Looking for things to do around Canada’s capital region this spring? Check out our ultimate list of spring activities to do in Ottawa!
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Spring is among us, and I honestly cannot wait for the rest of the snow to melt. Put lightly - I’m over it. I’m over the cold, I’m over the snow, and I am 100% OVER the shoveling.
If you’re from Ottawa, I’m sure you’ve at some point in time heard that Ottawa is the city that fun forgot. Sure, we’re not Montreal with its buzzing night life, or a city in Europe that boasts 600+ year old architecture, but we’re small and we’re mighty!
With the spring season having started this week, I thought it would be nice to put together a list of over 40 spring activities to do in Ottawa this year!
Interested in reading this post but don’t have time?! Don’t Worry! These 40+ Spring Activities To Do In Ottawa aren’t going anywhere. Pin it for later!
When Does Spring Start in Canada?
So, in theory, spring starts between March 19th and March 21st everywhere in the Northern hemisphere. This is based off the Astronomical start. However, some people like to say March 1st is the first day of spring, which is based on the Meteorological start.
For instance, in Canada, I would say most people go with the astronomical start to spring. Why? Well, there’s still 3 feet of snow currently in my backyard.
In Poland (and most of Europe), many people like to say March 1st is the first day of spring. Why? Because as of me writing this post, the high in Krakow today was 21 degrees Celsius… and I’m jealous. Extremely. Their March is like our April.
Is There Anything To Actually Do In Ottawa In The Spring?
YES! There is! There are so many family-friendly activities to do around the city between March and June, and I’ve put together a list just for you.
Whether you want to do something fun with your friends or you’re looking to take your family out on an adventure, this extensive list of spring activities to do in Ottawa has something for everyone!
Maple Fest At Proulx Farm
March 5 - April 10
Canada is known for its delicious maple syrup, and what better way to celebrate this amazing product by visiting a sugar bush/sugar shack.
Some places offer a full-on Canadian breakfast and others offer a small pancake breakfast (both are delicious in my opinion). Whichever one you choose, it’s something that many Canadian families enjoy doing every year. Proulx Farm is one of many in the Ottawa region where you can really experience early spring the old fashion Canadian way.
613flea
March 25 | April 15 & 29 | May 13 & 20 | June 10 & 17
I love makers’ markets. They’re so much fun and it’s the perfect way to support local businesses!
613flea is a non-for-profit organization and goes every Saturday (with some exceptions). It typically runs from 10am-4pm at the Aberdeen Pavillion at Lansdowne Park.
A good friend of mine is often at 613flea and she makes the most beautiful nature-inspired watercolour paintings and charts. Admittedly, I have at least a dozen of her pieces. You can find her on Etsy HERE.
Crackup Comedy Festival
March 21-25
The Crackup Comedy Festival is a Canadian not-for-profit business run by a group of passionate individuals.
They have events in place in and around the capital region which includes Cornwall, Pembroke, Smiths Falls, and, of course, Ottawa.
Tickets to a given show are pretty affordable and range between $35-$50 on Ticketmaster. If you’re looking to have a good laugh with some friends, you should definitely check this out!
Ottawa Home & Garden Show
March 23-26
The Ottawa Home & Garden Show is an event that so many people look forward to. Whether you’re an interior design or a homeowner with a vision for a project, this home-related marketplace event is for you.
Pro tip: lots of companies who are at shows like this one have “show deals” that you otherwise wouldn’t be able to get, so go check it out!
Art Battle Ottawa
March 30
The best description of Art Battle is from New York Post: “Like Iron Chef, but with paint!”
Essentially, Art Battle is an event you can go to where a group of artists compete by creating a piece of artwork in 3 rounds of 20 minutes. In the end, attendees get to help vote for the winner! It’s an even that happens in more than 50 cities worldwide, so it’s kind of cool that we get to see it in Ottawa.
This year, the event is being hosted at Overflow.
*Please note: this event may be 19+. Contact Overflow to find out.
Ottawa Wedding Show
April 1-2
Getting married? The Ottawa Wedding Show has everything you’re looking for to help you plan one of the biggest events of our life.
It happens once in the Spring and once in the Fall every year. Like the home show, it has a wide range of leading professionals that will be sure to help you with whatever you might need.
Vanier Sugar Festival
March 27 - April 2
If you’re looking to become familiar with the traditional way of producing maple syrup without leaving the city, the Vanier Sugar Festival is perfect for you.
Located at Richelieu Park, this 38-year-old neighbourhood tradition is sure to bring out your sweet tooth!
Ottawa Parent and Child Expo
April 1-2
If you’re looking to do something with your kiddos, the Ottawa Parent & Child Expo is the capital’s longest running parenting and kids expo.
