Ottawa’s Seasons | Plan the Perfect Time to Visit
Let’s be honest, Ottawa’s seasons are really winter and construction. Even so, Ottawa is beautiful year round and there’s always something going on! I grew up south of Ottawa and our day trips would be into the city and discovering the city as an adult has been so much fun.
Ottawa is beautiful in every season so planning your visit may be about convenience, a specific event or to visit when the weather is nice. There are so many activities to do within the City. Some of my favourite things around Ottawa/Gatineau are: hiking in Gatineau Park; tons of restaurants or bars for foodies; family fun activities like the Winterlude festival or Saunder’s Farm; cycling along the paths and visiting the Arboretum and Experimental Farm; Nature Nocturne nights at the Museum of Nature; fun social activities like Cirque du Soleil or a night at the National Arts Centre; and so many more!
Fall
Let’s start with fall because it’s my favourite season and will be here before you know it. Fall Rhapsody in Ottawa and Gatineau Park is so beautiful. There are plenty of hikes within the city and the park and the colours are spectacular. The colours at Parliament can be seen from across the Ottawa River at the Museum of History. Ottawa is a very green city which makes it even more colourful in the fall! Take a biplane adventure flight or helicopter ride to see the fall colours from the air. Fall is also the perfect time to go apple picking or visit a pumpkin patch.
- 10+ Best Locations to find Fall Foliage in Ottawa
- Complete Round Up of Ottawa Pumpkin Patches This Fall
- Ultimate Fall Fun: 10 Apple Orchards Near Ottawa
Winter
Winter in Ottawa is cold and very snowy. Be prepared to bundle up and strap on your snowshoes or cross country skis to get outside. Be prepared for Canadian Winters and pack very warm clothes and lots of layers! Similar to the fall, there are a lot of wonderful hiking trails in Ottawa and Gatineau Park. Skate on the World’s Longest Outdoor Skating Rink (the Rideau Canal). I highly recommend a Beavertail on your skating adventure!
Spring
One of the most beautiful times of the year in Ottawa. With the snow melt and spring storms, the waterfalls are cascading beauties. You can find three within the city! Tulip Festival is early May and hundreds of thousands of tulips blooms around the city. The cherry blossoms and apple blossoms bloom mid April to mid May and are a sight to see.
- Ottawa Blossoms | Best Locations to Find these Gorgeous Blooms
- Ottawa Tulip Festival Photos | Unique Ideas for Amazing Photos
- 8 Fantastic Places to Chase Waterfalls in Ottawa/Gatineau
Summer
Summer in Ottawa is hot and humid so spend plenty of time by the Ottawa River or Rideau Canal to cool down. Rent a kayak to paddle on the Rideau Canal. Visit one of many locations for the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Enjoy various neighbourhoods, like Little Italy and Hintonburg, to enjoy Ottawa’s food and nightlife.
- Sunsets in Ottawa | 15+ Best Locations to Watch
- Best Sunrise Locations in Ottawa
- Enjoy this Self-Guided Little Italy Cocktail Crawl in Ottawa
- 7 Fantastic Local Stops in this Ottawa Bar Crawl
