Weekend in Ottawa

The world's largest naturally frozen skating rink, stretching 7.8 km through downtown Ottawa. Open January to February weather permitting. Skate rentals cost $15-$20, but walking o

Tip: Check the NCC's skateway status online before heading out—it closes when ice is unsafe. Bring your own skates to save cash; the rental huts at Fifth Avenue and Rideau Centre often run out of sizes by noon.

UNESCO World Heritage canal that becomes the world’s largest skating rink in winter (7.8 km). In summer, it’s a scenic walking/cycling path along the water.

Tip: Rent skates at Fifth Avenue or Dow’s Lake for cheap–bring cash. January–February is peak ice season; check NCC’s website for conditions.

A sloping green park between Parliament and the National Gallery. Perfect for a picnic with views of the Ottawa River, Gatineau, and the Alexandra Bridge.

Tip: Bring your own lunch; the park has tables and benches. Best photo spot of Parliament from the southeast corner.

World's largest naturally frozen skating rink, stretching 7.8 km through the city centre in winter.

Tip: Rent skates at Fifth Avenue Court for CAD 20-25; go early on weekdays for smoother ice and fewer crowds.

The world's largest naturally frozen skating rink, running 7.8 km through downtown. Skate rentals are cheap, but the ice is free.

Tip: Skate from Dow's Lake toward downtown at 7am to avoid crowds—the ice is freshly groomed and quieter. Bring your own skates to save $15.

The world's largest naturally frozen skating rink, stretching 7.8 km through the city core from downtown to Dows Lake. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and a winter highlight.

Tip: Skate rental and locker hire cost about $15-$20 from vendors at Fifth Avenue or downtown. Check the NCC's website before you go—the canal only opens when ice is thick enough, usually mid-January to late February. Go on a weekday morning to avoid crowds.

The world's largest naturally frozen skating rink, running 7.8 km through the city centre. Skate rentals and hot chocolate kiosks are available, but skating itself costs nothing.

Tip: Rent skates from the kiosk at Fifth Avenue (midpoint) to avoid downtown crowds. Check the NCC website for ice conditions before heading out—it's usually open January to late February.

The world's largest naturally frozen skating rink—7.8km through downtown. Skate on the UNESCO World Heritage canal for free if you bring your own blades.

Tip: Check the NCC website for ice conditions; mid-Jan to late Feb is peak. Rent skate from kiosks at Fifth Avenue (under $20). Bring a thermos of hot chocolate.

In winter, the Rideau Canal becomes the world's largest skating rink, stretching 7.8 km from downtown to Dows Lake. Free to skate.

Tip: Skip the busy downtown section. Skate from Pretoria Bridge to Dows Lake for smoother ice and less crowding. Rent skates at Fifth Avenue kiosk.

Canada's premier art museum, housed in a glass-and-granite building with a massive spider sculpture outside. Its permanent collection includes Indigenous art, Canadian Group of Sev

Tip: Thursday free entry means queues by 5pm sharp. Enter via the Sussex Drive ramp to skip the main lobby line. The cafeteria has decent coffee for $3, cheaper than nearby cafés.