The season features the PWHL Ottawa team’s debut, Cirque A La Carte showcases circus arts, while the Robbie Burns Celebration and the National Ballet of Ukraine offer cultural experiences. Festivals like the Greely Winter Carnival, and Winterlude promise varied activities from sports to arts. Music lovers can enjoy the Sam Roberts Band tour, and the Hip Hop Theatre Festival highlights urban culture. Culinary events, film festivals, and unique shows like Disney’s FROZEN and the Iron Cabaret’s “FROSTBITE” add to the city’s vibrant scene.
Réseau Ontario invites participants, delegates and the public to discover Francophone artists from across the country in a showcase (a 20-minute excerpt of a performance followed by an interview to learn more about the artist). A number of Franco-Ontarian artists will perform, including Michel Lalonde, Moonfruits, Sugar Crush, Beau Nectar ... More Details
When:
January 17 to 19, 2024
Where:
Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Boulevard, Ottawa
Come and be delighted by the magical atmosphere of Cirque a la Carte! We’ve created a warm, intimate setting where you will experience an exclusive showcase of circus acts, including aerial acrobatics, juggling, hooping and more all crafted with passion and creativity by talented local artists. Step into the Arts ... More Details
Join us for a brilliant Burns celebration including a traditional Burns Supper, traditional toasts and speeches (expect some great entertainment value here!), and of course whisky and haggis ... More Details
When:
Saturday, January 20, 2024 | 6:00 pm
Where:
National Defence Headquarters Warrant Officers’ & Sergeants’ Mess, 4 Queen Elizabeth Drive, Ottawa
The International Flipper Pinball Association (IFPA) 2023-24 Ontario Women’s Provincial Pinball Championship, will showcase the skills of the top 16 women from across the province as they compete for the chance to represent Ontario in the IFPA Women’s North American Championship ... More Details
This once-in-a-lifetime performance by the world-renowned National Ballet of Ukraine from the Taras Shevchenko National Opera House features excerpts from some of the world’s greatest ballets such as Le Corsaire, Giselle, Don Quixote, while also highlighting Ukrainian culture through traditional dance. The word Nadiya in Ukrainian means “hope” and this ... More Details
The 54th season of the Rideau Canal Skateway will begin on January 21 at 9 am. A 1.9 kilometre section between the Pretoria Bridge and the Bank Street access points, will be open to skaters. Additional sections will open as weather permits ... More Details
50th Annual Greely Winter Carnival with many events. Highlights include square dancing with live music, a youth sports-themed dance, and a firefighters' pancake breakfast. Activities like a magic show, sleigh rides, snow painting, and an adult night with comedy and dinner are planned. The Greely Lion's Club hosts a brunch ... More Details
Don’t miss Ottawa’s most memorable night out. Explore galleries after hours, engage your curiosity with amazing, themed activities, and enjoy three dance floors, each with a different vibe. Or, people-watch with your friends as you soak up the atmosphere of our amazing heritage castle coming alive at night. Join us ... More Details
The Carleton Cup, known to many as “The Ultimate Canadian Triathlon” has 3 legs: Skate Run Drink. The Cup is back and raising hell and money for cystic fibrosis for its 34th year, taking place on the world's largest skating rink; the Rideau Canal. Skate: 6 - 7.8km along the ... More Details
Trend Arlington Winter Carnival will be offering up lots of fun activities and delicious food this year, including: Horse-drawn sleigh rides Magic shows A rainbow gem scavenger hunt Family skating Hockey skill comps Roasting marshmallows over a bonfire Hot food, hot chocolate, cold drinks and snacks This year’s Winter Carnival ... More Details
When:
Sunday January 28, 2024 | 12 pm to 4pm
Where:
Trend Arlington Community Centre , 50 Bellman Drive, Ottawa
The competition will see the Senators roster split into two squads to compete head-to-head in various skill events including the puck control relay, fastest skater, hardest shot, accuracy shooting, skills challenge and the 3-on-3 competition ... More Details
When:
Sunday, January 28, 2024 | 1:00 PM
Where:
Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Drive, Ottawa
The Best Of is a touring selection of prizewinners and highlights from the Banff Mountain Film Festival, an annual event that showcases short films on mountain sports, adventure and the environment. Many of the top award winners are featured in the show, which offers plenty of enlightenment and entertainment for ... More Details