They have loads of activities for you and your little ones, entertainment, free shows and so much more.
Easter Related Activities
April 7-10
With easter around the corner, there are tons of family-friendly springs activities to do in Ottawa and surrounding areas. Whether you want to do something with your kids or something with your friends, you’ll be sure to find something for everyone.
Below is a list of different activities around Ottawa. Just click on the name to learn more about it!
- Easter At The Bunker
- Hopping Down The Bunny Trail Easter Egg Hunt
- Metcalf Easter Farmers’ Market
- Easter At The Estate
- Easter At The Farm
Ottawa’s Poutine Fest
April 27-30
Held at Ottawa City Hall, Ottawa’s Poutine Fest is different from Poutine Fest on Sparks. Which means, yes, Ottawa has two entirely separate events dedicated to potatoes, cheese curds, and gravy.
This year you’ll be able to try over 125 choices of poutine (if you can handle it), enjoy live music and entertainment, and the best part? Free admission.
Parkdale Night Market
May 3 | June 7, 14, 21, 28
Parkdale farmer’s market is essentially the Parkdale Market that you would visit during the day, but in the evening with a new batch of vendors.
It only happens on Wednesday but be sure to check it out. There’s something extra fun about going to a farmers’/markers’ market in the evening hours.
This year it’s back from 5pm-9pm.
Cherry Blossoms & Magnolia Blossoms At Dominion Arboretum
Late April - Early May
Ottawa is full of flowers in the spring that are definitely worth the visit. Whether it be the cherry blossoms or the tulips, the city is vibrant with colour from late April into early May. This is one of those must-see spring activities to do in Ottawa.
If you’re looking for the perfect places to see them, Little Miss Ottawa has a blog post that goes into a bunch of details, and I’d recommend checking it out in the link below.
Ottawa Guild of Potter’s Sale
May 5-7
This year is a big one for the Ottawa Guild of Potters. It’s their 50th Anniversary Year and they have some really fun activities planned.
For the first time ever, they’ll be hosting Ottawa’s Clay Festival, during which the Spring Sale 2023 will be held.
If you like pottery, head on over to the Horiculture Building at Lansdowne Park.
Admission is free!
Jane’s Walk Ottawa
May 6-7
Jane’s Walk is considered a festival of free neighbourhood walking tours.
The walks are given by locals who care about where they live and work. It’s pedestrian focused and is a fun way for people to get to know the city of Ottawa.
Jane’s Walk is actually a global even now and is held in more than 200 cities!
CN Cycle for CHEO
May 7
Do you like cycling? How about cycling for a good cause?
CN Cycle for CHEO (Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario) is a non-competitive event that offers people a wide range of cycling and walking routes for people of all ages.
Money raised through the events helps fund programs for cancer patients and their families.
Cycling Ranges:
- 70km
- 35km
- 15km
Walking Ranges:
- 5km
- 2km
Ottawa Children’s Festival
May 11-14
The Ottawa Children’s Festival is an annual event of live performance arts for children.
It’s a four-day event presenting theatre, dance, and music for young audiences. This is definitely a great event if you’re looking for some spring activities to do in Ottawa with preschoolers or young children.
Canadian Tulip Festival
May 12-22
You didn’t think we’d forget the Tulip Festival did you??
I grew up going to this festival almost every single year and have many embarrassing baby pictures to prove it.
The festival is held at Commissioners Park each year and offers a great selection of family-friendly activities. It’s great for both adults and young families hoping to enjoy a fun and chill day.
This year (2023), the organizers have planned evening activities; this is actually something I’m super excited about. The festival has always just kind of died down in the evening so it’s really cool to see them try to extend it!
This year we are offering activities after dark. Enjoy a selection of family-friendly activities to keep the fun going even after the sun has set. Activities includes Movies & Tulips; an outdoor experience exploring issues of the past and those of today and Ghosts of the Glebe; a tour of the famous neighbourhood where you will hear the stories of some of the brave young men who left their homes to fight for our freedom and the liberation of the Netherlands.”
- The Canadian Tulip Festival
Explore The Rideau Locks
May 19 - October 9
There’s something really fascinating about seeing the Locks in action.
If you’re walking along the canal and see a boat approach one of the lock stations, I’d highly recommend sticking around to see them open. It’s all manually done by staff and it’s a super fun experience.
Camp Fortune Aerial Park
2023 Spring Season | May 19 - June 24
If you’re willing to head outside the city for a bit, I’d recommend going to Camp Fortune’s Aerial Park. They have a variety of courses that vary in difficulty that is suitable for most ages.
Another fun aerial park is at Caverne Lafleche. They offer a nighttime experience throughout the summer, and I can tell you from experience it is absolutely worth trying.
