Find out the best sites within the city and in the countryside, skate rental options, amenities and more.
Winter outdoor activities in Ottawa
As snow blankets the Ottawa region, nature lovers head outside to take advantage of the fresh air. Fun activities like ice skating, skiing, snowshoeing, hiking and more are easily accessible within the city and in the nearby countryside. Here are some of the ways you can experience winter outdoor activities in Canada’s capital region.
Downhill skiing and snowboarding in the Ottawa area
Find out where to go downhill skiing and snowboarding, no matter your skill level.
Cross-country skiing in and around Ottawa
Find out where the trails are, what you can do nearby and where to rent equipment.
Map out your adventure
Outdoor winter activities and adventure businesses in Ottawa
Rideau Canal Skateway
Winter 2026, dates to be announced
Every winter, the Rideau Canal turns into the Rideau Canal Skateway, aka, the world’s largest skating rink! From roughly January to late February or…
Camp Fortune
The entire family can enjoy outdoor activities at this year-round recreational resort just fifteen minutes north of downtown Ottawa in Gatineau Park.
Gatineau Park
Swim, hike, bike, camp, cross-country ski, snowshoe or visit heritage sites amid towering trees and rocky outcrops in this expansive park just 15 minutes from Ottawa.
Calabogie Peaks Resort
Four-season leisure destination in the Ottawa Valley offering hiking, skiing, golf, event venues, boutique hotel accommodations and more.
Big Pine Hikes
Unplug and unwind with fun, safe and educational hiking tours exploring unique natural destinations in the capital region.
Escape Bicycle Tours & Rentals
Join scheduled daily bike tours led by Ottawa locals or rent a bike, e-bike, scooter or boat and create your own adventure.
Le Harfang Fat Bike et Raquettes
Rent a fat bike or snowshoes at this rural site on the northeast edge of Gatineau, Quebec—just a short drive from downtown Ottawa—and enjoy scenic winter trails.
Mādahòkì Farm
Experience authentic Indigenous culture, including seasonal events, a year-round marketplace and other programming at this rural site within the city of Ottawa.
National Capital Greenbelt
Hike, bike, cross-country ski, learn about nature and visit heritage sites in this environmental gem, which encircles Ottawa with 20,000 hectares (almost 50,000 acres) of wetlands, woods and other unspoiled green spaces.
Outdoor Skating - Rideau Hall
Winter 2026, dates to be announced
Bring your skates and glide on this historic rink established in 1872. (Hockey is not permitted.) Weather permitting.
RiverOak
Skate along an enchanting maze of trails that wind through orchards, meadows and sugarbushes, or bring your stick to play hockey on one of the rinks at Ottawa’s RiverOak.
Upcoming outdoor winter activities and adventure events in Ottawa
Winterlude Triathlon
Winter 2026, dates to be announced
Watch dedicated winter enthusiasts ice skate for 7-8 km, cross-country ski for 6 km, and run for 5 km.
Canadian Ski Marathon
Winter 2026, dates to be announced
Founded in 1966, this is North America’s oldest cross-country skiing event, taking place in the beautiful Outaouais region. Skiers of all ages and…
Gatineau Loppet
Winter 2026, dates to be announced
Canada’s largest international cross-country skiing event, welcoming approximately 2,500 skiers from around the world competing in various…
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Explore even more outdoor activities in Ottawa
Wonderful winter adventures in Ottawa
Looking for fun things to do outside this winter by yourself, with friends or with loved-ones? Stay active by skating, skiing, snowshoeing, hiking and more.
Running and hiking in the Ottawa area
Running and hiking outdoor activities in the Ottawa area.
Year-round outdoor activities in Ottawa's Greenbelt
Enjoy seasonal outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, boating, paddling, skiing, snowshoeing and birdwatching all year round in Ottawa’s Greenbelt.
