It’s New Year’s Day in the capital of Canada. While many businesses and city services are closed for the day, there are still plenty of things to do in Ottawa to kick off 2025.
Escape Manor’s Hunt for Gold scavenger hunt
With the 2025 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in town, Escape Manor has developed a new hockey-themed scavenger hunt in downtown Ottawa — with some serious prizes.
Answer trivia, discover unique hockey locales, grab selfies and overcome challenges as you hunt for gold and glory. Best of all? Get bonus points by playing on New Year’s Day. Learn more and register your group here.
Outdoor winter activities in Ottawa
If there’s one thing that doesn’t close on January 1, it’s nature. Weather permitting, you’ll always find something to do outdoors in Canada’s capital region. Check out this list of winter outdoor activities in Ottawa for more inspiration.
Public skating
Public skating is part of Ottawa’s DNA. There are many outdoor rinks to enjoy — namely,the world-famous Rideau Canal Skateway, the largest naturally frozen skating rink on the planet. Be sure to check the ice conditions before you go, as the rink may or may not be open.
There are also Ottawa’s public, refrigerated rinks: the Rink of Dreams (downtown Ottawa at City Hall), the Lansdowne Park skating court, the Ben Franklin Place skating rink, the Jim Tubman Chevrolet Rink and the new synthetic rink in the ByWard Market. Again, check the alert status of each before going.
Snowshoeing, hiking and skiing
Canada’s capital region is home to some of the best trails for hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and more. You’ll find many trails within the National Capital Greenbelt, the largest publicly owned greenbelt in the world. Take a look to see which trails are best suited to which activity.
There’s also Gatineau Park, a 15-minute drive north from downtown Ottawa. A true haven for nature lovers, the park offers more than 200 kilometres (124 miles) of groomed trails set against a backdrop of breathtaking scenery. And with heated shelters peppered throughout, you can spend a whole day out there and still feel your toes!
Restaurants in Ottawa open on New Year’s Day
Here are a few restaurants open in Ottawa on New Year’s Day. Lunch, brunch or dinner — treat your tastebuds to something tasty, but don’t forget to call ahead to confirm their hours.
- Blue Cactus Bar and Grill (ByWard Market)
- Hintonburg Public House (Hintonburg)
- BeaverTails George Street (ByWard Market)
- Beandigen Cafe (Lansdowne Park)
- Moose McGuire’s (Hunt Club)
- Heart & Crown Preston (Little Italy)
- Starling (ByWard Market)
- The Grand (ByWard Market)
- Zak’s Diner (5 locations)
Museums in Ottawa open on New Year’s Day
Ottawa is home to several national museums. Want to make a day of them? Grab an Ottawa Museums Pass to maximize your time while minimizing your budget. Here’s what’s open on New Year’s Day. Click through to confirm their hours.
