Checklist: At least 30 things you should do in Ottawa before winter’s over

Sunrise on Parliament Hill, by Derek Mellon via the OttawaStart Flickr pool.

We’re nearly halfway through February and the winter is just flying by. But with spring only starting March 20, there’s still plenty of time left if you want to squeeze some last few winter experiences out. Here’s a list of 30 or so things to check out before the end of March.

1. Go for a skate on the canal.
2. Go tobogganing.
3. Grab a pair of skis and go cross-country or downhill.
4. Or try snow/fat biking in Gatineau Park or South March Highlands.
5. Try your hand at snowboarding.
6. See what’s on at the local movie theatre.
7. Stop by the Museum of Nature to meet a sloth at Survival of the Slowest.
8. Bring snowshoes (or rent them) and hike through a scenic starlit Gatineau Park while learning about its wildlife.
9. New to the city? Go discover the many winter activities Ottawa has at this event.
10. Participate in Canada’s biggest cross-country ski event in Gatineau Park.
11. Catch an Ottawa ‘67s game.
12. Go see snow sculptures and ride the snow slides at the Snowflake Kingdom.
13. Go on a guided tour of the ByWard Market.
14. Grab a beer (or two?) at Ottawa Winter Brewfest.
15. Support local vendors at Ottawa Winter Market in Lansdowne Park.
16. Enjoy a decadent Beavertail in the market.
17. Attend a Paint Nite.
18. Mingle with some llamas.
19. Learn how to swing dance.
20. Participate in drop-in activities at Ottawa’s new Art Gallery for Family Day.
21. See Anthropocene at the National Gallery.
22. See the Last 100 Days exhibit at the Canadian War Museum.
23. Venture down the Sir John A. Macdonald winter trail.
24. Go to a free event at the NAC.
25. Cozy up inside and learn a new creative hobby.
26. Enjoy some of the best food and drink samplings the city has to offer at Savour the Moment.
27. Visit Ottawa’s outdoor ice bar.
28. Take the kids to meet Elsa from Frozen.
29. Play games in VR style.
30. Go for a tour at Rideau Hall. Maybe you’ll see the Governor General!
31. Or go for a skate at the Rideau Hall skating rink… one of Ottawa’s best-kept secrets!
32. Check out 613flea in March.
33. Climb a really big snow mound.
34. Invite your neighbours over for a subzero barbecue.

(More ideas? Please let us know in the comments below! Also consider subscribing to our free newsletter – we include a batch of local events happening soon, in each edition.)