Looking for fun activities in the Ottawa area? Check out these options over the next seven days, starting on Thursday, January 23. Be sure to verify details with the organizers as plans can change at any time.
The Ottawa Visitor Centre is the capital’s in-destination hub for visitors and is now open at 54 Elgin Street. Visit daily at the corner of Elgin and Queen streets to learn more about what to see and do in Ottawa.
Ongoing | Curious to know how Canada's Parliament works? Take a free guided tour of the Senate or the House of Commons, or discover the story of Centre Block at Parliament: The Immersive Experience! Free tours of all three sites are available daily.
For arts, culture and a good time…
- Thursdays | From 5 to 8 p.m, visitors to the National Gallery of Canada can enjoy seasonal refreshments and snacks to the sound of music by a local DJ.
- Fridays and Saturdays | Dance away at Club Aléa at the Hotel-Casino du Lac-Leamy with its lineup of talented DJs!
- Ongoing | Discover the hidden gem that is the Capital Art Fair Gallery & Boutique on Sparks Street, an artist-run space showcasing the work of over 30 local professional artists.
- Friday, January 24 | Grammy-nominated band Sum 41 has announced the official Canadian leg of their last ever headlining world tour, ‘Tour Of The Setting Sum,’ to celebrate the upcoming release of their final album Heaven :x: Hell.
- Saturday, January 25 |Check out an exciting lineup of over 140 vendors who offer hand made treasures, vintage finds and one-of-a-kinds at 613flea in the historic Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne Park.
- Saturday, January 25 and Sunday, January 26 | Check out the Ottawa ComicCon, a celebration of pop culture and entertainment featuring celebrities, personalities, fans and exhibitors from the worlds of comic books, sci-fi, fantasy, movies, TV, toys, anime, gaming and more. Held at the EY Centre.
- Saturday, January 25; Sunday, January 26 | Your dream wedding starts at the Capital Wedding Show! This premier event gathers the finest wedding professionals from Ottawa and Gatineau under one roof for an unforgettable planning experience.
- Saturday, January 25 and Sunday, January 26 | Escape the winter chill and explore the 2nd Annual Winter Market at Robert Plante Greenhouses! Discover 75+ local vendors offering handmade goods, artisanal products, and more in a lush, tropical greenhouse setting.
- Saturday, January 25 and Sunday, January 26 | Participate in a guided snowshoe hike along trail 60 to uncover animal tracks. Discover the strategies animals have to survive the harshness of winter. At Gatineau Park Visitor Centre. Snowshoes are provided. FREE!
- Sunday, January 26 | Explore over 85 local vendors year-round at the Lansdowne Farmers’ Market. FREE!
- Sunday, January 26 to Tuesday, January 28 | The Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour presents a curated lineup of the best mountain and adventure films. Find inspiration in mountain experiences, ideas and visions at ByTowne Cinema.
- Until Sunday, January 26 | Experience the evolution of F2F Tour Weekend in Ottawa! Dive into the world of tabletop gaming with the Magic: The Gathering Regional Championships and other exciting tournaments.
- Until Sunday, January 26 | Shop for home-related products and services, experience stunning displays to help inspire your next home project, connect with industry experts, and enjoy informative presentations from renowned local and international home professionals at the Ottawa Home and Remodelling Show. Held at the EY Centre.
- Ongoing | Together in partnership, the Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG) and the National Gallery of Canada (NGC) present the exhibition Stories My Father Couldn’t Tell Me: Jeff Thomas Origin, on view at the OAG, delves into the critical and creative practices of acclaimed Urban-Iroquois photographer and cultural theorist Jeff Thomas.
- Ongoing | Bring your skates and glide on the historic Rideau Hall rink established in 1872. Weather permitting. FREE!
- Ongoing | Bring your helmet and skates and join in at the Museum Skating Rink, the Rink of Dreams and the Lansdowne Skating Court.
- For more inspiration, check out more free or nearly free winter activities in Ottawa!
For sports fans…
- Saturday, January 25; Sunday, January 26 | Cheer on the Ottawa Senators as they compete against the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Utah Hockey Club at the Canadian Tire Centre.
- Saturday, January 25; Sunday, January 26 | Support the Ottawa 67’s as they play against the Kingston Frontenacs and the Saginaw Spirit.
- Monday, January 27 | Cheer on the Ottawa Charge at TD Place as they take on the New York Sirens.
