Best time to visit Ottawa
Best time of year to visit Ottawa
In terms of beautiful weather and reasonable tourist flow, the best time to visit Ottawa runs from March to May and from September to November. These periods boast a lot to do and see outdoors. Rates are affordable during these months, and that makes a good option for tourists on a tight budget. Spring is known with numerous poutine festivals—Ottawa Poutine Fest and Sparks Street Poutine Fest in particular while fall is so charming with its trees in orange, yellow and red. June through August is a busy season with throngs of tourists and skyrocketing prices. But if you are a daredevil and plan Ottawa for your summer vacation, try not to miss the Changing of the Guard Ceremony on the grounds of Rideau Hall. Winter in Ottawa might be suitable for ice-skaters; however, the time between December and February can be chilly so winding through Magic of Lights at Wesley Clover Parks in a warm car sounds like a plan.
3 THINGS TO DO IN OTTAWA (MAY 14 - MAY 23)
Canadian Tulip Festival
One of the largest tulip festivals in the world
Annual Great Glebe Garage Sale
Find your hidden treasure among thousands of collectibles and antique items
Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival
Celebration of Inuit, First Nations and Métis heritage
17 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE
Winterlude
out of rangeCheck out the ice on the largest skating rink in the world along with other fun winter activities
Canada Day Fireworks
canceledCanada Day in the capital city is marked by the greatest firework display of the year
Rideau Canal Skating Season
out of rangeLet yourself skate along the largest naturally frozen ice rink in the world
Ottawa PoutineFest
out of rangeTry endless variations of Canada's national dish
Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival
unconfirmedDozens of balloons of all shapes and colors are launched at the amusement park
New Year Celebrations
out of rangeDespite the cold weather, it's a great occasion to go out and enjoy celebration throughout the city
Northern Lights
out of rangeSouthern Ontario has a few good spots to watch aurora borealis
Ottawa Gatineau Auto Show
on holdThe largest auto show in the Canadian capital
Ottawa Ribfest
unconfirmedA pure heaven for meat lovers
Fireflies
out of rangeThe lightning bugs illuminate the summer evenings in the wilds of Southern Ontario
Changing of the Guard Ceremony
unconfirmedA solemn and colorful spectacle at the Parliament Hill
Lunar New Year Celebration
out of rangeA colorful festival to brighten up the winter gloom
Magic of Lights
out of rangeWind through the sparkling tunnels of one of Ottawa's best light displays
Casino du Lac‑Leamy Sound of Light Show
out of rangeFive amazing pyrotechnic performances over the Ottawa River
Sparks Street PoutineFest
on holdThree blocks of the most delicious and unusual varieties of Canada's favorite dish
Sound and Light Show on Parliament Hill
unconfirmedA unique multimedia performance in a beautiful historical setting
Glowfair Festival
unconfirmedArt and block parties like nothing you've seen before
