Seasonal Spotlight: Things to Do in Ottawa Year-Round
June 9, 2025
Spring in Ottawa feels like walking through a watercolour painting. Summer here sizzles with live music and sunsets over the Rideau Canal. Fall drapes the city in fiery reds and golds. Winter? A snowy playground made for skating and ice sculptures. This Things to Do in Ottawa guide will spark your wanderlust with friendly tips, vivid ideas, and even flight links to get you here. Ready to dive in?
Spring & Summer: Bloom, Splash, and Groove
When tulips burst into color, Ottawa becomes a festival of petals. Summer heats up with outdoor concerts and café patios. Here’s how to make the most of these sunny months:
- Tulip Time at Commissioners Park
- Wander among 300,000 tulips in every hue.
- Catch live folk and jazz shows during the Canadian Tulip Festival.
- Pack a picnic and relax on the sloping lawns.
- Paddle the Rideau Canal
- Rent a kayak or paddleboard from Dow’s Lake.
- Glide past charming bridges and boathouses.
- Stop at a waterside café for an iced latte.
- ByWard Market Nights
- Dance to buskers playing everything from blues to reggaeton.
- Sample street eats: poutine fries, tacos, and artisan ice cream.
- Sip a local craft beer on a breezy balcony.
To kick off your adventure, Fly direct to Ottawa You’ll be smelling blossoms in no time!
Autumn: Colorful Trails & Cozy Flavors
As leaves turn amber and scarlet, Ottawa feels like a storybook. The crisp air calls for warm drinks and scenic hikes.
- Gatineau Park Day Trip
- Drive or shuttle to the park’s entrance.
- Hike King Mountain Trail for 360° fall vistas.
- Reward yourself with apple cider donuts at the summit kiosk.
- Pumpkinferno at Upper Canada Village
- Walk a glowing path of hundreds of carved jack-o’-lanterns.
- Sip hot mulled wine under twinkling lights.
- Join a carving workshop to take home your own mini masterpiece.
- Cozy Café Crawl
- Start with a maple latte at a ByWard Market café.
- Try a chai chai pie at a hipster spot in Hintonburg.
- End with a gooey grilled cheese at a family-run diner.
For leaf-peeping flights, Book flights from Vancouver to Ottawa Autumn magic awaits!
Winter Wonderland: Skate, Slide, & Sparkle
Don’t let the cold scare you away—Ottawa’s winter is pure enchantment.
- Skate the Rideau Canal
- Lace up at the world’s largest naturally frozen rink.
- Warm up with hot chocolate from canal-side shacks.
- Try ice canoeing if you’re feeling brave!
- Winterlude Festival
- Marvel at towering ice sculptures carved by pros.
- Race down the giant ice slides at Jacques Cartier Park.
- Also look for Fringe Festival
- Snowshoe & Ski
- Rent gear at Camp Fortune in nearby Gatineau.
- Follow trails through silent, snow-laden forests.
- Toast marshmallows in the chalet’s cozy lounge.
Catch Last minute flights to Ottawa: for a spontaneous snowy getaway.
Year-Round Gems: Culture, Food, & Hidden Finds
No matter the season, Ottawa always has surprises in store.
- National Gallery & Museums
- Explore Canadian art at the National Gallery.
- Dive into history at the Canadian Museum of History.
- Discover quirky exhibits at the Canada Science and Technology Museum.
- Parliament Hill
- Take a free guided tour inside Canada’s heart.
- Watch the military Changing of the Guard ceremony.
- Stay after dark for the Northern Lights sound-and-light show
- Foodie Trail
- Brave beavertails (sweet, fried dough) at the ByWard Market.
- Seek out hidden ramen joints in Chinatown.
- Indulge in farm-to-table dinners at local bistros.
When you’re ready to book, try Cheap round-trip flights to Ottawa Your all-year-fun pass is one click away!
Step-by-Step Travel Tips
Planning makes every trip smoother. Here’s your quick checklist:
- Choose Your Season: Pick blooms, sunshine, foliage, or snow.
- Book Your Flight: Sign up for alerts and grab deals like Book Cheap Flight Tickets from Toronto to Ottawa
- Reserve Your Stay: Downtown B&Bs, riverside hostels, or luxury hotels—your call!
- Pack Smart: Layer up in winter, bring rain gear in spring, and don’t forget sunscreen in summer.
- Get Around: Use an OC Transpo day pass or rent a bike for easy city hopping.
With these steps, you’ll breeze through planning and focus on fun.
Conclusion: Your Adventure Starts Now
Ottawa shines in every season, offering Things to Do in Ottawa that spark joy, curiosity, and wonder. From tulip-filled springs to ice-lit winters, this city’s energy is contagious. Use our flight links—like Flights from Toronto to Ottawa Airport or Best flight deals to Ottawa—to claim your spot. Now it’s your turn: pick a season, pack your sense of wonder, and get ready for an Ottawa adventure you’ll never forget!