Emerging in the 1970s from disenfranchised Black communities in the Bronx, hip hop has deeply influenced Canadian culture for over four decades. The five elements of deejaying, emceeing, graffiti, breaking and knowledge characterize hip hop not only as a musical genre but a lifestyle and culture – a highly performative ... More Details
Created in 2020 for The National Ballet of Canada, Angels’ Atlas received two Dora Mavor Moore Awards: Crystal Pite for Outstanding New Choreography, and Jay Gower Taylor for Outstanding Achievement in Design ... More Details
It’s cold outside, Canada and there is no better way to warm up than with La Poutine Week. La Poutine Week – a week long food festival taking place from February 1st until February 7th celebrating the great French-Canadian classic – poutine! Brought to you by the geniuses behind Le ... More Details
Will Ottawa maintain their title of Best Chef in Canada? OR Will Ottawa be crowned Best Chef in Canada again in 2024? OR?? Come witness who will be crowned this year’s Canadian Culinary Champion! Taste, drink and cheer on Canada’s best! 10 OF CANADA’S BEST CHEFS • 3 INTENSE COMPETITIONS ... More Details
Discover beautiful Pinhey’s Point Historic Site on a guided evening snowshoe tour of the museum grounds. Learn about the Pinhey family and winters in March Township as well as the natural and the built history of the 88-acre park located alongside the Ottawa River ... More Details
When:
Fridays, February 2, 9, 16, 23 | 7 PM to 9 PM
Where:
Pinhey’s Point Historic Site, 270 Pinhey’s Point Road, Dunrobin
Join in for the annual winter carnival, Shiverfest. A lot of the favourite activities including free public skate, magic show, pancake breakfast, sleigh rides, bingo, curling demos and Trivia Night and more! ... More Details
Winterlude transforms Canada’s Capital Region into the ideal destination to celebrate Canadian traditions in wintertime. Winterlude has brightened winter in Canada’s Capital Region since 1979. Indoor and outdoor activities for all tastes Whether you are seeking ideas for indoor activities or outings with family, by yourself, as a couple or ... More Details
The BeaverTails Ottawa Ice Dragon Boat Festival presents “Live @ The Rainbow” headlined by Chris Murphy, Dizzy, Elliott BROOD, JJ Wilde, Joel Plaskett, OMBIIGIZI, Rare Americans, and Wintersleep. The festival’s spectacular free indoor concert series takes place February 2-19 as part of Ottawa’s 46th Annual Winterlude at Ottawa’s legendary home of live music, The Rainbow. The lineup features performances from Alanna Sterling, Bastards and the ... More Details
When:
February 2 to 19, 2024
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 2, 2024 10:30 WINTERSLEEP 9:15 M.T. WALKER 8:00 STEPH LA ROCHELLE
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 3, 2024 10:30 JJ WILDE 9:15 THE NEW HIRES 8:00 STOBY
SUPPORT: Grand Public The Adventures of Ben Blank tour. Sam Roberts released his debut in 2002, following a popular independent demo recording he had made in Montreal. Before that point, he had been a violin player who eventually moved on to guitar and started a rock band with his friends ... More Details
Young and old alike will have fun outside while taking part in winter sports and activities on the grounds of the official residence and workplace of the governor general. Discover Rideau Hall’s beautiful winter grounds and learn about how you can be active outside during the coldest months of the ... More Details
When:
Saturday, February 3, 2024 | 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Produced by Ottawa Fringe. Our winter festival shows the best original, contemporary theatre being created by Ottawa performers and visiting artists. There will be French language productions and some French late-night programming, with opportunities to catch select French performances with English captioning. The lineup at undercurrents explores a vast landscape ... More Details
This February, Mādahòkì Farm, as an official Winterlude partner, will be presenting a wide range of programming. We invite everyone to reconnect with the land while learning about Indigenous traditions. Pibòn (Winter) Festival, Winterlude Edition promises authentic Indigenous experiences, family fun for young and old offered daily. Festival Highlights Enjoy ... More Details
Frost & Fire Winter Festival is back! Enjoy a jam-packed day in Perth this Family Day weekend, with a mix of indoor and outdoor activities for people of all ages ... More Details
