272 results found
Celebrating 170 years, this premier agricultural exhibition features livestock shows, demolition derby, midway rides, 4-H competitions, and traditional country fair entertainment from October 1-4.
Ottawa Valley's premier agricultural fair since 1946, featuring demolition derby, livestock shows, truck and tractor pulls, the World Record 50 Horse Hitch, homemade goods, and family entertainment.
The world's largest touring inflatable park featuring a massive bouncy castle, obstacle courses, slides, and more. Multiple age-specific sessions available over three days.
Canada's national birthday celebration featuring live music, cultural performances, family activities, and spectacular fireworks across multiple downtown locations including Parliament Hill and LeBreton Flats.
Guinness World Record-holding inflatable amusement park spanning 3 acres with over 50,000 sq ft of interconnected bouncing zones, obstacle courses, and attractions for all ages.
Celebrate Indigenous cultures with a Competition Pow Wow, drone show, live performances, Indigenous marketplace, culinary experiences, and family fun at Wesley Clover Parks.
North America's largest dragon boat festival featuring three days of racing on the Rideau River, live concerts, family activities, and local food vendors.
The Festival Franco-Ontarien celebrates its 50th anniversary with three days of francophone music, street art, food, and family-friendly activities at Major's Hill Park.
A family-friendly medieval and renaissance festival featuring live music, stage shows, interactive characters, and renaissance-themed vendors in Maxville.
Annual night market in Ottawa Chinatown featuring Asian street food, live performances, and artisanal goods over three days.
Ontario's biggest monster truck show featuring 7 monster trucks including Rat Nasty and Overkill Evolution, plus freestyle motocross, BMX competitions, and lawnmower races.
Bunnypalooza is a community event focused on domestic rabbit care, local rescues, bunny-friendly vendors, and public education around rabbit welfare.
Join the community at Orleans Blooms for a day of local vendors, gardening talks, kids' activities, and a BBQ, all in support of community projects.
Ottawa's largest community garage sale since 1986. Hundreds of Glebe residents sell from their front lawns, driveways, and porches.
Annual BBQ rib and poutine festival in Kanata featuring top ribbers, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities.
A family-friendly multisport festival in Gatineau with 1 km, 2.5 km, 5 km and 10 km events, plus performances, activity zones, and cultural programming.
A free accessibility and adaptive living expo with 150+ organizations, adapted sports, free clinics, and the Chronic & Iconic Makers' Market.
The world's largest free tulip festival featuring over 300,000 tulips blooming along the Rideau Canal, with fireworks finale and displays across the city.
Annual community book fair with over 30,000 gently used books. 100% volunteer-run and donation-based, supporting local outreach programs.
Join the CAA North & East Ontario Brand Ambassadors at CN Cycle for CHEO and visit the CAA kiosk for a free prize while supporting oncology care and research at CHEO.
The Ottawa Orchid Society presents its 42nd annual show featuring stunning orchid displays, a photographic exhibition, vendors selling orchid plants and supplies, and growing tips from society members.
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Ottawa's ultimate poutine celebration with over 30 vendors serving creative takes on Canada's favourite comfort food.
Annual touring figure skating show featuring Olympic champions, world champions, and Canadian skating stars including Kaetlyn Osmond and Elvis Stojko.
Orléans PoutineFest marks the kickoff to spring in Orléans with more than 75 kinds of poutine at Centrum Plaza.
14th annual multi-day music and community festival celebrating diverse cultures and languages with evening concerts and free daytime workshops and performances.
A bilingual Afro-Caribbean movement and dance class at the NAC led by Cultural Arts Studio facilitator Suzan Richards.
A free Centretown community gathering in Dundonald Park with family activities, performances, environmental outreach, and electronics recycling.
Ottawa's longest-running parenting and kids expo featuring demonstrations, play zones, character meet-and-greets, free entertainment, and activities for families.
Explore the four-storey Cold War bunker while searching for Easter eggs, making crafts, and enjoying family-friendly activities.
Family-friendly Easter celebration at Billings Estate with egg hunts, crafts, a petting zoo, and a visit from the Easter Bunny.
A free one-day festival celebrating visual narrative arts with 40+ artists selling original comic books, graphic novels, and zines, plus panels and a free comic book workshop.
Celebrate spring at Cumberland Heritage Village with an Easter Bunny visit, petting zoo, scavenger hunt, and hands-on family activities.
The first shopping opportunity of the year with 60+ local vendors, live music, and a kids' colouring contest — free parking and admission.
Easter weekend celebration featuring forest egg hunt, sugarbush tours, wagon rides, animal visits with bunnies, and play areas. Advance tickets required.
Celebrate spring at the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum with newborn animals, chocolate tastings, egg demonstrations, and family activities.
Annual Easter egg hunt over four days featuring farm animals, egg hunting activities, and springtime fun. Online reservations required.
An original Canadian production perfect for children aged four to fifteen, featuring the orchestra with a special spotlight on the percussion section and vivid farmyard narration.
Celebrate the 41st year of Ottawa's beloved sugar festival at Canada's only urban sugar shack, featuring maple taffy, live music, mini-farm, and lumberjack competitions.
Hop aboard a tractor-drawn wagon for a ride to the sugarbush to hunt for lost Easter eggs at Stanley's Olde Maple Lane Farm.
