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 (DECEMBER 30 - JANUARY 08)
Rideau Canal Skating Season
Let yourself skate along the largest naturally frozen ice rink in the world
Northern Lights
Southern Ontario has a few good spots to watch aurora borealis
New Year Celebrations
Despite the cold weather, it's a great occasion to go out and enjoy celebration throughout the city
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
Canadian Tulip Festival
out of rangeOne of the largest tulip festivals in the world
Annual Great Glebe Garage Sale
out of rangeFind your hidden treasure among thousands of collectibles and antique items
Canada Day Fireworks
canceledCanada Day in the capital city is marked by the greatest firework display of the year
Casino du Lac‑Leamy Sound of Light Show
out of rangeFive amazing pyrotechnic performances over the Ottawa River
Ottawa PoutineFest
out of rangeTry endless variations of Canada's national dish
Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival
out of rangeDozens of balloons of all shapes and colors are launched at the amusement park
Ottawa Ribfest
on holdA pure heaven for meat lovers
Fireflies
out of rangeThe lightning bugs illuminate the summer evenings in the wilds of Southern Ontario
Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival
out of rangeCelebration of Inuit, First Nations and Métis heritage
Ottawa Gatineau Auto Show
unconfirmedThe largest auto show in the Canadian capital
Changing of the Guard Ceremony
unconfirmedA solemn and colorful spectacle at the Parliament Hill
Sound and Light Show on Parliament Hill
on holdA unique multimedia performance in a beautiful historical setting
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
Glowfair Festival
on holdArt and block parties like nothing you've seen before
Sparks Street PoutineFest
on holdThree blocks of the most delicious and unusual varieties of Canada's favorite dish