Every February, it’s party time. Giant pennants, colourful garlands and musical confetti in the air ... the signs are unmistakable! It’s the BIG BANG, two days of sonic adventures that transform every square centimetre of the National Arts Centre into a delightful treasure trove of surprises. Get ready for one mind-blowing discovery ... More Details
Get Your Maple Fix in North America’s Only Urban Sugar Shack Less than 5 km from downtown Ottawa, the Vanier Sugar Shack is the only operating sugar shack in an urban setting in North America. Located in a 17.5-acre sugar bush in the heart of the nation’s capital, the Vanier ... More Details
When:
February 18 to April 28, 2024
Where:
Vanier Museopark, 300 des Pères-Blancs Ave., Vanier
Eastern Ontario’s newest and largest whisky event will bring 500 whisky lovers from all over the country to enjoy vendors, speakers, classes, activities, live music, and so much more. 30+ Whisky Vendors Fine Dining + Food Pairings Ice Sculpting Hole in One + Prizes Outdoor Cigar Lounge Live Bands Ice ... More Details
When:
February 22 to 24, 2024
Where:
Hammond Golf and Country Club, 600 Du Golf Road, Hammond
The Montréal-born and Paris-based singer, songwriter, and creator exhales raw truths through a haze of nocturnal production, leaving pieces of her story on tape. After generating hundreds of millions of streams and earning widespread praise courtesy of Harper's BAZAAR, The FADER, Interview, W Magazine, and more, the four-time JUNO Award ... More Details
It all Started With A Song ten years ago, and ever since, Brett Kissel has had an extraordinary rise to superstardom in the Canadian country music scene. With three Platinum and ten Gold singles, two Gold-certified albums, and sixteen Top-10 radio hits, he has become one of the countrys ... More Details
From the producer of The Lion King and Aladdin, FROZEN, the Tony®-nominated Best Musical, is now on tour across North America and the critics rave, “It’s simply magical!” (LA Daily News). Heralded by The New Yorker as “thrilling” and “genuinely moving,” FROZEN features the songs you know and love from ... More Details
Over 200 million viewers tuned in to Britain’s Got Talent to witness the birth of a phenomenon: the unveiling of an electrifying new illusionist, Darcy Oake. From sleight of hand to death-defying escapades, this master magician grabbed the world’s attention, ushering in an exciting new era of an age-old art ... More Details
w/ Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats City and Colour, acclaimed singer, songwriter and performer Dallas Green, has announced a Canadian arena tour that will include a stop at Canadian Tire Centre on Friday, Feb. 23. The tour is in support of Green’s critically praised seventh studio album The Love ... More Details
When:
Friday, February 23, 2024 | 7:00 PM
Where:
Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Drive, Ottawa
Join us for the 2nd Annual Ottawa I❤︎BEER & Taco Festival for a fun night of beer, cider and spirits sampling, games, dancing, people watching and TACOS! 🎲 Board Games 🌶️ Hot Sauce Sampling brought to you by Fury Hot Sauce 👀 People Watching 💧 Free Filtered Water Stations 🚰 Cup ... More Details
HarpSparks is all about embracing new sound worlds and greater creativity, using the harp to foster broader interdisciplinary collaboration and community. The inaugural festival includes a harp masterclass with Emily Levin from the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, an improvisation workshop with local guitarist and composer Roddy Ellias, and a concert for ... More Details
Come one, come all to an Ottawa spring tradition! The Alta Vista Community Association Local Food Committee, a group of community gardeners interested in food security, is working with Just Food and Seeds of Diversity to host this event in Ottawa for 2024. What’s going on? - Seed sales and ... More Details
Held annually in mid-March features a variety of cultural and social events, including the annual St. Patrick's Parade and Party presented by the Irish Society and partners. Together with various organizations within the community the Ottawa Irish Festival celebrates, promotes, and strengthens Irish/Irish-Canadian culture and heritage. Who is it for? ... More Details
Discover why no dream is too big at Disney On Ice presents Into the Magic. Seek adventure in the great wide somewhere with Belle as she explores the Beasts enchanted castle, experience Moanas courage to embark on a voyage with demigod Maui to save her island, and sing-along with Miguel ... More Details