Hit Broadway musical reimagining Juliet's story with iconic pop hits from Max Martin. Created by the Emmy-winning writer of Schitt's Creek. Ages 8+.
Ottawa 67s OHL home game vs Kingston Frontenacs at The Arena at TD Place.
Ottawa 67s OHL home game vs Oshawa Generals at The Arena at TD Place.
Ottawa 67s OHL home game vs Peterborough Petes at The Arena at TD Place.
Ottawa 67s OHL home game vs Brampton Steelheads at The Arena at TD Place.
Ottawa's St. Patrick's Day Parade returns to celebrate the Bicentennial of Bytown with a new route that frames the city's skyline.
Free museum admission every Thursday evening with special exhibitions on Canadian military history. Reservations required.
Free family activities and crafts about counterfeiting and bank note design during both Quebec and Ontario March Breaks. Interactive exhibits about money and economy.
Family-friendly maple season celebration featuring pancake house, sugar bush tours, wagon rides, petting farm, and maple syrup production demonstrations.
Experience traditional maple season at this heritage working farm with sugarbush tours, tractor rides, maple taffy, animal barn, and more.
Experience a sixth-generation family sugar bush with sleigh rides, maple taffy, walking trails, campfires, and certified organic maple products.
A brand-new stage show inspired by DreamWorks Animation's magical preschool series, featuring Gabby, Pandy Paws, and the Gabby Cats on an adventure to rebuild a rainbow.
Ottawa 67s OHL home game vs North Bay Battalion at The Arena at TD Place.
A traditional Irish breakfast fundraiser hosted by the Irish Society of the National Capital Region at the Heart and Crown in Barrhaven.
Ottawa 67s OHL home game vs Niagara IceDogs at The Arena at TD Place.
A spellbinding visual spectacular fusing cirque acrobatics, classical dance, and contemporary theatre with the NAC Orchestra playing music from Wicked, Harry Potter, and more.
Celebrate Ottawa's 200th anniversary with the theme 'Voices of a City,' featuring over 50 historical societies, museums, and heritage organizations at City Hall.
Ottawa 67s OHL home game vs Barrie Colts at The Arena at TD Place.
Ottawa 67s OHL home game vs Kitchener Rangers at The Arena at TD Place.
Ottawa 67s OHL home game vs Oshawa Generals at The Arena at TD Place.
Ottawa 67s OHL home game vs Owen Sound Attack at The Arena at TD Place.
Ottawa 67s OHL home game vs Brantford Bulldogs at The Arena at TD Place.
A free outdoor winter festival at the Governor General's residence featuring skating, live music, embassy activities, bonfires, hot chocolate, and tours of the State rooms.
Watch world-class freestyle snowmobilers soar up to 40 feet in the air during this Winterlude weekend event in the heart of ByWard Market.
Experience a mini Pow Wow featuring Grand Entry, intertribals, invited drums, and dancers of many styles and ages in the Grand Hall.
Local and diverse DJs perform vibrant sets on Sparks Street during Winterlude. Pause, warm up, and dance along on festive Sparks Street!
Ottawa 67s OHL home game vs Peterborough Petes at The Arena at TD Place.
Gatineau's winter wonderland featuring tube slides, snow mazes, obstacle courses, live performances, and family fun at Jacques-Cartier Park.
Experience ice sculptures, ice carving competitions, sound and light shows, fitness classes, and more at this official Winterlude site in downtown Ottawa.
Ottawa 67s OHL home game vs Saginaw Spirit at The Arena at TD Place.
Ottawa 67s OHL home game vs Oshawa Generals at The Arena at TD Place.
Ottawa 67s OHL home game vs Peterborough Petes at The Arena at TD Place.
Ottawa 67s OHL home game vs Les Olympiques de Gatineau at The Arena at TD Place.
Ottawa's largest indoor vintage and artisan market featuring 150 vendors offering antiques, vintage clothing, handmade goods, and one-of-a-kind finds.
Free public skating at Rideau Hall's refrigerated historic rink, established 1872. Restored heritage Winter Pavilion. Weather dependent, open through March 29.
Year-round pancake house and maple experience featuring sugar bush tours, two museums, maple products, and seasonal activities in Lanark County.
Skate on the world's largest skating rink – a 7.8 km stretch of the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of Ottawa.
Ottawa 67s OHL home game vs Guelph Storm at The Arena at TD Place.
Ottawa 67s OHL home game vs Kingston Frontenacs at The Arena at TD Place.
Ottawa 67s OHL home game vs Brantford Bulldogs at The Arena at TD Place.
Award-winning magic show featuring Canadian magician Aaron Matthews and mind-reading dogs! Mind-blowing magic, laughter, and jaw-dropping canine tricks trained with positive reinforcement.
Ottawa 67s OHL home game vs Peterborough Petes at The Arena at TD Place.
Ottawa 67s OHL home game vs Windsor Spitfires at The Arena at TD Place.
Join the Ottawa Symphony for a festive holiday performance featuring heartwarming seasonal favourites and a special audience carol sing-along.
Ottawa 67s OHL home game vs Flint Firebirds at The Arena at TD Place.
Ottawa 67s OHL home game vs Barrie Colts at The Arena at TD Place.
Ottawa 67s OHL home game vs North Bay Battalion at The Arena at TD Place.
