Victoria Day Weekend Events & Activities in Ottawa
Friday, May 15 – Monday, May 18, 2026.
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 connect with nature and take in 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, which are open exclusively for active use. Whether you’re biking, walking, running or skating, this program is for you! Details
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 while 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 Parc Omega. Drive through the nature park and observe wild animals from the northern hemisphere, like wolves, elk, 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 of 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.
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This is 2017 article, not yet updated for 2018.