In the capital city of Canada, there are plenty of things to enjoy at any time of the year. During winter, however, Ottawa is simply one of the best places to be in the world. The freezing temperatures and windy weather may be inconvenient for many but these conditions are what create the exciting winter atmosphere that makes the city so appealing.

With plenty of snow, dazzling decorations, and plenty of festive events, it pays to be prepared before visiting during the holiday season in Ottawa. To get the best winter vacation in Ottawa, however, without having to go through the stress of deciding what to do, here is a list of the most exciting winter activities to explore this holiday season in the city.

10 Attend Winterlude

Winterlude is an exciting winter event in Ottawa that offers plenty of winter activities from ice skating to ice sculpture competitions. The event is held for several weeks in various locations across the city.

At Winterlude, there will be ice skating at Rideau Canal Skateway, an ice sculpture competition at Crystal Garden, and plenty of racing events. One can also expect beautiful pieces of artwork, good music, food, and hot beverages.

The event usually takes place in January or February and although the event was canceled for 2022, the 45th edition of the event is set to occur in 2023.

9 Attend Ottawa Ice Dragon Boat Festival

There are plenty of festivals held across the city of Ottawa during winter but the Ottawa Ice Dragon Boat festival is one not to be missed.

This event hosts plenty of competitions which are usually held at the Rideau Canal. International teams will participate in the competitions and one can visit to cheer on one of these teams.

8 Shop At Rideau Center

Shopping for souvenirs and collectibles is an exciting thing to do while visiting Ottawa in winter and one of the best places in the city to do this is the exquisitely designed Rideau Center.

Located on Rideau street, close to Rideau Canal, this three-level shopping center features various boutiques, food stalls, and shops.

With over 180 stalls offering a wide variety of products and services, the shopping experience here promises to be exciting.

The National Gallery of Canada is worth visiting at any time of the year, especially during winter.

The gallery hosts plenty of interesting things to see from ancient indigenous artifacts to sculptures, artworks from various local and international artists, and some of Canada's most important collections.

As always, guides are always available to take visitors through the history of any artifact of interest.

6 Take A Walk Through Parliament Hill

Winter in Ottawa is not all about ice skating. A great thing to do to enjoy the atmosphere is to take a walk through Parliament Hill and marvel at the various artworks, the gothic architecture, and the beautiful views of the Ottawa River.

For more adventures here, take a guided tour of the parliament to explore the Senate of Canada or the House of Commons.

One can even watch the changing of guards here, and it's similar to the one that occurs at Buckingham Palace.

5 Enjoy Dog Sledding and Snowshoeing At Escapade Huskimo

Located just 75 minutes from Ottawa, Escapade Huskimo invites Ottawa visitors to come to enjoy an exciting time engaging in outdoor activities such as dog sledding and snowshoeing.

With dedicated staff, plenty of ski trails, and beautiful surrounding scenery, every moment here promises to be worthwhile.

4 Experience Ice Skating On Rideau Canal Skateway

Ice skating on the largest ice skating rink in the world is something to experience at least once. The skating rink is open all through the winter and people can come at any time they wish to enjoy the thrills of ice skating.

At night, the beautiful lighting and the melodious music will even make the experience here more exciting and unforgettable.

Related: These Are The Best Ice Outdoor Skating Rinks In Canada

3 Go Ice Skating At The Rink Of Dreams

Rideau Canal is not the only place one can skate in Ottawa. The Rink of Dreams is also an exciting rink to experience skating this winter. All through winter, this refrigerated ice skating rink is open to the public from 6 am to 11 pm to give visitors an exciting ice skating adventure.

While the rink is beautiful during the day, the nighttime at the rink comes with mesmerizing sights of multicolored LED lights and melodious music.

2 Go Cross Country Skiing

Skiing is one of the exciting winter activities worth experiencing in Ottawa. Visitors can choose from the many trails available in and around the city for this experience.

Within the city, visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing at Kichi Sibi Winter Trail and Rideau Canal Winter Trail.

For more cross-country skiing adventures in Canada, check out Gatineau Park which is just 2.5 miles from downtown Ottawa.

1 Experience Tobogganing At Carlington Park

The massive hill at Carlington Park creates the perfect stage for an exciting sliding adventure. While the thrilling ride is the best thing to enjoy here, the hike up the hill and the beautiful views are also amazing.

Even if one does not engage in the adventure, just watching other people slide on the hill and take pictures is an exciting thing.