Kick off the festive season with evergreen trees, dazzling decor, and holiday cheer at the annual Holiday Market!
Ottawa 67s OHL home game vs Oshawa Generals at The Arena at TD Place.
30+ vendors in the Grand Hall offering great gifts, crafts and creations! Door prize draws, live music, and a visit from Elf. Perfect for holiday shopping!
Ottawa Senators take on the Los Angeles Kings at Canadian Tire Centre.
Ottawa 67s OHL home game vs Niagara IceDogs at The Arena at TD Place.
3rd Annual Holiday Market featuring over 275 local vendors and artisans offering unique gifts, festive décor, food, drinks, and holiday magic inside lush tropical greenhouses.
Ottawa 67s OHL home game vs Sarnia Sting at The Arena at TD Place.
Ottawa Senators take on the Boston Bruins at Canadian Tire Centre.
Ottawa Senators take on the Dallas Stars at Canadian Tire Centre on Remembrance Day.
The National Remembrance Day Ceremony honouring Canadian veterans and fallen soldiers, featuring dignitaries, two minutes of silence at 11 a.m., wreath-laying, and military flypast.
Ottawa Senators take on the Utah Hockey Club at Canadian Tire Centre.
Free all-ages event featuring 100+ vendor tables with comics, collectibles, and unique novelties. Includes Ghostbusters and LEGO displays with family-friendly activities. Cosplay encouraged!
Ottawa's Largest Pet Festival featuring 200+ vendors, Canine Fun Zone, SpeedWay Lure Course, Feline Fest with TICA cat show, Bird & Small Animal Zone, and Reptile, Plant & Aquatic Expo.
Three-day celebration of Mexican culture featuring art, gastronomy, music, and dance in honor of the traditional Day of the Dead.
The NAC Orchestra turns Southam Hall into a playground of sound and suspense with eerie, epic, and haunted music straight out of your favourite Halloween playlist.
Interactive performing arts program for children aged 18 months - 5 years. Singing, dancing, games, story time and creative play with instructor Jesse Kahat.
Free LEGO Witch building event for kids! Build and take home your own LEGO Halloween creation while supplies last.
Come trick or treat with Mayor Mark Sutcliffe at Ottawa City Hall! Witches and reapers guard the entrance as visitors explore the shadowy halls and courtyard pumpkin patch.
Spooky afternoon of free treats, trick-or-treating, costume contest, and free pumpkin giveaway! Community resources available. Bring the whole family!
Westboro Village's annual trick-or-treating event with support from Real Canadian Superstore. Get extra use out of those costumes and fill your bag with treats from local shops!
Discover the world of chocolate! Meet award-winning chocolate makers from across Canada, sample their creations, attend presentations and pairings. First 25 get goodie bags!
Four incredible days of discovery! Crystals, fossils, gems, jewelry, and geological wonders from across Canada and beyond. Buy direct from miners, artists, and rock pros.
A spooktacular, dog- and family-friendly Halloween event with costumes, games, vendors and support for local rescues!
Annual pumpkin party with 400 pumpkins, pizza, ice cream, costumes, and bouncy castles! Pumpkins provided by Foster Family Farm.
Immersive steampunk experience with 30 exhibitors, 8 activities, and 2 competitions! Explore 19th century Outaouais forests where enchanted creatures meet industrial progress.
Free Halloween-themed dental event for children! Face painting, photo booth, and fun introduction to dentistry. Come in costume and learn about dental tools in a fun way.
Annual family-friendly Halloween neighbourhood event with music, kids activities, free yoga class, and pumpkin giveaway at Princess Margriet Park.
Free pop-up performances showcasing classical Indian dances (Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam) at the National Arts Centre, celebrating Diwali - the vibrant festival of lights.
Third annual Day of the Dead celebration with authentic Mexican cuisine, Mariachi band Los Paisanos, local vendors, free hot chocolate, and Day of the Dead vibes! Come dressed as your best Sugar Skull.
Fun for the whole family at historic Watson's Mill! Tours, scavenger hunt, games, crafts, horse & wagon rides, and final flour grind of the year.
Find five spooky buds hidden in Westboro Village business windows from October 10-31 for a chance to win one of ten ghoulish goodie bags valued over $100 each!
Free Thursday evening admission with seasonal refreshments, live music, and art-making activities. Presented by BMO at the Scotiabank Great Hall.
Experience a nighttime walk through over 9,000 hand-carved illuminated pumpkins at this spectacular fall event running select nights from October 3 to November 1.
Celebrating 169 years, this premier agricultural exhibition features livestock shows, demolition derby, midway rides, 4-H competitions, and traditional country fair entertainment from October 2-5.
Interactive map showing the best Halloween decorations and haunted houses across Ottawa and Gatineau. Add your own decorated home to the map!
Eastern Ontario's Most Terrifying Halloween attraction! 33rd year featuring spooky wagon ride, House of Terror, Spooky Village, and Fog Maze. Day sessions family-friendly, night sessions more intense.
31st annual PumpkinFest transforms the farm into a giant Halloween playground! Face painting, mazes, petting farm, wagon rides, pumpkin patch, and more. Just minutes from Orleans.
Ottawa's favourite fall family destination featuring pumpkin patches, haunted attractions, mazes, live shows, wagon rides, and autumn activities. Weekends from Sept 20 - Nov 1.
