11 Things To Do In Ottawa This Weekend, January 31 To February 2
As January comes to an end and we prepare to say "hello" to February, there’s only one thing on many Ottawans' minds. And that, of course, is Winterlude. With the epic annual festival about to kick off, you will find no shortage of super fun things to do in Ottawa this weekend.
Between magical rooftop ice bar patios and enough tasty food options to keep you full all winter long, this is definitely the weekend to let yourself indulge.
You’ve earned it, after all.
And don’t worry, there’s so much more going on in the capital if Winterlude isn’t on your priority list.
Snacks and cat cuddling? Stories with a drag queen? Ice cream for breakfast in your pyjamas?
Yep, Ottawa has it all, no matter what kind of fun you want to dive into this weekend.
And the best part? Nearly every item on this week’s list is free, so put those wallets away and get ready for some classic capital good times.
All that’s left to do is hop in that group chat and starting mapping out your plans with the squad.
Copper On Ice
Price: $10
When: Starting Friday, January 31
Address: 325 Dalhousie St., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Who says patio season is only for the summer? You can chill out at an ice bar on the rooftop patio at Copper Spirits and Sights.
National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day
Price: Prices vary
When: Saturday, February 1
Address: 102 Fairmont Ave., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: As if ice cream for breakfast wasn't already sweet enough, you can also enjoy complimentary coffee or hot chocolate if you show up in your PJs.
Outdoor Zero-Waste Meet-Up
Price: Free
When: Sunday, February 2
Address: Bill Mason Centre, 3088 Dunrobin Rd., Dunrobin, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can explore 70 acres of Dunrobin that is normally off-limits to the public thanks to Lindsey Behnke of @ourgreenerlife. The event, supported by NU Grocery and the centre, will let you spend the day snowshoeing through the beautiful trails before warming up by the fire for lunch.*
ByWard Market Stew Cook-Off
Price: $10
When: Friday, January 31
Address: CTV Ottawa parking lot, 87 George St.,Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can stay nice and warm with all-you-can-eat stew from a variety of local cooks. Yum.
Stories from the North: An Outdoor Snow-Screening
Price: Free
When: Thursday, January 31 to Sunday, February 2
Address: Lansdowne Park, 1000 Exhibition Way, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: A snow-screen movie theatre? Sounds pretty chill to us.
Drag Story Time
Price: $6
When: Sunday, February 2
Address: 3320 Paul Anka Dr., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can settle in for an afternoon of storybook reading with your favourite drag queens.
Skating Party & Chili Cookoff
Price: Free
When: Saturday, February 1
Address: 100 Thornwood Rd., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can enjoy skating, hockey, ringette, music, bonfires, s'mores, and, of course, chilli. You can expect everything from classic to vegetarian and even chilli dogs! Remember, the trick is to undercook the onions.
Raclette Fun at Rideau Hall
Price: Free
When: Saturday, February 1
Address: 1 Sussex Dr., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Melted cheese on potatoes? We're in. You can enjoy this savoury treat as part of the annual Winter Celebration at Rideau Hall.
A Warm Hug
Price: Free
When: Starting Saturday, February 1
Address: Sparks St., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: This heart-warming interactive art project has made its way to the capital for Winterlude and it's too cute to miss. Simply give the heart a warm hug and watch as it lights up.
Cat Adoption Event
Price: Free entry
When: Saturday, February 1
Address: Pet Value, 250 Greenbank Rd., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Speaking of warm hugs, if it's time you get some serious kitty cuddles in your life, then this cat adoption event is the place to be. There will even be snacks on sight.
Geometric Crystalline
Price: Free
When: Starting Friday, January 31
Address: Underpass at Rideau St. & Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can check out these stunning crystals and enjoy fire juggling performers, music, swag giveaways, and more at the launch on Friday.
*This article has been updated.