, 2024
Regular Admission
Come face-to-face with live owls in this special outdoor exhibition! Mysterious and fierce hunters, owls inspire stories of transformation and wisdom in cultures around the world. In ... »
Alliance Française, 352, rue MacLaren, Ottawa
November 26, 2022 To May 27, 2023
$50
L’Alliance Française Ottawa lance le programme des « Petits penseurs ». Il s’agit d’un atelier d’initiation à la philosophie réservée aux enfants âgé... »
This is 2017 article, not yet updated for 2018.