A heritage barn packed with beautiful handmade goods from around the world. Features live music, delicious food, lawn games, and meaningful cultural exchange supporting 2500+ artisans worldwide.
35+ local vendors offering fresh seasonal produce, meat & dairy, baked goods, prepared foods, and crafts. Everything produced within 100km of Ottawa!
60+ local vendors in beautiful Byron Linear Park! Fresh seasonal produce, meat & dairy, baked goods, prepared foods, crafts, and food court. Everything produced within 100km of Ottawa.
Over 100 live butterflies from 20+ species flutter in the museum solarium. New pupae arrive weekly from Costa Rica and Philippines. Included with museum admission.
Ottawa's largest not-for-profit flea market at Lansdowne Park with 150+ vendors selling vintage clothing, antiques, handmade goods, and food. Free admission, twice monthly on Saturdays.
Ottawa's new central library, a joint facility with Library and Archives Canada. Expected to open in late 2026. The name means "to tell a story" in Anishinaabemowin.
The largest go-kart facility near Ottawa with two outdoor tracks totalling over 1 km. Super karts reach 70 km/h. Open seasonally from mid-April to early November.
A waterfront park on the Ottawa River in Nepean, featuring a splash pad with pirate ship play structure, bandshell for summer concerts, scenic ponds with fountains, and a direct connection to the Ottawa River cycling pathway. Free admission and parking.
An adventure park in Val-des-Monts featuring the largest tourist cave on the Canadian Shield, aerial treetop courses, ziplines over a turquoise lake, and North America's largest outdoor trampolines. About 45 minutes from downtown Ottawa.
A free, interactive museum exploring economics and monetary history. Home to the National Currency Collection with over 110,000 artifacts, plus hands-on exhibits including a rocket ship inflation simulator and a design-your-own banknote station.
A small island park on the Ottawa River near the Champlain Bridge, popular for kayaking, river surfing, fishing, and watching the Champlain Rapids.
A charming neighbourhood farmers' market in New Edinburgh Park, near Rideau Hall. Small, curated selection of local produce, meats, cheeses, and baked goods.
One of Ontario's most iconic parks, featuring the 100-metre Mazinaw Rock with over 260 Indigenous pictographs — a National Historic Site. 530 campsites, three beaches, 40 km of trails, and canoe-in backcountry camping on Mazinaw Lake, Ontario's third deepest. About 2 hours 45 minutes from Ottawa.
A guided underground cave system near Eganville, Ontario, about 1.5 hours west of Ottawa. Formed over 500 million years ago on the floor of a tropical sea, the caves feature ancient fossils, stalactites, and unique rock formations. Tours run approximately one hour, departing every 20-30 minutes. Open Victoria Day weekend through Thanksgiving weekend.
A family favourite in the Ottawa Valley with a shallow sandy beach on Round Lake, calm Bonnechere River paddling, and a radio-free campground. 129 sites plus rustic cabins and a cottage. Known for its accessible trails, oxbow lake wildlife viewing, and relaxed atmosphere. About 2 hours from Ottawa. Open May to October.
A sandy Ottawa River beach with supervised swimming, connected to the 60-hectare Mud Lake Conservation Area — one of Canada's premier birding sites with 248+ species recorded. Free admission and parking.
Ottawa's most popular off-leash dog park — a large, fenced area with wooded trails, open grasslands, and a community atmosphere. Part of the NCC Greenbelt trail system.
Nepean indoor playground with a gated toddler-only area, ball pits, slides, sand and Lego tables. Private party rooms and hosted birthday packages.
One of Canada's oldest and largest public markets, established in 1826. Home to over 600 businesses including restaurants, boutiques, and a year-round indoor market with seasonal outdoor vendors.
Canada's largest waterpark, located 30 minutes east of Ottawa in Limoges. Features 35+ water slides, the country's largest wave pool, two lazy rivers, three kids' areas, and the Summit Tower — the tallest freestanding slide tower in Canada. Open mid-June to early September.
A year-round outdoor adventure resort in Chelsea, Quebec, just 15 minutes from downtown Ottawa. Home to 23 ski runs, a 1.5 km Peak to Peak zipline, a mountain pipe coaster, aerial park, and 20+ km of mountain biking trails.
A working farm in the heart of Ottawa, part of the Central Experimental Farm. Home to cows, horses, sheep, pigs, chickens, and rabbits. Especially popular in spring when baby animals are born. Free daily admission 4-5 PM.
Canada's largest aviation collection with over 130 aircraft, the original Canadarm from Space Shuttle Endeavour, and the largest surviving piece of the Avro Arrow. Free admission daily from 4-5 PM.
Canada's national science and technology museum, part of the Ingenium network. Features interactive galleries, a children's innovation zone, transportation exhibits, and hands-on demonstrations. Free daily admission 4-5 PM.
Canada's national museum of human history, located across the river in Gatineau with sweeping views of Parliament Hill. Features the Canadian History Hall, an immersive Canadian Children's Museum, and the Grand Hall with the world's largest indoor collection of totem poles. Free Thursday evenings 5-7 PM.
Canada's national natural history museum, housed in a landmark Victorian sandstone building. Features dinosaur fossils, a blue whale skeleton, the world's largest display of Canadian birds, and an Arctic gallery. Free Thursday evenings 5-8 PM for all.
