Winter Escapes in Ottawa: Top Activities, Restaurants & Hotels

Nestled between Montreal and Toronto, Ottawa is the perfect winter escape — conveniently located yet worlds away from the ordinary, with a wide range of activities not far from the train station! Picture a city where frosted trees line streets alive with cozy charm. The crisp air carries the sounds of laughter from skaters gliding down the Rideau Canal, the world’s largest outdoor skating rink, and soft light spills from heritage buildings onto bustling markets and inviting cafés.

Whether you’re chasing a little adventure, indulging in culinary delights, or embracing quiet moments of self-care, Ottawa offers all kinds of unforgettable ways to enjoy winter, wheter you’re alone or with someone else! Here are some ideas for getaways you can enjoy as soon as you step off the train.

Experience the magic of Ottawa’s iconic winter festival, Winterlude

The first two weeks of February are the ideal time to visit Ottawa and savour the season. Every year, Winterlude transforms the city with an incredible array of free seasonal activities.

This annual festival, whose 2025 edition runs from January 31 to February 17, perfectly captures the spirit of the Canadian winter, offering hundreds of indoor and outdoor adventures for everyone to enjoy. You’ll find interactive urban art installations, captivating exhibits, and buskers lining the streets.

Alone or with your significant other, Winterlude festival is sure to entertain and delight!

Lace up your skates and explore the Rideau Canal

Enjoy a quintessential winter experience about 5 km from Ottawa's train station as you glide solo or hand-in-hand along the Rideau Canal Skateway, the world's largest outdoor skating rink and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll be surrounded by locals as you soak in the snow-dusted landscape and historic views. And when you need to warm up, simply pause at a scenic spot for a hot cocoa or a BeaverTail, the iconic Ottawa pastry.

Warm up with Ottawa’s culinary scene

There’s nothing like indulging in some hearty soul food to warm you up after a day in the snow! Ottawa’s diverse neighborhoods offer an array of mouthwatering options to explore.

Take the metro from Tremblay station right next to the train station from the train station, stop at Lyon station, then walk about 20 minutes to Ottawa's Chinatown for a good bánh mì (and maybe a late-night karaoke session afterwards). You can also head out to Bayview station to stroll through Little Italy and sink your fork into some divine pasta. Dreamland Cafe (which made OpenTable’s 2024 Top 100 Restaurants list) is highly recommended!

Looking for some of the most romantic locales? Splurge on a rare culinary experience at Atelier, an upscale restaurant known for its unparalleled 40-course tasting menu. Settle into the intimate ambiance and be dazzled by a series of creative dishes.

For a setting that oozes style and sophistication, make your way to Riviera Located inside a stunning heritage building across from the Parliament buildings, just a short subway ride from Ottawa’s train station, this opulent eatery features an impressive brass bar and luxurious Art Deco decor. Using only the finest local ingredients, Riviera puts a contemporary spin on classic dishes.

For something a little more adventurous, descend into a hidden speakeasy beneath Rabbit Hole. This literally hidden gem serves bespoke drinks, carefully crafted to suit any palate.

From a cozy solo retreat at a quaint café to a romantic candlelit dinner for two, Ottawa’s culinary scene has something to satisfy every craving!

Stay at cozy hideaways

Ottawa’s accommodations exude the warmth and charm of the city’s winter atmosphere, offering the perfect retreat whether you’re escaping for romance or for solo self-care.

Step into a real-life fairytale at the Fairmont Château Laurier, an iconic, castle-like hotel with majestic turrets and breathtaking views in the heart of downtown. This limestone beauty, built in 1912 in the French Renaissance style with striking neo-Gothic elements, radiates timeless elegance. With its prime location beside the Rideau Canal and Parliament Hill, it’s the ideal base for couples exploring the city or for individuals seeking a luxurious respite.

For those looking for a more contemporary stay, indulge in the modern elegance of Le Germain Hotel Ottawa. This boutique hotel blends chic, minimalist design with cozy comfort. What’s more, it’s just a seven-minute walk from the ByWard Market neighbourhood where you’ll find plenty of nightlife and eclectic shopping.

Embark on an unforgettable adventure at Gatineau Park

Just a short drive from downtown Ottawa, Gatineau Park beckons with a wonderland of pristine, snowy trails, perfect for embracing the thrill of Canada’s great outdoors. Spanning 361 square kilometres, this expansive wilderness park will enchant active couples and solo adventurers.

Get your heart pumping with winter trails ideal for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or winter hiking. The Sugarbush Trail is the perfect trek for couples looking for an easy-to-navigate route through snow-dusted forests with breathtaking views.

Indulge in ultimate relaxation at Nordik Spa-Nature

Treat yourself (and perhaps a loved one) to pure bliss at Nordik Spa-Nature, the largest spa in North America. Located in Chelsea, Quebec, about a 25-minute drive from downtown Ottawa, this Scandinavian-inspired spa is set among the hills of Gatineau Park. With its hot and cold pools, saunas, and tranquil wellness spaces, it’s the perfect place for rejuvenation.

Get pampered with unique experiences like the Källa treatment, a saltwater flotation pool dug deep into rock containing tons of Epson salt. For couples, indulge in a private cabin retreat or book a soothing couples massage. In short, Nordik Spa-Nature offers the ultimate in rest and relaxation!

Explore Ottawa’s history, arts and culture

Canada’s vibrant capital offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the country’s most celebrated cultural institutions. The city is home to seven of nine national museums, each showcasing world-class exhibits catering to every interest.

Located a 20-minute subway ride from the Ottawa train station, the National Gallery of Canada is a local favourite, offering stunning pieces from Canadian and international artists. Its grand glass atrium provides breathtaking views of Parliament Hill and the Ottawa River, while its cozy gift shop and onsite café invite you to linger a little longer.

Just across the Ottawa River in Gatineau, the Canadian Museum of History offers an immersive journey through Canadian milestones, Indigenous culture, and world history — making it a must-see for culture lovers. No wonder it’s Canada’s most-visited museum!

Spend an evening at the National Arts Centre

Elevate your evening just a 15-minute walk from the National Gallery of Canada with a visit to the National Arts Centre (NAC), where you can unwind and experience the best of local and international talent. World-class performances come to life here!

Whether it's Indigenous theatre, dance, or live orchestras, the NAC offers an unforgettable night of refined entertainment.

There’s something for everyone near the Ottawa train station

From the twinkle of Winterlude lights to the soothing embrace of a spa day or the thrill of snowy trails, Ottawa is a true winter haven. Whether you’re here to celebrate romance or your own company, Ottawa’s magic invites you to warm up to winter. Your winter wonderland awaits!

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