Discover the best things to do in Ottawa
Your complete guide to the 29th Ottawa Fringe Festival (June 18–28, 2026) — 61 shows across 10 venues. How passes work, what the Fringe Pin is, where every venue is, and how to navigate the lineup.
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.
A guide to the best Quebec-side cabane à sucre experiences within 90 minutes of Ottawa — full traditional buffets, tire sur la neige by the fire, sleigh rides, and live music. Different from Ontario sugar bushes.
A 25-minute drive north of Ottawa, Chelsea is the gateway to Gatineau Park — and home to a hidden 1907 ruin, North America's largest Nordic spa, the iconic Wakefield Covered Bridge, and a clifftop trail with the best Ottawa view in the region.
A guide to the truly worthwhile things to do in Gatineau — Canada's national history museum, the only casino in the National Capital Region, North America's largest spa, and the heritage estate of Canada's longest-serving Prime Minister. Curated for Ottawa locals and visitors.
A 35-minute drive north of Ottawa on the Gatineau River, Wakefield is the heritage village where Arcade Fire and Feist played in their early days at the Black Sheep Inn — soft-reopened in September 2025 — alongside the iconic 1915 covered bridge, a sourdough bakery in business since 2005, and a short waterfall walk.
Ottawa has 14 recreation centres with drop-in aquafit classes. Deep water, shallow water, and therapeutic pool options available. No registration needed for most sessions.
Ottawa recreation centres offer 50+ types of drop-in fitness classes including yoga, Zumba, pilates, HIIT, indoor cycling, and weight room access. 18 locations across the city.
Ottawa has 24 recreation centres with drop-in gym sports including basketball, badminton, pickleball, volleyball, hockey, and open gym. Sessions for adults, youth, and families.
Ottawa has 13 recreation centres with drop-in kindergym and kinderplay sessions for toddlers and young children ages 1-5. Indoor play with gym equipment, balls, and toys.
Ottawa has 6 recreation centres with drop-in racquetball, squash, and table tennis courts. Book a court or walk in for available times.
Ottawa has 10 arenas with drop-in skating sessions including public skate, figure skate, adult skate, family skate, and speed skate. Indoor skating runs roughly October through March.