Canada's national museum of military history, featuring four chronological galleries, a massive vehicle hall, and the architecturally striking Memorial Hall. Free admission every Thursday 5-7 PM.
One of the largest producer-based farmers' markets in Eastern Ontario, drawing 80+ vendors every Saturday from May through October.
A 427-hectare National Historic Site in the heart of Ottawa, home to ornamental gardens, a free tropical greenhouse, the Fletcher Wildlife Garden, and the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum. Active agricultural research farm since 1886 with year-round free access to grounds.
A 12-screen Cineplex theatre on Carling Avenue featuring UltraAVX and ScreenX. Originally opened in 1998 as Ottawa's first megaplex cinema, it continues to serve the west-central Ottawa community.
A 7-screen neighbourhood Cineplex theatre in Barrhaven, serving Ottawa's fast-growing southwest community with a convenient, family-friendly cinema experience.
A 12-screen Cineplex theatre at South Keys on Bank Street, offering a classic neighbourhood cinema experience popular with families and south Ottawa moviegoers.
A riverside park in Gloucester with a covered BBQ gazebo, splash pad, basketball court, playground, soccer fields, and a viewing deck overlooking the Rideau River. Free admission and two parking lots.
Japanese-style claw machine arcade inside St. Laurent Shopping Centre with token-based play and VIP membership options.
The original Ottawa-style pizzeria, established in 1967. Thin-crust pizza with diverse toppings and a loyal local following. Five locations across the city.
The home of the Canadian Tulip Festival, with over 300,000 tulips across 26 flower beds along the shore of Dow's Lake. Free to visit year-round.
Ottawa's largest indoor playground on Ogilvie Road in the east end. Massive multi-level play structure, games room, private party rooms, and a toddler-friendly area.
Ottawa's long-running indoor rock climbing gym with top rope, lead, bouldering, auto belays, and youth climbing programs. Family drop-in climbing welcome.
Family entertainment centre on Merivale Road with 120+ arcade games, a massive claw machine zone, VR experiences, and birthday party packages.
Japanese-style claw machine arcade in Chinatown with UFO catchers, gachapon, photo booth, and an artist alley. All ages welcome.
The world's largest escape room inside a real Cold War nuclear bunker in Carp — 25,000 sq ft across an entire floor, with museum admission included.
A 26-hectare arboretum on the Central Experimental Farm, home to over 1,700 species of trees and shrubs. Free to visit, with scenic lookouts over Dow's Lake and the Rideau Canal. Connected to the canal pathway network.
A waterfront pavilion on Dow's Lake offering boat rentals in summer, skate rentals in winter, and lakeside dining year-round. A key Tulip Festival site in spring and a gateway to the Rideau Canal Skateway in winter.
Ottawa institution serving Indian food for over 40 years. Famous for the lunch buffet — one of the best in the city. Family-run with locations downtown and in the west end.
Ottawa's only dedicated kids escape room venue in Barrhaven. Three difficulty tiers by age (6-8, 8-10, 10-12) and a $210 two-hour birthday party package.
One of the closest provincial parks to downtown Ottawa, about 40 minutes west at the confluence of the Carp River and Ottawa River. 235 campsites across two campgrounds, two sandy beaches, hiking trails through glacial landforms, and a 300-year-old bur oak stand. Open mid-May to mid-October.
Ottawa's biggest indoor trampoline and adventure park in the east end. Birthday party packages include 2.5 hours of jumping, pizza, and a private party room.
Ottawa's largest indoor amusement centre featuring the city's only roller coaster, laser tag, escape rooms, VR attractions, bumper cars, a 100+ game arcade, and a dedicated toddler play area. No admission fee -- pay per activity with credits.
A 361-square-kilometre conservation park just 15 minutes from downtown Ottawa. Home to over 165 km of hiking trails, beaches, lakes, and the Mackenzie King Estate. Free to enter; parking fees apply at some lots in summer.
Kanata's go-to all-you-can-eat sushi spot. Order fresh-made nigiri, rolls, tempura, and hot dishes right to your table — no steam trays, just continuous rounds until you're full.
A series of 18-metre waterfalls on the Rideau River, created during the construction of the Rideau Canal in the 1830s. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Rideau Canal system, with locks, walking trails, and picnic areas. Spectacular frozen ice formations in winter.
Retro arcade and pinball bar on Bank Street with $0.25 classic games, 17+ pinball machines, and famous handmade pierogies. Family-friendly until 8pm on weekends.
A 22-hectare waterfront park in Gatineau across the river from Parliament Hill, home to Winterlude's Snowflake Kingdom — North America's largest snow playground. A major venue for Canada Day celebrations with views of the Ottawa skyline and fireworks.
Ottawa's largest movie theatre with 24 screens including IMAX, located in Kanata. Features recliner seating across all auditoriums for a premium moviegoing experience.
A mixed-use urban park in The Glebe featuring the historic Aberdeen Pavilion, TD Place stadium and arena, the Ottawa Farmers' Market, shops, restaurants, and public green spaces along the Rideau Canal.
A 1 km outdoor karting circuit with nearly 50 years of history. Home to the Ottawa Gatineau Karting Championship. Freshly repaved for 2026 with new rental karts.
Downtown game pub with 800+ board games and 300+ video games in a 150-year-old building, with discounted entry for kids under 12.
