Winter Wonderland - Ottawa: Guide to Winter Family Activities
Hey there, fellow moms! Winter is upon us, and if you're wondering how to keep your little ones entertained and excited in Ottawa during the chilly season, I've got you covered. As a mom of two kindergartners, I understand the importance of finding engaging activities that the whole family can enjoy. Fortunately, Ottawa has a sleigh-load of winter activities that will make your kids' eyes sparkle with delight. So, bundle up, grab your mittens and hot chocolate, and let's explore these fantastic winter wonders in our beautiful city.
1. Christmas at Saunders Farm: A Whimsical Winter Daytime Adventure
Looking for a magical winter experience that will leave your family talking about it for days? Saunders Farm has transformed into a winter wonderland, perfect for kids of all ages and fun for parents too. From ornament decorating to meeting Santa Claus in his cozy cabin, there's something for everyone. If you visit in the evening, they have a light walk with tons of sparkly Christmas lights and music to bring out everyone’s inner child.
The kids can embrace their inner elves at the Elf Academy and even build their own bear at The Bear Factory. Don't forget to warm up with delicious festive foods at the Cider House and enjoy hot holiday beverages or Beavertails at one of the food booths. And if you're feeling adventurous, take a ride down the 40' slide at Witch Mountain!
They have a Farm Shop and an outdoor market where you can shop lots of local vendors. From ornaments, holiday aprons, mugs, desserts and so much more! You can even buy s’mores kits to roast marshmellows to stay warm.
Visit Saunders Farm to make your holidays magical!
Website: SaundersFarm.com Instagram: @SaundersFarmFun
2. Parc Omega: A Journey to Christmas Magic
Just a short drive outside of Ottawa lies Parc Omega, where your family can go on a 12 km safari route to discover Canada's wild animals in their natural habitat. Feed friendly deer who come right up to your vehicle for a carrot snack. It's an incredible opportunity for your kids to witness the magic of nature. They have tons of wildlife including bears, wolves, caribou, beavers, piglets, and more!
Towards the end of the route they have a place for you to get out and stretch as well as walk up to the deer and feed them close up! You can grab lunch and hot chocolate as well, enjoying these inside their little cabin.
Website: ParcOmega.ca Instagram @ParcOmega
3. Ottawa Christmas Market at Lansdowne
Landsdowne comes alive with holiday spirit during the Ottawa Christmas Market. With over 45 local vendors, this market offers a wide range of holiday gifts, traditional Christmas items, and delicious food and beverages. The kids can get crafty in Santa's Workshop while you enjoy some holiday shopping.
They have tons of different vendors including my personal favourite, Pokoloko, or Saunder Farm! You can shop and take all the photo ops as they have a variety of large light displays throughout the market.
And for those who love a bit of winter adventure, there's an outdoor skating rink surrounded by snow-capped heritage buildings – one of my favourite outdoor places to skate in the wintertime here in Ottawa.
Website: ottawachristmasmarket.com
4. Skating on the Rideau Canal: The Ultimate Winter Tradition
When it comes to quintessential Ottawa winter activities, nothing beats skating on the Rideau Canal. Known as the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink, this is a must-do experience. Glide along the 7.8 km ice surface, surrounded by stunning winter scenery. Skates and helmets are available for rent, and even sleighs and skating trainers for the little ones. If you are visiting Ottawa for the weekend, this is a must! It really is magical and a unique experience to our city.
5. Magic of Lights at Wesley Clover Park
If you're in the mood for some dazzling holiday lights, look no further than Magic of Lights at Wesley Clover Park. This drive-through experience features over a mile of spectacular light displays, including a larger-than-life sparkling Holiday Barbie™ and even life-sized dinosaurs of Prehistoric Christmas. Magic of The Lights is open daily from 5Pm-10PM. I recommend going early in the season and right around opening to avoid long line ups. So, load up the family in the car and sing Christmas carols as you enjoy the magic together at this spectacular Ottawa event.
This year, they even have a section at the end where you can get out of your car and take photos in front of some of their displays. We weren’t prepared for that part but it was a lovely surprise.
Website: wesleycloverparks.com Instagram: @themagicoflights
6. Château Laurier: Trees of Hope and Brunch at Zoe's
A visit to the historic Château Laurier during the winter season is a treat for the senses. Explore the Trees of Hope display, where beautifully decorated trees take center stage. Generous teams and businesses have come together to volunteer and donate to these beautiful creations. Funds were raised for CHEO Hospital and you now can visit the trees in the lobby of the Fairmont Laurier.
While there, you can treat your family to a delightful brunch at Zoe's or visit without children and checkout their speakeasy Elf’s Pub in the evening. Elf’s Pub is Ottawa’s little candyland where you can enjoy delicious cocktails. It is open at 5pm and only takes walk-ins.
Instagram: @FairmontLaurier
7. Spa Nordik: Warmth and Relaxation for All
Whether you're a winter enthusiast or not, Spa Nordik has something for everyone. They are the best and largest thermal spa in North America with tons of Body and Facial Treatments to leave you totally relaxed. On those cold winter days, you can warm up in their hot tubs, saunas, and relaxation chalets. It's the perfect way to enjoy the beauty of winter while staying toasty and relaxed. Their thermal experience features 10 outdoor baths, 4 restaurants, an infinity pool and many saunas or rest areas. The spa overlooks the Gatineau Park, truly a breathtaking view in the winter. You really could spend an entire day at this spa and it is the perfect winter activity for anyone in the Ottawa area as it is just a short drive away.
Website: lenordik.com Instagram: @NordikSpaNature_Chelsea
8. Winterlude: Celebrate Winter's Charm
Mark your calendar for Winterlude from February 2 to 19, 2024. This annual celebration of Canada's winter festivities offers a range of activities, from tube sliding and skating to admiring snow and ice sculptures. Artists fly from all over the world to show off their talents and stunning ice sculpture displays. It's a fantastic way to spend a winder day with your family. You can also skate to the canal from the festival or check out participating museums. More info will be coming soon about Winterlude 2024 in Ottawa.
So, there you have it – a winter wonderland of activities right here in Ottawa to keep your little ones entertained and create cherished family memories. From meeting Santa to gliding on the Canal, Ottawa has it all. Embrace the magic of the season, and let the winter adventures begin!
If you try any of these activities, let me know! Give me a follow on Instagram and tag me in your winter adventures.
