Once the cold weather hits it can be pretty hard to motivate yourself to leave the house but don’t let winter get in the way of your fun. Here are some fun things to do in Ottawa when all you want to do is hibernate:
Calling All Coffee Lovers
The Ottawa Coffee Fest is back again. This event invites coffee lovers to sample, celebrate and learn about our favourite beverage. I attended last year and had a blast trying the different samples and learning about new roasteries. The event happens over two days and there are 3 sessions each day. Your ticket includes unlimited coffee samples and espresso-based beverages from different roasters in the Ottawa area and beyond. It’s taking place March 21-22 at the Horticulture Building at Lansdowne. Make sure to bring your own mug to help reduce waste. Buy your ticket here.
Eat Your Way Through Ottawa with this Brunch Guide
Check out my Ottawa brunch guide to find the next spot to check off your list. I’ve divided it by neighbourhood and items you have to try at each spot. This is one of my favourite ways to catch up with friends over a great meal 🙂 We have some awesome brunch spots in the capital.
Travel The World Through Ottawa Restaurants
Is there a destination you loved visiting or a spot you’re eager to visit? Enjoy Ottawa in winter with this guide to travel the world through Ottawa. Pick a country and head to the listed restaurant. You can have breakfast in Spain, lunch in Japan and dinner in India without leaving the city 😉
Take A Local Cooking Class
Whether it’s Italian specialties or french pastries, there’s plenty of variety of cooking classes in Ottawa where you can learn from top Chefs. Learn how to make a new type of cuisine and then have some friends over to put your new skills to the test.
Find Your New Favourite Beer
Head to Winter Brewfest at Lansdowne on March 6th-7th. It’s the perfect opportunity to find your new favourite beer. There will be more than 100 craft beers from across Ontario and Quebec. You can also enjoy music from DJs, treats like taffy on snow, bonfires and more.
Dance the Night Away At Nature Nocturne
Party in the Museum of Nature at Nature Nocturne. Go through the exhibits, dance under the jellyfish in the Queen’s Lantern. The party is from 8pm-12pm the last Friday of every month. Afterwards, keep the party going at bar or restaurant on Elgin.
Go On Brewery Tour
Go on a brewery tour with Brew Donkey. They have a wide variety of options that will take you to multiple breweries in Ottawa like their Rideau Rally Tour, Y-East End Tour and more. Try samples at all the breweries and find your new favourite beer. See a full schedule of brewery tours here. You can also do an axe throwing/brewery tour mix. Learn more about axe throwing below!
Join A Dance Class With Your Friend
Inspired by my trip to Central America, this summer I took Salsa lessons at Studio X in Ottawa. I had so much fun learning all the techniques and made it to the intermediate level. I had to take a break for a few months with my travels but looking forward to signing up again this Spring. They offer plenty of different classes from Salsa, Bachata, as well as fitness classes.
Join Friends For An Afternoon Of High Tea
Head to Vanitea on Somerset for high tea. You can choose between a breakfast tea or an afternoon tea with your friends. Catch up over tea and some delicious treats. You’ll love the space and instagram worthy walls.
Explore An Underground Museum
The Diefenbunker is Canada’s Cold War museum. It was built underground to protect the government in case there was a nuclear explosion. Learn all about the history on March break or with friends during Ottawa in winter. Here’s some more things to do while you’re in Carp.
See A Show at the NAC
Grab tickets to a show at the NAC with friends. They have everything from ballet, plays, musical performances and more. There’s something for everyone here. While you’re there check out their Frost art installation and Kipnes Lantern, a transparent LED screen displaying stunning images.
Warm Up and Sing Karaoke in Chinatown
Warm up with some Pho in Chinatown and then head to VIP Karaoke Bar. You’re able to book a private room by the hour so that you and your friends are able to sing as much as you want! They have thousands of songs to choose from so you’ll be able to sing your karaoke go-to or try something new. If you need some liquid courage they also have a bar.
Crack A Laugh at Absolute Comedy
Round up your crew for some laughs at Absolute Comedy in Little Italy. Make sure to book your group ahead of time. You can go to a show for as little as $6 on Mondays. There have been times I’ve started tearing up from laughing so hard. If you’re extra brave, sit at the front and take a chance at being roasted by the comedian. Afterward, continue to another bar or restaurant on Preston Street like Moon Room for drinks.