Per-room priced escape rooms in Gloucester — $89-$129 per room (not per person), making it the best value for large groups at ~$16/person for 8 players.
A downtown park overlooking the Ottawa River, Parliament Hill, and the Rideau Canal locks. One of Ottawa's best spots for spring tulips, summer festivals, and views of the city's landmarks. Free and open daily.
Ontario's biggest AYCE buffet chain, with a Kanata location serving 100+ dishes — Chinese, sushi, pizza, salad, carving stations, and dessert. A go-to for family celebrations.
48-lane bowling centre on Merivale Road with glow-in-the-dark Rock 'n' Bowl, bumpers for kids, an arcade, and three affordable birthday party packages.
Award-winning farmers' market south of Ottawa, voted Best Farmers' Market in the Ottawa Awards six years in a row. Features local produce, meats, baked goods, and seasonal events.
One of Ottawa's most popular parks, combining a supervised sandy beach on the Rideau River with one of Canada's largest playgrounds, an international-standard athletic facility, and winter cross-country skiing. Free admission.
A 1,239-hectare park on Big Rideau Lake, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Rideau Canal. Home to the Silver Queen Mine — the only publicly accessible mica mine tour in Ontario Parks. About 90 minutes from Ottawa with car camping, beaches, hiking trails, and pioneer heritage sites. Open mid-May to mid-October.
Children's fitness centre in Barrhaven for kids aged 6 weeks to 10 years. Private birthday parties with instructor-led games, music, and gymnastics activities.
Canada's premier art museum, housed in a landmark Moshe Safdie glass-and-granite building on Sussex Drive. Home to the world's most comprehensive collection of Canadian and Indigenous art, plus European masterworks and contemporary pieces — over 93,000 works in total. Free every Thursday evening 5–8 PM.
A volunteer-run, not-for-profit cinema at the Rideau Community Hub showing family-friendly second-run films on Saturday afternoons. All proceeds are donated back to the community through the Family Movie Trust Fund.
Long-running gymnastics facility in Westboro offering recreational and competitive programs, plus drop-off PD Day camps for ages 4-12 with gymnastics, trampoline, and games.
Ottawa's main animal shelter on West Hunt Club Road, offering unique animal-themed PD Day camps where kids learn about animal welfare through tours, presentations, and hands-on sessions.
A 2,200-acre drive-through wildlife park in Montebello, Quebec, about an hour east of Ottawa. Home to over 60 species of North American animals including wolves, bears, bison, elk, moose, and caribou. Open every day of the year.
A historic outdoor public market in Hintonburg, operating since 1924. Known for fresh produce, flowers, and a popular Wednesday Night Market in summer.
Canada's seat of federal government and a National Historic Site, featuring the iconic Peace Tower, the Centennial Flame, and free guided tours of the West Block and Senate. Centre Block is closed for renovation until the early 2030s.
A 291-hectare island with two Ottawa River beaches, over 7 km of nature trails, and Class 1 wetlands with 450+ plant species and 130+ bird species. Kayak rentals available in summer, ice fishing and cross-country skiing in winter.
Nepean's glow-in-the-dark indoor mini golf. 18 holes under blacklight, with birthday party packages that include a private room, host, and a birthday shoutout.
Multi-sport recreation centre on Riverside Drive with swimming, curling, bowling, and fitness. Offers drop-off PA Day camps for kids ages 4-12, one of Ottawa's best-organized single-day camp programs.
A scenic park along the Ottawa River known for its balanced rock sculptures by artist John Felice Ceprano, panoramic river views, and year-round outdoor activities including the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink in winter. Perfect for walks, cycling, and boating in summer.
The closest Ontario provincial park to downtown Ottawa, just 40 minutes south on the historic Rideau River. 186 campsites across two campgrounds, sandy beaches, canoe and kayak rentals, and a pet-friendly loop. Open May to October.
Family-friendly escape room on Bank Street with 6 private rooms starting from age 7 — free adult admission for groups with kids under 10.
A 100-acre award-winning family farm in Munster featuring the world's largest collection of hedge mazes, seasonal events including PumpkinFest, FrightFest, and A Country Christmas, plus summer activities and a spring tulip festival.
A 16-screen Cineplex theatre in Ottawa's east end featuring IMAX, 4DX, UltraAVX, D-BOX, and ScreenX. One of Ottawa's most feature-rich cinemas with a wide range of premium viewing formats.
A two-lake park about 100 minutes southwest of Ottawa, known for excellent fishing — walleye, bass, pike, and trout across Sharbot Lake and Black Lake. 176 campsites across four campgrounds, a sandy beach, canoe rentals, and laundry facilities. Pet-friendly throughout. Open late May to mid-October.
A quiet, smaller park on a clear lake about 90 minutes southwest of Ottawa. 146 campsites across three campgrounds, two sandy beaches, and canoe/kayak/SUP rentals. A hidden gem known for great swimming and a relaxed atmosphere. Open late May to mid-October.
Modern Indian restaurant in south Ottawa with an extensive menu covering North and South Indian classics. Known for attentive service, trendy atmosphere, and convenient Hunt Club location with free parking.
26,000 sq ft bowling and arcade centre in Kanata with 18 lanes, modern arcade games, a full-service restaurant, and birthday party packages.
