Enjoying Ottawa in the Winter
Did you know that Ottawa is the seventh coldest capital city in the world? The frigid temperatures and snowy sidewalks can be brutal, but the Trove Fashion team is learning to embrace winter this year. With the right cold-weather accessories, you can head outside for fresh air and exercise anytime.
Today, we’re sharing our favourite ways to enjoy Ottawa this winter. Read on for our picks!
Glide on the Rideau Canal Skateway
When: Winter 2023 (weather permitting)
The Rideau Canal Skateway has been a staple since 1970! Today, the Skateway winds over 7.8 km through the heart of Ottawa. This free activity is available free and accessible 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Note: the Skateway opens when a 30-cm thickness of good quality ice has formed; check their website for ice conditions.
Check out Winterlude
When: February 3 - 20, 2023
Winterlude is an annual festival in Ottawa that takes place during the first three weekends of February each year! There are tons of activities on offer, including ice skating, a dragon boat festival, tube slides, and snow & ice sculpture competitions. Bundle up and check out Winterlude at various sites around Ottawa and Gatineau. Click here to learn more!
Explore ByWard Market
When: Daily
If you’re in the mood to shop, ByWard Market is the perfect place to spend an afternoon. The market is home to dozens of unique shops and restaurants, so get ready to explore! Grab a croissant at Le Moulin de Provence, try on funky shoes at John Fluevog, then dig through the shelves at Paul’s Vintage – no matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find some treasures.
Tackle the Rideau Winter Trail
When: Daily
The Rideau Winter Trail (RWT) is a free trail that spans nearly 100km in and around Ottawa. Cross-country skiers and snowshoers can criss-cross the city and make the most of the snow!
If you want to try out a sport before acquiring your own equipment, check out the Ottawa Outdoor Gear Library. Ready for a break? Warm up with a stop at Bridge Public House’s fire pits, which can be booked every day. $20 from each booking is donated to the RWT maintenance fund.
Pose for a Photo Shoot
When: Daily
When it comes to winter activities, a photo shoot may not be at the top of your list, but it should be! Popular tourist spots are quiet in the winter, so there’s no need to compete for a good angle. As a bonus, snow reflects light beautifully, so your photos will have great lighting. If you need a suggestion, check out this list of top Ottawa winter photo shoot spots.
You can print out your favourite photos and frame them for an easy gift. We love this gift idea for Galentine’s Day – more on this in our upcoming February post!
Keep in mind: prolonged exposure to cold can lead to frostbite or hypothermia if you’re not prepared. Dress warmly and always have a warm-up plan, particularly if there are children in your group.
Tip: Looking to support Ottawa businesses this winter? In addition to our wide inventory of clothing, accessories, and designer goods, Trove Fashion also carries a great selection of local gifts, so you can get all your shopping done in one stop. Click here to learn more!
