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.
1 THING TO DO IN OTTAWA (FEBRUARY 08 - FEBRUARY 17)
Winterlude
Check out the ice on the largest skating rink in the world along with other fun winter activities
16 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE
Canadian Tulip Festival (Festival Canadien des Tulipes)
Possibly the largest tulip festival in the world
Annual Great Glebe Garage Sale
Find your hidden treasure among thousands of collectibles and antique items
Ottawa PoutineFest
Try endless variations of Canada's national dish
Canada Day Fireworks
Canada Day in the capital city is marked by the greatest firework display of the year
New Year Celebrations
Despite cold weather it's a great occasion to go out and enjoy celebration throughout the city
Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival
Dozens of balloons of all shapes and colors are launched at the amusement park
Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival
Celebration of Inuit, First Nations and Métis heritage
Changing of the Guard Ceremony
A solemn and colorful spectacle at the Parliament Hill
Ottawa Gatineau Auto Show
The largest auto show in the Canadian capital
Lunar New Year Celebration
A colorful festival to brighten up the winter gloom
Magic of Lights
Wind through the sparkling tunnels of one of Ottawa's best light displays
Ottawa Ribfest
A pure heaven for meat lovers
Casino du Lac‑Leamy Sound of Light Show
Five amazing pyrotechnic performances over the Ottawa River
Sparks Street PoutineFest
Three blocks of the most delicious and unusual varieties of Canada's favorite dish
Glowfair Festival
Art and block parties like nothing you've seen before
Sound and Light Show on Parliament Hill
A unique multimedia performance in a beautiful historical setting