A year-round Sunday flea market on Carp Road with indoor and outdoor vendors selling vintage goods, antiques, and retro finds. Free admission and parking. Home to Elizabeth's Barbie Museum.
A 6-hectare riverside park in Sandy Hill on the banks of the Rideau River. Features the Lord Strathcona Fountain (1909), a popular playground, summer wading pool, Odyssey Theatre performances, and the Adàwe Crossing bridge connecting to Overbrook. Free year-round.
A community favourite since 2000, open 365 days a year. Known for St. Louis-style wings with 15+ sauces and Tuesday wing night specials.
One of Ottawa's best all-you-can-eat sushi spots with multiple locations. Good variety, fair prices, and consistent quality. The AYCE menu covers sushi, rolls, and cooked dishes.
Ottawa's only outlet mall with 75+ brand-name stores offering 25–65% off retail. Located in Kanata with free parking, open-air shopping, and dining options including Chick-fil-A.
Ottawa's only year-round go-kart track with a 440-metre indoor/outdoor circuit. Sodi RT8 gas karts reach up to 70 km/h. Open to ages 8 and up.
Kanata's family-focused escape room with 4 difficulty levels including a Kids Level (ages 8-12) — no jump scares, no dark rooms, all family-friendly themes.
One of Canada's largest living-history museums, transporting visitors to an 1860s rural Ontario village with over 40 heritage buildings, costumed interpreters, working mills, and artisan demonstrations. About one hour south of Ottawa in Morrisburg.
A 28.9-hectare riverside park along the Rideau River, popular for picnics, barbecues, and family outings. Features sheltered picnic areas with electrical hook-ups, a playground, wading pool, and direct connection to the Capital Pathway cycling network.
A large riverside park stretching 5.6 km along the Ottawa River with 416 campsites, four beaches, and two boat launches. One of the biggest campgrounds near Ottawa with plenty of availability. About 75 minutes east of downtown. Open mid-May to mid-October.
One of Kanata's largest parks featuring BBQ grills with picnic tables, two playgrounds, a splash pad, skatepark, toboggan hill, and a 2.6 km walking trail loop around a scenic pond. Free admission and parking.
An urban campground in Ottawa's Greenbelt, 20 minutes from downtown. Offers RV sites, tent sites, and cedar cabin glamping with showers, Wi-Fi, and trail access. Pets welcome. Open May to October.
Ottawa's most popular urban beach on the Ottawa River, with supervised swimming, sandy shoreline, kayak and paddleboard rentals, and a year-round restaurant.
The Ottawa Farmers' Market organization's second-largest location, with 60+ producer-only vendors in the tree-shaded Byron Linear Park every Saturday.
A guide to Ottawa's biggest summer festivals, from Bluesfest and the Jazz Festival to Canada Day, Dragon Boat, and free street festivals. Includes dates, ticket prices, and locations for the 2026 season.
Three go-kart tracks within driving distance of Ottawa — from a year-round indoor facility to a 1 km championship circuit. Prices, hours, and what to expect at each.
Ottawa's best escape rooms — from a real Cold War bunker to kid-designed rooms and downtown bars. Prices, age limits, and which ones are family-friendly.
The best Ottawa birthday party venues for kids aged 5 to 12 — trampoline parks, bowling, climbing gyms, glow mini golf, escape rooms, science museums, and arcade centres. Verified pricing for 2026.
The best Ottawa birthday party venues for teens aged 13 to 17 — laser tag, axe throwing, combat archery, outdoor paintball, aerial parks, cave exploration, and ski hills. Verified 2026 options for the age that hates "kiddie" venues.
A parent's guide to the best Ottawa birthday party venues for kids aged 1 to 4 — indoor playgrounds with gated toddler areas, children's museums, and kid-sized gym classes that can host a first or second birthday.
A parent's guide to PD Day in Ottawa — drop-off camps for working parents, indoor play places, museums, climbing, and swimming. With ages, prices, and hours.
The best family-friendly summer activities in Ottawa, from splash pads and outdoor pools to waterparks, aerial adventures, and day trips. Includes swimming spots, free activities, and rainy-day options.
The best family-friendly activities in Ottawa for spring, from baby animals and maple farms to trampoline parks and wildlife safaris. Includes indoor and outdoor options for all ages.
A complete guide to parks with barbecue facilities in Ottawa, including City and NCC parks with BBQ pits, rules and regulations, permit info, and tips for a great outdoor cookout.
A guide to Ottawa's best flea markets and vintage markets, including schedules, what to expect, and tips for finding the best deals.
A complete guide to all 12 movie theatres in Ottawa, from IMAX and VIP cinemas to budget-friendly second-run theatres and beloved independent cinemas. Find the right screen for every occasion and budget.
A guide to Ottawa's five independent and historic cinemas, from a 1932 heritage theatre with Spanish Revival architecture to a volunteer-run Saturday matinee for families. These are the cinemas that give Ottawa its character.
Ottawa has 9 fenced dog parks where your dog can run off-leash in a secure, enclosed area. Here is every fenced dog park with rules, locations, and directions.
The complete guide to all 153 off-leash dog parks in Ottawa. Find where your dog can run free — organized by neighborhood, with water access info and park rules.
The complete guide to Easter weekend 2026 in Ottawa — egg hunts, farm visits, museum activities, and things to do with the family over the April long weekend.
