We know Ottawa has a reputation for being colder than the Arctic, but with cold winters comes great winter activities.  Ottawa has some of the best winter fun available, so we’ve come up with our top five recommendations to keep you busy during the cold months.

Celebrate Winterlude at Confederation Park – Check out the world-class ice sculptures and live entertainment at Confederation Park until February 20^th.  While you’re there, try a fresh maple taffy for $3. There’s a full list of activities you could enjoy with your family and friends including; attending Ottawa Fashion Week’s Winterlude event today at Confederation Park (outside the Rogers Lounge) where DJ’s will be spinning great music. Models (girls AND boys) will be donning winter-themed make-up and threads from Paris Police Clothing, viens avec moi, American Apparel, Old Navy, and Schad.

Skate the Rideau Canal – Challenge yourself to skate the length of the Rideau Canal. Start at Hartwell Locks and skate all the way downtown – 7.8 kilometres total! Then reward yourself with a warm Beavertail and hot chocolate.

Go skating at City Hall – The City of Ottawa and the Sens Foundation recently opened a skating rink, called the Rink of Dreams, outside City Hall.  If the canal ice is just not quite right for practising your spins and twirls, check out this refrigerated rink.  The Rink of Dreams will be open until March so you can get maximum use out of your skates!

Try a new restaurant – Ottawa is a hub for great food, so why not try out that restaurant you’ve been eyeing?  If you’re not sure where to go, check out Taste of Winterlude, an event that offers you multi-course meals at various Ottawa and Gatineau restaurants until February 18^th.  Most dinners cost $100-150 per person.

Go for a wagon ride – Gather up to 20 of your friends and take a relaxing wagon ride to escape the busy city.  Rides are offered by Pinto Valley Ranch and cost $150 for an hour.

photo credit: image hyperlinked

^Caresse Ley