When:
March 7 to 10, 2024
Where:
Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Drive, Kanata
Welcome to Byward Beerfest 2024! Join us at Lowertown Brewery, located in the vibrant ByWard Market, for a night of beer-filled fun and excitement. Get ready to indulge in a variety of craft beers, delicious food, and live entertainment! We'll kick off the festivities and celebrate the thriving beer culture ... More Details
The all-ages festival will present more than 15 artists across 7 stages and exhibition spaces, including groundbreaking audio/visual performances, DJ sets, performance art, exhibitions, and more ... More Details
Renowned comedian, podcast host, actor and author Bert Kreischer is extending his Tops Off World Tour. Bert Kreischer’s career has evolved from being Rolling Stone’s 1997 "Number One Partier in the Nation," to one of the top grossing stand-up comics in the business, and most recently, star of a major ... More Details
Sponsored by the Ottawa Valley Seed Growers, the 92nd edition of the Ottawa Valley Farm Show will be held at the EY Centre! Of particular interest to farm families and other rural residents, the show displays everything from machinery, seed, and equipment, to agricultural associations and financial services. We also ... More Details
The International Film Festival of Ottawa (IFFO) brings an eclectic mix of shorts and features from around the globe to Canada’s capital. Held annually in March by the Canadian Film Institute, IFFO is hosted at the Ottawa Art Gallery, the ByTowne Cinema and other venues all within the Ottawa downtown ... More Details
The festival is a jam-packed extravaganza of fun and laughs featuring local and national and international acts. Friday Acts: - World-renowned improviser, Jill Bernard from HUGE theater in Minneapolis will be presenting her solo show - Drum Machine - An All-star set of four headlining acts - Catch Filmed Before ... More Details
When:
March 14 to 16, 2024
Where:
Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 355 Cooper Street, Ottawa
Step into the world of “Frostbite,” where the art of seduction meets spectacular acrobatics in Ottawa’s most tantalizing cabaret experience. This is not just a show; it’s an electrifying journey through the realms of sensuality and physical artistry, destined to ignite your senses and leave you spellbound. For two exclusive ... More Details
with Special Guest 49 Winchester. Corb Lund has received multiple CCMA, JUNO, and international award nominations and wins. A rural Albertan hailing from the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with a long family lineage of ranchers and rodeo people, Lund is about as authentic as they come. Embracing both his ... More Details
AEW is a red-hot professional wrestling promotion featuring a world-class roster that is injecting new spirit, freshness and energy into the industry. HOW MUCH Tickets : $25 - $150+fees How to get tickets? Buy Online Phone: 1-855-985-5500 In person at venue boxoffice WHEN & WHERE Date & Time: Saturday, March ... More Details
When:
Saturday, March 16, 2024 | 7:00 PM
Where:
Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Drive, Ottawa
Organized by the Vanier Museopark, the Sugar Festival is an annual, family-friendly event that promotes the culture of maple syrup as well as local Franco-Ontarian and Indigenous artists. A flagship event in the Museopark’s public programming, the Vanier Sugar Festival celebrates the traditions of the sugar season, while allowing visitors ... More Details
The Harlem Globetrotters 2024 World Tour presented by Jersey Mike’s Subs is coming to Canadian Tire Centre on Monday, March 19. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters global tour as they take the court with moments of extreme basketball innovation and unparalleled fan ... More Details
When:
Tuesday, March 19, 2024 | 7:00 PM
Where:
Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Drive, Ottawa
VERSeFest, Ottawa's International Poetry Festival, returns for our fourteenth glorious year of events. This year's festival, as part of our ongoing rebuilding year, will feature a wide range of award-winning performers in English and French. A mix of readings and performances will allow participants and poets to gather once more ... More Details
When:
March 21 to 24, 2024
Where:
Various Locations, Ottawa
How much:
Free to $12
Outdoor Winter Fun
1. Go Ice Skating
Located in neighbourhoods throughout Ottawa are outdoor skating rinks. So get your skates and go skating!
