Exploring Ottawa in the Winter

In December, we decided to take a trip to Canada’s capital city, Ottawa to explore the area to see what there was to do in the winter season. We hadn’t been to visit in a few years, but we found that the outdoor gatherings that Ottawa has to offer were so refreshing. There are so many winter activities to get you and your family outdoors that you cannot get it all done in one visit.

The WestInn

We booked a stay with The WestInn Ottawa because of its downtown location. It is perfectly located for the best views and walking distance to everything we wanted to do. This hotel is also attached to the fabulous Rideau Shopping Centre which was great when traveling with a baby to be able to get to the mall without having to bundle up. The room was spacious and accommodating, we were able to have breakfast brought to our room from the hotel restaurant. The service was lovely, and the views were stunning, as we were able to see the Ottawa Christmas lights and the Parliament Building.

The Parliament Building

This was the main attraction for us, visiting Ottawa. We had the perfect view of the Parliament Building from our room.  We knew that Parliament Hill hosts a Holiday Show, displayed before and around the Christmas season. This was unforgettable and the best part about our trip here. Each evening, a multimedia projection show features captivating digital imagery and sound. It is a beautiful winter-themed show and is presented on a 15- minute loop. Visitors of all ages gathered around the wintery scene and watched as the show projects onto the Parliament Building.

ByWard Market

The ByWard Market is Ottawa’s number one tourist attraction. This experience offers shopping, dining, arts, entertainment, and professional services that you won’t want to miss on your stay here. This destination holds thousands of visitors per weekend in the summer months and stays equally as busy in the winter season as well. ByWard is home to a local farmer’s market and artisans with many stands and hundreds of businesses.

Trail of Lights

Ottawa’s downtown Sparks Street holds a dazzling trail of lights during the Christmas season. From the West Inn hotel, we stayed at, we had a great view of this beautifully lit alleyway. This is a pedestrian street that is glowing with wreaths, garlands, and decorated trees. A great spot to walk with a warm beverage and take many photos as you go, with all the lit-up backdrops. We walked this every night of our visit, and it was so festive and enjoyable to do as a family.

Historic Canal

When in Ottawa, a visit to the historic Rideau Canal is a must. This is a visitor’s paradise with many lock stations and its 202-kilometre scenic waterway. The waterway stretches from Kingston, at the foot of Lake Ontario, to Ottawa. It is maintained by Parks Canada and is one of the most historic waterways in North America. Whether you are traveling by boat, car or on foot, the Rideau Canal I something you must see. There is also a museum you can visit to more learn about the history and construction of the Canal.

While in Ottawa, we walked the entire time to all our destinations. We thoroughly enjoyed sightseeing on foot and walking with a stroller, however, there are many things that we couldn’t do in our short visit to the city’s capital, and here’s what we would’ve done with more time.

Sleigh Rides

Cundell John Stables is in the heart of the ByWard Market and offers carriage rides throughout the downtown core. This family-owned and operated business is one of the last stables located in the market square and is a lovely way to tour around through the historic buildings.

Rideau Canal Skate way

Visit the world’s largest ice rink on the 7.8 kilometers of this famous waterway. The Rideau Canal Skate way provides four heated dressing rooms, along with rental facilities and food and beverage. A great way to get exercise and enjoy a winter’s day with your family.

Outdoor Activities

The Ottawa region becomes a playground with festivals happening throughout the season to enjoy the outdoors. There are multiple ice-skating rinks located throughout the city as well for those that don’t want to skate on the canal.

Christmas Lights

Ottawa is home to some of the largest parks in Canada. Check out some of these areas, by enjoying a walk in the snow in the evening to see all the lights and the wintery scenery.

This beautiful city is so welcoming and easy to explore. We had such a great few days here spending quality time as a family. The location of our stay was the best spot possible for our trip, and I would recommend a stay at The WestInn for every visit to this city. If you are visiting this area, I would recommend taking the time to enjoy Ottawa to the extend we did. Research all that Ottawa has to offer, this city is always thriving and there is so much to see and do for any age. Your Ottawa adventure awaits.