Visit a Local Museum or Gallery
This is a great activity for Ottawa in winter. We have lots of museums and galleries to explore including the Museum of Nature, Canadian War Museum, Canadian History Museum and National Art Gallery. Head there on Thursdays from 5-8 pm and enjoy free admission. You can also visit the Ottawa Art Gallery for free any day of the week.
Experience Canadian Wildlife at Parc Omega
I love visiting Parc Omega in any season but especially for Ottawa in winter! This is a great hibernation activity because you’re getting outside but can enjoy the park without leaving your car if you don’t want to. Its also an activity that is sure to kick the winter blues as friendly animals approach you for a carrot or apple. Read more about what to expect at Parc Omega here.
Meet Some New People at Creative Mornings
Creative Mornings is a monthly networking event that brings creatives from all over Ottawa to enjoy a free breakfast lecture. There are creative morning chapters all over the world. One chapter picks the monthly theme and then all chapters have local speakers discuss that topic. This is my favourite way to start the morning. It takes place on the last Friday of every month. You’ll love the engaging speakers, meeting new people and free breakfast! I had the pleasure of presenting on the topic of community in 2018 🙂 You can see my talk here.
Warm Up With Ramen
Sansotei Ramen is my go-to ramen spot and the place I go every time I feel like I’m getting sick, especially in Ottawa in winter. Head here and enjoy a bowl of ramen and you’ll instantly feel better. Make sure to go when they open to avoid standing in line. I recommend getting the spicy tan tan ramen.
Play All Your Favourite Boardgames
Meet up with friends for drinks and board games. The Loft has over 900 games you can choose from. Play your favourites or try something new. Staff can recommend new games and teach you how to play them. It’s a great spot for a low-key night out with your friends. You can also enjoy drink specials and board games at Charlotte on Tuesday nights.
See If You Can Beat the Clock at Escape Manor
Grab your friends and see if you can successfully get out of an escape room at Escape Manor. They have multiple rooms/themes to choose from. The last one I tried was The Cabin. There’s a live actor in the room with you!
Enjoy A Night Out At Casino Lac Leamy
Don’t let the cold get in your way of a good night out. Head to Casino Lac Leamy where everything you need is under one roof. Enjoy a delicious meal at Arôme, Banco Bistro or Le Bacarra. Dance the nigh away at Club Aléa. Play games in an upbeat atmosphere at the Zone (my favourite part)! Grab a cocktail and enjoy the music at Bar 7.
Battle Your Friends in Axe Throwing
Axe-throwing is a great activity for Ottawa in winter. Head to BATL and challenge your friends and see who can get the closest to the bulls eye. You can book a party, join a league or walk-in on the weekend. First time or still getting the hang of it? Don’t worry. Their team will walk you through it including best practices, methods, safety and more! They also have a licensed bar and kitchen so you can enjoy beers and bites while you play.
Two Things That Will Make You Feel Great: Puppies + Yoga
Puppy Yoga is probably the cutest activity for Ottawa in winter. A session of yoga already feels restorative but with adorable puppies bouncing around there’s no doubt you’ll leave with a huge smile.
Transport Somewhere Tropical
Transport somewhere tropical with the Canadian Museum of Nature’s butterflies in flight exhibit. Experience a warm environment as butterflies fly around you.
Netflix or Games Night
This has been my new favourite night in. Whether it’s a games night, long chats, or watching Netflix, it’s the perfect way to enjoy a low key night in. Here’s some local items to step it up:
- Make your own cocktails. Get shakers, cute glasses, bitters and more at Pot and Pantry. Pair it with some Top Shelf Vodka or Gin from the LCBO.
- Pick up some fun David’s Tea Flavours. One of my favourites for winter is their hot chocolate tea.
- Make a wicked charcuterie board.
- Pick up some cupcakes at Cupcake Lounge
- Get takeout. Taj Indian is a great spot for some comfort food to enjoy.
Looking for some outdoor options of things to do? Check out my roundup of outdoor winter activities here.
Julia started Little Miss Ottawa as a way to explore her hometown as a traveller would. She’s always planning her next adventure, whether it’s local or abroad. You’ll find her exploring with her camera in hand. She hopes Little Miss Ottawa helps bring you on new and fun adventures. Happy exploring :)
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