Tobogganing is hands down the favourite winter activity for many, especially the young ones. So why not grab your favourite sled and get ready to slide. The snowy hills at Gatineau Park offer some of the region’s best sledding experience. List of sledding hills in Ottawa.
3. Go on a Ride
Fat biking is a wonderful way to keep warm in winter. Head over to SJAM Winter Trail or the Britannia Winter trail. Gatineau Park also has over 30 km of snow biking trails that can be accessed with a snow biking pass.
Enjoy the winter snow, spectacular views, and great outdoor activities at the Greenbelt! Activities in winterinclude sledding at Green’s Creek Hill, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice-fishing, in addition to winter hiking.
Located near Gatineau Park (45 minutes from Ottawa), Skating in the Forest offers the unique experience of skating on a 3 km nature trail. This enchanting site is also a great place to enjoy a winter walk or go snowshoeing.
8. See Birds at Mud Lake
Mud Lake, located within Lac Deschênes, is a major migratory corridor and is a popular site for bird watching.
9. 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. The snowshoe trail at the park is now accessible at zone 11. Book an overnight stay at the cozy Wolf Cabin. Located one hour from Ottawa.
Discover stunning landscapes, spectacular trails, and winter adventure at the park. This all-season park is now a winter wonderland, where you can enjoy cross-country skiing, snow biking. snowshoeing, hiking, as well as overnight camping. Plan to visit on weekdays to avoid the crowds.
There are many art installations, murals, and graffitilocated throughout the city. House of PainT has created a map you can use to tour the murals and graffiti.
12. Go Snowshoeing
Strap on a pair of snowshoes and explore the many trails within the city. Not only is this a great exercise, but also a great way to stop and appreciate the season. You can also explore Ottawa’s Greenbelt on a snowshoe. Gatineau Park also has dedicated snowshoe trailsthat can be accessed using a trail pass. Other places you can enjoy snowshoeing are Parc Omega and Arbraska Laflèche. Meandering through Wesley Clover Parks are snowshoe trails maintained by the Kanata Nordic Club that can be accessed with a day pass.
13. Go Cross-country Skiing
There are hundreds of kilometers of groomed, scenic trails to enjoy in Ottawa including:
Explore the many geocaches located throughout the city. If you though geocaching is challenging, try geocaching in winter! This family-friendly activity uses a mobile app or a GPS device. Check out the trails where you can enjoy Geocaching Trails.
Hike through the city parks looking for winter birds.
16. Winter Fun at RiverOak Estate
With trails that pass through orchards, forests, and meadows, it is no surprise that the winter trails at RiverOak Estates are so popular. Grab your skates or snowshoes, hockey or ringette sticks, and enjoy your time outdoors. Located 30 minutes from downtown Ottawa.
Experience winter with Countryside Adventures. Located 45 minutes east of Ottawa is a place where families, couples, or groups can enjoy a day out in the open. You can enjoy skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
18. Enjoy Night Skiing
Head over to Camp Fortune with 12 lit runs to enjoy night skiing and boarding. Night skiing can also be enjoyed at Mont Cascades.
Embrace winter and the great outdoors at the Mill of Kintail Conservation Area. The beautiful trails here are perfect for a family getaway. Located 45 minutes from Ottawa.
A picnic in winter may sound unusual, but believe me, this is a really fun way to enjoy winter. So dress warm, pack hot food and drink, and head to your favourite picnic spot.
23. Enjoy a Snowman Adventure
Enjoy snowshoe trails, tours of the Laflèche Cave, and more at Arbraska Laflèche.