Enjoy Thousands of Dazzling Lights and Free Experiences with Winter Lights Across Canada

One of the things I look forward to each winter is seeing downtown covered with hundreds of Ottawa winter lights. It’s a beautiful way to brighten winter nights and get in the holiday spirit. From December 8th to January 8th, you’ll see over 300,000 lights brightening downtown and a multimedia show at Parliament. It’s the perfect opportunity to head out for some winter fun. Here’s all the information you need for Winter Lights Across Canada, the best spots to see the lights and activities to add to your adventure. 

Catch A Spectacular Sound and Light Show Projected Against Parliament

Catch a free sound and light show projected against Parliament that will bring you through Canada’s many landscapes. You can enjoy this experience every Thursday to Monday from December 8th to January 8th. The show will be on a 15-minute loop from 5:30 pm to 11 pm. You’ll be mesmerized as the adventure of the luminous sparks come to life in front of you. 

This is the perfect activity for friends, families or dates. Meet at the eternal flame and then enjoy the show. 

Beforehand, grab a warm drink at a local cafe. Le Moulin de Provence KD has excellent festive drinks, cookies and delicious hot chocolate. Fun fact, there have been some movies filmed inside their cafe. Little Victories is another beautiful coffee shop nearby Parliament. Head here for a latte and a cozy spot to warm up before/after.

Both coffee shops are nearby Sparks Street. Make sure to stroll down the street to/from Parliament to enjoy their Winter Wander, where you can see life-size illuminated ornaments and decor throughout the street. You’ll also find local restaurants Rabbit Hole and Riviera that would be great for dinner. 

Festive Photo Booth on Parliament Hill

Make sure you take a photo at the festive photo booth before leaving Parliament Hill. You won’t miss it with the bench surrounded by illuminated trees. Make sure to tag Capital Experience on social media when you post (Instagram: @canadacapitalregion, Twitter: @Capital_exp and Facebook: @capitalexperience). 

Walk Through Thousands of Dazzling Lights

Admire thousands of dazzling Ottawa winter lights with the Pathway of lights that will bring you to sites and monuments in downtown Ottawa-Gatineau. I love seeing them illuminate winter nights in the capital and transform Canada’s Capital Region into a winter wonderland. I always loved taking a scenic way home to enjoy the views when I lived downtown. Now I make a night of it, heading downtown to admire those same views and adding on new experiences. Here are the best spots to see the lights and nearby adventures you can add on. The points below will take you in a loop. 

National War Memorial

This is one of my favourite spots to see Ottawa’s winter lights in the capital. View Ottawa winter lights that wrap around the National War Memorial, giving you an illuminated view of many downtown landmarks. Keep the suggestions for Sparks Street above in mind for this stop. 

Rideau Canal Park

Stroll through part of Ottawa’s scenic waterway for the Rideau Canal portion of the Pathway of lights.

From the canal, it’s easy to get to Mackenzie King Bridge. You’ll catch lights in front of the NAC, along the canal, and with Parliament in the background in one shot. This is one of my favourite viewpoints to see many lights at once. 

Confederation Park

Right in the heart of downtown, you’ll find displays of colour with lights at Confederation Park. See the trees illuminated with different colours. Hop over to City Hall and add a free skate on the Rink of Dreams. Make a stop on Elgin Street for dinner or a warm drink at a local cafe. There are plenty of dinner options, including Citizen, Guilia, Datsun, El Camino, Al’s Steakhouse and more. For cafes, stop by Happy Goat for a london fog. 

Mackenzie Triangle

The Mackenzie Triangle includes some of my favourite places to see the Pathway of lights: Sussex and Major’s Hill Park. Walk underneath the lights on Sussex and then loop into Major’s Hill Park with a stunning view of the lights and Parliament in the background. 

A great spot to add to this stop is the ByWard Market. Grab a photo in front of the illuminated Ottawa Sign and admire the lights throughout the neighbourhood. I always love exploring the ByWard Market Courtyard. It’s adorned with lights and also home to some beautiful restaurants you can grab a bite in and warm up, like Clarendon Tavern. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, head to First Bite Treats for a croffle (croissant waffle). Grab a hot coffee or tea at Planet Coffee. 

Reconciliation: The Peacekeeping Monument

Take some time to wander around The Peacekeeping Monument. This monument commemorates Canada’s role in international peacekeeping. 

You’ll find it near the National Art Gallery. You can visit the gallery free on Thursdays from 5 pm-8 pm. Add on a visit before your adventure. 

Jacques-Cartier Park

Take the Alexandra Bridge over to Jacques-Cartier Park. Admire the lights with a view of Ottawa in the background. I recommend adding a restaurant in Vieux Hull to your visit. There are plenty of beautiful stops to choose from, including Les Vilains Garcons, Bistro CoqLicorne and more. Keep an eye out for murals and lights in the area. Nearby there’s also the Canadian History Museum, which has a stunning tree. You can visit the museum free on Thursdays from 5 pm-8 pm. 

Portage Park

While you’re in Gatineau, make sure to stop at Portage Park. See the park full of beautiful lights. Walk onto the Voyageurs Pathway and catch a great view of Parliament across the water. 

Garden of Provinces and Territories

Cross the Portage Bridge or head over from Sparks Street, and you’ll find the Garden of Provinces and Territories. This beautiful park in Ottawa will be full of lights for Winter Lights Across Canada. 

Supreme Court of Canada

Lastly, don’t miss the Ottawa winter lights in front of the Supreme Court of Canada. Admire brilliant lights in the trees with this Ottawa landmark in the background. 

Need to warm up? Head onto Bank Street and warm up with a bowl of ramen at Sansotei Ramen. 

Now it’s time to discover the most beautiful lights in Canada for yourself. Tag me (@juliaxweber) and Capital Experience on social media (Instagram: @canadacapitalregion,  Twitter: @Capital_exp and Facebook: @capitalexperience) to share your adventures. Have fun.

This post was sponsored by Canadian Heritage. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. I hope you have as much fun exploring Winter Lights Across Canada as I do. Visit the Winter Lights Across Canada website to plan your visit.