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Best of Ottawa
Attractions, Museums, Restaurants, Shopping, and Things to Do in Ottawa
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Ottawa Attractions
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Events and Things to Do in Ottawa
Springtime in Ottawa
March - June
The weather is getting warmer and Ottawa is ready to showcase what the city has to offer in spring. There are many events highlighting the arrival of the new season!
CanadianTulip Festival
May 11-21, 2018
Ranked the world's largest tulip festival, the Canadian Tulip Festival offers you the opportunity to explore colourful tulips in bloom, Dutch culture, and International Pavilion, Ikebana workshops and entertainment.
Ottawa Cycling
April - September
Ottawa has embraced bicycles with bike lanes on city streets, and paths around the Rideau Canal and across the city. With many clubs, paths, rentals and tours biking is a unique way to see the city!
Canada's Best Running Event
May 26 - 17, 2018
Starting right outside our door, Canada's largest running weekend. In 2017, more than 50,000 people participated in six events over the weekend, including the Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon.
Ottawa Fringe Festival
June 14-24, 2018
A Fringe Festival is a forum that unites artists and audiences in a fun, exploratory environment - where 100% of ticket sales go to the artists
Ottawa Ribfest on Sparks Street
June 14-18, 2018
Break out your bibs! Canada's biggest BBQ returns to Sparks Street June 14th to 18th! There'll be entertainment, music, celebrity judging and more! 11 patios are ready for you and your friends!
Ottawa Craft Beer Festival
June 15-17, 2018
At Landsdown Park, this festival showcases exceptionally crafted craft beers, cider, local eateries and some local wine.
Summer in Ottawa
June - September
Ottawa is officially in celebration mode! From the regular summers events and the addition of the Ottawa2017 summer events, the next few months are sure to be a spectacle for residents and tourists alike!
Summer Solstice Aboriginal Arts Festival
June 21 - 24, 2018
One of the few Aboriginal Arts Events that truly represents the cultural diversity of our urban Aboriginal community, with full participation of First Nations, Métis and Inuit artists
Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival
June 21-24, 2018
Recognized as North America's largest dragon boating festival the four day celebration offers free admission to multiple stages with world class programming, marquee concerts, amusement attractions, sports...
TD Ottawa Jazz Festival
June 21 - July 1, 2018
From the avant-garde to big band and swing, come enjoy musical stylings to suit any jazz aficionado as the festival celebrates its 36th anniversary this year!
Changing of the Guard
June 26 - August 27, 2017
Canada's Ceremonial Guard marches by the Lord Elgin Hotel each day enroute and returning to Parliament Hill.
Canada Day
July 1, 2017
Don’t miss Canada’s 150th birthday in the capital, when the region resonates with pageantry and the sounds of celebration!
RBC Royal Bank Bluesfest - Lebreton Flats
July 6 - 16, 2017
One of the largest international music events in the world, with over 220 musical acts on several outdoor stages, attracting more than 300,000 music fans each year.
HOPE Volleyball SummerFest
July 15, 2017
Each year, more than 25,000 players and spectators flock to Mooney’s Bay Beach in Ottawa for the greatest summer party in the region.
Ottawa International Buskerfest
August 4 -7, 2017
Visit the historic Sparks Street and watch Incredible Street Performers from around the world. Shows for the whole family including jugglers, escape artists, acrobats, fire eaters, and more!
Remembrance Day Ceremonies in Ottawa
November 11th, 2017
On November 11th each year, Canadians gather at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, standing in collective Remembrance of all who have fallen in the military service of their country.
Christmas Lights Across Canada
December 7 - January 7
Capital cities throughout the country are brought together by the annual celebration of Christmas Lights Across Canada.
Winterlude
February 2nd to February 19th, 2018
Unique to Ottawa and at the Lord Elgin's doorstep, these three Winterlude weekends are filled with activities and many venues are open daily. Winterlude 2018 will run from February 2 -19th, ending on Family Day
Red Bull Crashed Ice in Ottawa 2017
March 3-5, 2017
For Canada's 150th birthday, this world famous event will take place near the Rideau Canal locks and Major's Hill Park in March 2017.
Ottawa International Children’s Festival
May 9-14, 2017
For three decades, the OICF has presented a six-day extravaganza of the finest quality theatre, dance and music for young audiences.