The complete guide to every Easter egg hunt in Ottawa for 2026. Compare dates, prices, age groups, and what to expect — from farm hunts to museum scavenger hunts to free community events.
A guide to the best ice cream shops, gelaterias, and frozen treat spots in Ottawa, from award-winning gelato to rolled ice cream and small-batch creameries.
A guide to the best campgrounds and provincial parks within two to three hours of Ottawa, covering Ontario Parks, Sepaq, and unique glamping experiences.
A guide to celebrating Canada Day in the national capital. Covers the LeBreton Flats main stage, Parliament Hill events, fireworks, free museums, and practical tips for July 1.
A guide to Manotick, the heritage village on the Rideau River south of Ottawa. Covers Watson's Mill, Main Street shops and restaurants, seasonal events, and how to get there.
A guide to National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21 in Ottawa. Covers the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival, museum programming, Indigenous cultural experiences, and ways to engage respectfully.
A guide to celebrating the Fête nationale du Québec (Saint-Jean-Baptiste) on June 24 from the Ottawa-Gatineau region. Covers the Festival Outaouais en fête, bonfires, concerts, and how to get there from Ottawa.
A guide to the Victoria Day long weekend in Ottawa. Covers the Tulip Festival overlap, fireworks, outdoor season openings, and what's open and closed on the May holiday Monday.
A guide to Ottawa's best picnic parks with details on tables, BBQ pits, shelters, washrooms, and parking. Includes the key rules on barbecues and alcohol in city and NCC parks.
A guide to the best day trips within two hours of Ottawa, from charming small towns and living history villages to wildlife safaris and waterfall lookouts.
A guide to Ottawa's best beaches and water activities, from four supervised city beaches to paddling on the Rideau Canal and whitewater rafting on the Ottawa River. Includes rental prices and season dates.
A guide to the best hiking trails in and around Ottawa, from Gatineau Park's escarpment lookouts to a boardwalk through a boreal bog. Includes distances, difficulty, and seasonal tips.
A guide to the best spots for fall foliage in Ottawa, from Gatineau Park's iconic lookouts to a boreal bog that turns deep red. Plus pumpkin patches, apple picking, and autumn events.
A complete guide to Winterlude, Ottawa's signature winter festival. Covers the Rideau Canal Skateway, Crystal Garden ice sculptures, Snowflake Kingdom snow playground, and practical tips for staying warm.
A guide to the best cycling trails and pathways in Ottawa, from the Rideau Canal corridor to car-free parkways in Gatineau Park. Includes distances, difficulty, and rental info.
A guide to the best parks and outdoor spaces in Ottawa, from a 361 km² conservation park to downtown green spaces with Parliament Hill views. All free to visit.
A guide to the best farmers' markets in Ottawa, from the year-round Lansdowne market to neighbourhood markets across the city. Includes locations, days, hours, and what to expect.
A guide to the best indoor activities in Ottawa for rainy days, from world-class museums and a free art gallery to a Cold War bunker and indoor markets. No weather required.
A month-by-month guide to the best spring activities in Ottawa, from maple sugar season and cherry blossoms to the Canadian Tulip Festival. Covers March through May.
A guide to the best kid-friendly activities in Ottawa, from dinosaur museums and working farms to hands-on science exhibits and free outdoor spaces. Includes ages, prices, and tips for families.
A guide to the best museums in Ottawa, from national institutions with world-class collections to hidden gems like a Cold War bunker and a working farm. Includes admission prices, free hours, and tips for visiting.
A guide to the best free things to do in Ottawa, from national museums with free admission windows to parks, markets, and landmarks that cost nothing to visit.
A guide to family-friendly March Break activities in Ottawa, from free museums and interactive exhibits to sugar shacks and live shows.
Everything you need to know about the Canadian Tulip Festival — from the best spots to see tulips to the history behind one of Ottawa's most iconic spring traditions.
From family-friendly farms to a free urban sugar shack, here are the best sugar bushes around Ottawa to visit during the 2026 maple season.
Explore Ottawa's most iconic landmarks on foot. From the historic Rideau Canal to world-class museums, this walking tour covers the best of downtown Ottawa.
A guide to outdoor skating in Ottawa, from the 7.8 km Rideau Canal Skateway to refrigerated rinks, free skating at Rideau Hall, and forest skating trails. Includes rental prices, hours, and season dates.
A guide to Ottawa's best Christmas events and holiday activities, from light festivals and holiday markets to parades, performances, and festive day trips. Most events run late November through early January.
A guide to Family Day in Ottawa, falling on the third Monday of February. Often coincides with Winterlude, making it one of the best winter long weekends for families in the capital.
A guide to New Year's Eve in Ottawa, from fireworks at Lansdowne and skating at the Rink of Dreams to restaurant dinners and free transit home.
A guide to Halloween in Ottawa, from the Haunted Walk and Saunders Farm FrightFest to family trick-or-treating, pumpkin patches, and the best decorated neighbourhoods.
A guide to the best pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and fall harvest farms near Ottawa. From free farm visits to multi-acre corn mazes and haunted attractions, with prices, directions, and what to expect at each.
A guide to Thanksgiving weekend in Ottawa. Covers fall colours at their peak, harvest farms, restaurants serving turkey dinner, farmers markets, and what's open over the long weekend.
