Family Day Weekend in Ottawa
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.
Family Day is an Ontario statutory holiday on the third Monday of February. In 2027, it falls on February 15. The holiday typically coincides with Winterlude — the NCC's annual winter celebration — making it one of the best long weekends for families in Ottawa.
Winterlude
Family Day almost always falls during Winterlude, which spans three weekends in late January through mid-February. In 2026, Winterlude ran January 30 to February 16, with the final day landing on Family Day Monday. The free Sno-Bus shuttle specifically operates on Saturdays, Sundays, and Family Day Monday.
Key Winterlude Sites
- Crystal Garden at Confederation Park — ice sculpture competition and displays in the heart of downtown
- Snowflake Kingdom at Jacques-Cartier Park (Gatineau) — snow slides, Ferris wheel, obstacle courses, giant foosball, and more. Free admission.
- Ice Dragon Boat races on Dow's Lake
See the full guide: Winterlude guide →
Skating
Rideau Canal Skateway
February is prime season for the Rideau Canal Skateway, the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink (7.8 km). BeaverTails, fire pits on weekends, and skate rentals available along the route. Check the NCC website for current conditions — the Skateway is weather-dependent.
Rink of Dreams at City Hall
The refrigerated Rink of Dreams (110 Laurier Ave W) hosts a Family Day Skating Party on the Monday holiday, typically from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Free skating; skate rentals available. Organized by the Mayor's office.
Rideau Hall
Rideau Hall has a public skating rink in winter — a quieter alternative to the Canal.
Indoor Activities
If the cold is too much (and it often is in February), Ottawa has plenty of indoor options:
- National museums — the Museum of Nature, Science and Technology Museum, and Aviation Museum are all popular with families. Check individual museums for any Family Day specials or extended hours.
- Ottawa Art Gallery — always free
- Bank of Canada Museum — always free, interactive exhibits
- Indoor play centres, bowling alleys, and swimming pools across the city
Outdoor Winter Fun
Beyond skating and Winterlude:
- Tobogganing — popular hills include Mooney's Bay (behind Terry Fox Athletic Centre) and Brewer Park
- Cross-country skiing — trails in Gatineau Park and along NCC pathways
- Snowshoeing in Gatineau Park or Mer Bleue Bog
What's Open and Closed
Family Day is an Ontario statutory holiday:
- Ontario (Ottawa): Government offices and schools closed. Most retail open. Libraries closed.
- Quebec (Gatineau): Not a holiday — regular business day. Quebec has no February holiday.
This means Gatineau attractions (including Snowflake Kingdom at Jacques-Cartier Park) operate on a regular schedule, and the Gatineau side of Winterlude is less crowded than the Ottawa side on the Monday.
Tips
February is one of Ottawa's coldest months. Average high of -4°C, low of -15°C. Wind chill can make it feel below -20°C. Dress in full winter gear — insulated coat, snow pants for kids, warm boots, and cover all exposed skin.
Winterlude sites are busiest on Family Day Monday. Go early in the day, or visit Snowflake Kingdom (Gatineau side) which tends to be less packed since it's not a Quebec holiday.
Take the Sno-Bus. The free shuttle connects key Winterlude sites and eliminates parking hassles.
See also: Winterlude guide → · Best skating spots in Ottawa → · Things to do with kids →
Featured Places
Rideau Canal
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink in winter. Perfect for walks, cycling, and boating in summer.
Jacques-Cartier Park
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.
Confederation Park
A 2.6-hectare downtown park adjacent to the Rideau Canal, home to Winterlude's Crystal Garden with ice sculptures and winter activities. In summer, it hosts the Ottawa Jazz Festival. Features a historic fountain from London's Trafalgar Square and a 20-metre Kwakiutl totem pole.
Rideau Hall
The official residence of the Governor General of Canada, set on 32 hectares of gardens, forests, and grounds in Rockcliffe. Free guided tours of the state rooms are available, and the grounds are open daily from 8 AM to sunset. Features a greenhouse, picnic area, playground, and winter skating rink.
Dow's Lake Pavilion
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.
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