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Best time to visit

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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.

25 things to do in Ottawa

Rideau Canal Skating Season

January–February Activity

Let yourself skate along the largest naturally frozen ice rink in the world

Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival

June 19–23, 2024 Event

Celebration of Inuit, First Nations and Métis heritage

Ottawa Gatineau Auto Show

postponed until 2024 Event

The largest auto show in the Canadian capital

New Year's Eve

December 31 Event

Despite the cold weather, it's a great occasion to go out and enjoy celebration throughout the city

Lunar New Year

February 10 Event

A colorful festival to brighten up the winter gloom

Ottawa Ribfest on Sparks Street

May 30–June 2, 2024 Event

A pure heaven for meat lovers

Changing of the Guard Ceremony

June 29–August 21, 2024 Event

A solemn and colorful spectacle at the Parliament Hill

Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival

August 29–September 2, 2024 Event

Dozens of balloons of all shapes and colors are launched at the amusement park

Casino du Lac‑Leamy Sound of Light Show

July 31-August 17, 2024 Event

Six amazing pyrotechnic performances over the Ottawa River

Ottawa PoutineFest and Potato Palooza

April 26-28, 2024 Event

Try endless variations of Canada's national dish

Great Glebe Garage Sale

May 25, 2024 Event

Find your hidden treasure among thousands of collectibles and antique items

Glowfair Festival

June 14–15, 2019 Event

Art and block parties like nothing you've seen before

Sparks Street PoutineFest

April 26-28, 2024 Event

Three blocks of the most delicious and unusual varieties of Canada's favorite dish

Canada Day Fireworks

July 1 Event

Canada Day in the capital city is marked by the greatest firework display of the year

Sound and Light Show on Parliament Hill

July–August 2024 Event

A unique multimedia performance in a beautiful historical setting

Canadian Tulip Festival

May 10–20, 2024 Event

One of the largest tulip festivals in the world

Magic of Lights

November 17, 2024–January 6, 2025 Event

Wind through the sparkling tunnels of one of Ottawa's best light displays

Winterlude

February 2-February 19, 2024 Event

Check out the ice on the largest skating rink in the world along with other fun winter activities

Fireflies

late June–early July Nature

The lightning bugs illuminate the summer evenings in the wilds of Southern Ontario

Northern Lights

October–March Nature

Southern Ontario has a few good spots to watch aurora borealis

Ottawa Comiccon

September 6-8, 2024 Event

The premier popular culture convention in Ontario

Richmond Fair

September 19-22, 2024 Event

Do you want to have fun? Read this article and pack your things

Aero Gatineau-Ottawa

September 6-8, 2024 Event

Three days of exciting aerial displays in Canada's capital region

Almonte Celtfest

July 5-7, 2024 Event

The festival that whisks you away on a magical Celtic retreat

Northern Lights in Canada

September–May (varies between regions) Nature

As one of the northernmost countries in North America, Canada offers stunning views of aurora borealis

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