Free Things to do in Ottawa in Winter; Visiting the Capital on a Budget
Canada’s capital is a great place to visit in the winter, and there are tons of free activities in Ottawa for those travelling on a budget. Explore cool Ottawa attractions including world-class museums and galleries, tour historic and iconic buildings, or head outside to skate, hike, snowshoe or ski on Ottawa’s beautiful winter trails and rinks. Plan your next trip to Ottawa with our guide to the top places to visit in Ottawa for free this winter.
Free Indoor Activities in Ottawa
Ottawa’s National Museums and Art Galleries
Visiting one of the capital’s national museums is a great free indoor activity in Ottawa if you’re looking to avoid the cold. Many museums in Ottawa and Gatineau are free on Thursday evenings between 4-5pm, including the Canadian Museum of History, the Canadian War Museum, the Canadian Museum of Nature, and the National Gallery of Canada. The Canadian Agriculture and Food Museum, Canadian Aviation and Space Museum and the Canada Science and Technology Museum .
Ottawa Art Gallery
The Ottawa Art Gallery is also a fun spot to visit, and the best part is, it’s always free! Home to an amazing collection of art from local artists, as well as iconic pieces from the famous Group of Seven, you can spend hours getting inspired. Admire historic and contemporary art in the permanent galleries, Firestone Collection of Canadian Art, and watch for unique rotating exhibitions throughout the year.
Bank of Canada Museum
Just steps away from Parliament Hill, the Bank of Canada Museum (formerly the Currency Museum of the Bank of Canada) is always free, and always fun. Newly re-opened in 2022 after an extensive modernization, the museum is a cool place for people of all ages to learn about the importance of money, currency, and the role everyone plays in our economy.
National Arts Centre
While the National Arts Centre (the NAC) is known for hosting popular theatre and musical performances on its elegant stage, it also offers many free activities year-round. From Afro-Caribbean dance classes and kids breakdancing workshops, to movie-screenings and family-friendly activities, there are many fun and free things to do at the National Arts Centre throughout the year.
Rideau Hall Tours
Rideau Hall is the official residence of the Governor General of Canada, and has been home to every Governor General since Confederation. Take a free guided tour through the historic manor, and visit the stunning state rooms where the Governor General fulfils official duties, welcomes dignitaries and honours Canadians.
Some Instagram-worthy stops on the tour are the candy cane-coloured Tent Room and the majestic Ballroom – which you may recognize from high profile swearing-in and award ceremonies. Guided tours are available daily from 10 am-3 pm and must be made in advance.
Parliament of Canada and Senate of Canada Tours
A must-do experience when visiting Ottawa is a tour of the Parliament of Canada and the Senate of Canada buildings. Reopened to the public in 2018 after extensive renovations, these architecturally beautiful spaces are open for free daily public tours. The Senate of Canada building is especially impressive, built in a former rail station with historic architecture and a unique history. Book your tickets online well in advance, as the tours are very popular and can fill up quickly.
Supreme Court of Canada Tours
An iconic building that you can’t miss while driving down Wellington St. is the Supreme Court of Canada, Canada’s highest court. Take a free 45-minute guided tour inside, and learn about the Court, its interesting history and the Canadian judicial system. Tours are available from 9 am-5 pm, Monday to Friday and require an advance online reservation.
Free Winter Outdoor Activities in Ottawa
Winterlude Festival
As one of the best winter festivals in Canada, Winterlude celebrates all things winter fun, and most activities are free! Taking place during the first three weekends in February each year, and features stunning ice sculpture, ice carving demos, snow tugging, giant snow sculptures, maple taffy on snow, skating, and many special events each year.
Winter Lights Across Canada
If you’re visiting Ottawa during the holiday season from December to early January, you’re in for a treat. Ottawa is illuminated with beautiful festive lighting displays along the Pathway of Lights as part of Winter Lights Across Canada. Follow the route through Ottawa and Gatineau and take some epic winter photos in front of iconic sites like the National War Memorial, Supreme Court of Canada, Confederation Park and Ottawa City Hall.
Ice Skating in Ottawa
There’s nothing more Canadian than lacing up your skates and going for a spin on an outdoor rink, and almost all outdoor rinks in Ottawa are free. Choose from Ottawa’s most famous outdoor ice surface, the 7.8 km Rideau Canal, the largest outdoor skating rink in the world, Ruisseau de la Brasserie in Gatineau (a mini version of the Rideau Canal Skateway), or check out fun refrigerated rinks like the Sens Rink of Dreams, Lansdowne Skating Court, Rideau Hall Rink or Brewer Park Oval.
Winter Hiking, Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing in Ottawa
Home to a plethora of winter hiking trails, Ottawa is a great place to go winter hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, right in the city. Some of the best trails to explore are the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail, Britannia Winter Trail, Ski Heritage East Trail, and the Rideau Winter Trail, which are all free! Many of these trails are groomed for cross-country skiing, and are operated by volunteers and donations from the community.
Gatineau Park
With over 11 km of scenic winter walking and hiking trails, Gatineau Park is also a popular place to get active and explore on a budget. The four primary trails to explore on foot are the Sugarbush Trail, Capital Pathway, Pioneers Trail and the Lauriault Trail. A daily pass ($14/adult) is required to access the trails in Gatineau Park.
Cross-country skiers will love Gatineau Park’s 200 km of trails ranging in difficulty from beginner to expert. The park has one of the largest networks of cross-country ski trails in North America and is a cross-country skier’s dream. A pass is required to use the trails in Gatineau Park during the winter season ($24), and if you don’t have gear there are several options to rent equipment at affordable rates including Lafleur ski rentals or Fresh Air Experience.
Tobogganing in Ottawa
Hitting the hills for a day of tobogganing in always a great free way to spend a winter afternoon – and there’s no shortage of snow in Ottawa! The city has many hills scattered throughout the city that range from small kid-friendly mounds to steeper, more adventurous hills. Some of the most popular include Bruce Pit, Conroy Pit (lit at night), Green’s Creek, Vincent Massey Park, Lansdowne Park
Shop on a Dime
Ottawa Farmers’ Market
Whether you’re looking to pick up some artisanal baked goods, hot meals, produce, or hand-made crafts, you’ll want to make a stop at the Ottawa Winter Farmers’ Market. Located in the Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne Place on Sundays from January to April, this year-round producer-run market is always free, whether you’re just browsing or looking for tasty cheap eats.
Antique Shopping
Ottawa is an antique lover’s dream, and bargain hunters will love seeking out treasures in Ottawa’s antique shops. From vintage clothing and jewelry to old books and games, you’re sure to find a vintage treasure to take home.
Shop for Vintage or Consignment Clothes
If you’re a budget shopper looking to spruce up your wardrobe, or looking for fun second-hand goods, then Ottawa is your spot. With a mix of retro vintage stores as well as fashionable consignment shops, you’ll have fun filling your wardrobe with fun new looks on a dime.
