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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
Winterlude
January 31 to February 17, 2020 (weekends)
Unique to Ottawa and at the Lord Elgin's doorstep, these three Winterlude weekends are filled with activities and many venues are open daily.
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 8-18, 2020
Ranked the world's largest tulip festival, the Canadian Tulip Festival offers you the opportunity to explore colorful tulips in full bloom
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 23-24, 2020
Starting right outside our door, Canada's largest running weekend. In 2019, more than 50,000 people participated in six events over the weekend, including the Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon.
Ottawa Craft Beer Festival
May 8 & 9, 2020
This is the largest beer festival in the Region. Taking place at Place des Festivals, Zibi featuring over 300 beers, more than 30 breweries over 3 days.
Ottawa Fringe Festival
June 18-28, 2020
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 24-28, 2020
Break out your bibs! Canada's biggest BBQ returns to Sparks Street June 19 to 23rd! There'll be entertainment, music, celebrity judging and more! 11 patios are ready for you and your friends!
Summer in Ottawa
June - September
As Canada's Capital, Ottawa is in full celebration mode all summer long. From our numerous festivals, to all the attractions at our museums and galleries, you will have to stay a week to get it all in!
Summer Solstice Aboriginal Arts Festival
June 18-21, 2020
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 25-28, 2020
Recognized as North America's largest dragon boating festival the four day celebration offers free admission to multiple stages with world class programming.
TD Ottawa Jazz Festival
June 19 - July 1, 2020
From the avant-garde to big band and swing, come enjoy musical stylings to suit any jazz aficionado as the festival celebrates its 40th anniversary this year!
Changing of the Guard
June 23 to August 24, 2019
Almost every summer morning, Canada's Ceremonial Guard marches by the Lord Elgin Hotel each day enroute to and returning from Parliament Hill.
Canada Day
July 1, 2020
Don’t miss Canada’s 153rd birthday in the capital, when the region resonates with pageantry and the sounds of celebration!
RBC Royal Bank Bluesfest - Lebreton Flats
July 4-14, 2019
Celebrating 25 years, Bluesfest is 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.
Music and Beyond
July 4 - 18, 2019
Music and Beyond is a classical music and arts festival that began in July 2010. Each year, the festival offers a variety of programming to highlight exciting connections between classical music and many other
Chamberfest
July 25 to August 8, 2019
Ottawa Chamberfest brings together the boldest names in ensemble and solo performance for musical celebration in the nation’s capital, through its concert series, community engagement and education (CEE).
HOPE Volleyball SummerFest
July 13, 2019
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 1-5, 2019
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!
Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival
August 29 to September 2, 2019
See hot air balloons fill the Gatineau sky, enjoy the amusement park, fireworks, and a number of exciting shows!
Ottawa International Animation Festival
September 25-29, 2019
Every September, the Ottawa International Animation Festival presents the world’s most cutting-edge, quirky and important animation — and transforms Ottawa into the centre of the animation universe.
Remembrance Day Ceremonies in Ottawa
November 11th, 2020
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.
Ottawa International Children’s Festival
May 2020 (dates TBA)
For three decades, the OICF has presented a six-day extravaganza of the finest quality theatre, dance and music for young audiences.