Note: The Night Trek at Caverne Lafleche is 16+
NCC Sunday Bikedays
Mid May - October
Sunday Bikedays are when the National Capital Commission closes off major parkways for pedestrian and cyclist use.
It’s a great way to explore the city along the Ottawa River and I love that it’s closed off to cars. It allows for cyclists and pedestrians to share the road without it being cramped.
This to see along the parkway:
- Beaches
- Bistros
- Downtown
- Museums
- Wildlife
- So much more!
If you’re in the area on Sundays, I would highly recommend this as a fun activity.
Ottawa Redblacks Game
May 26
I’m not gonna lie, I’m not a huge sports fan, but I know a lot of you are!
Let me tell you… When there’s a Red Blacks games, Ottawa. SHOWS. UP. Driving down Bank Street? Forget it!
There’s a buzz in the air every time there’s a game and it’s something to experience at least once.
Great Glebe Garage Sale
May 27
Hands down one of my favourite events of the YEAR!
The entire Glebe turns into one GIANT garage sale and there is so much cool stuff you can find it’s unreal. Plates? Check. Toys? Check. Jewelry? Check. Furniture?! CHECK!
Y’all… you can literally find everything and anything and the streets are PACKED. The vibe is AMAZING.
Have I convinced you yet? No?
IT’S UNBELIEVABLE. GLEBETASTIC. AWESOME. GO. GO NOW!!!!
OK NOT NOW BECAUSE IT’S IN MAY… BUT GO!
Trust me.
Ottawa Chinatown Night Market
June 2-4
This is such a fun event in Ottawa’s Chinatown. It often overlaps with a second night market on Sparks and it’s really just such a vibe.
A few blocks along Somerset Street get closed off for vendors to line the sidewalks. You’ll find lots of delicious food, entertainment, and activities.
This is great for both families or a group of friends wanting to have a fun night out.
Admission is free.
Are you enjoying this post? Check out our list of 15 Insanely Good Cookbooks!
City of Om
June 2-3
City of Om is a health and wellness festival at Lansdowne Park. It started as a yoga festival and has evolved into something much larger. Most of the classes offered are variations of yoga styles.
This is also a family-friendly event where your little ones can pain pots, mediation rocks, participate in dance and yoga classes.
There’s a “Vendor Village” with over 30 local and international vendors with exclusive products that you can check out and this is open to both ticket holders and the public!
Doors Open Ottawa
June 3-4
Doors Open Ottawa is a free annual event that showcases architecture in the community. You can visit over 80 buildings (some typical open to public, some not) and explore the city in a new way.
This year they’re giving spaces the option to participate virtually, in-person, or a hybrid of the two so you’ll need to plan accordingly.
I like going in person, but it’s completely up to you and what you feel comfortable with!
FCA Ottawa Ferrari Festival
June 8-11
I’m a sucker for a nice fast car, and who can blame me. I actually love cars in general, so I love that our small city gets a fun event like this.
FCA Ferrari Fest is a three-day festival that is often paired with Italian week to celebrate all things Italian (obviously). It’s held on Preston in Little Italy.
If you’re into cars and want to see some rare exotic ones, check it out!
Interzip
Opens June 9
This is possibly one of the coolest spring activities to do in Ottawa. If you’ve been ziplining before and loved it, this one is absolutely for you.
How many people can say they’ve ziplined across a river, from one province to another? For $40 you can zip down this 1200′ long and 120′ high line at nearly 50km/h!
The New Art Festival
June 10-11
The New Art Festival is an outdoor art exhibit that features nearly 200 visual artists who work in a range of styles.
The event will be celebrating its 25th year in 2023 and I’m super excited to go check it out. Admission is free but you have to pay for any art you might buy. It’s like a farmers’ market for artists.
You can find all these talented individuals at Central Park in the Glebe rain or shine.
Italian Week
June 12-25
Italian Week is an almost 50-year-old event that has been a huge part of Italian-Canadian heritage in Ottawa.
It’s loud, it’s inviting, it’s generous, and it’s proud. It’s Italian. They said it best: “Coming to Italian Week feels like going to Nonna’s house for dinner. It feels like coming home.”
You’ll be able to find all sorts of fun activities both for adults and kids alike.
Ottawa Fringe Festival
June 15-25
Ottawa Fringe Festival is a theatre festival that provides all performing artists with the opportunity to produce their work.
It’s an open-access festival and 100% of ticket sales go directly to the artists, which is amazing. Since 1997, it’s returned over $2 MILLION to independent artists.
Calypso Waterpark
Opens June 17
If you’re looking to have a fun day with the family or with some friends, Calypso is a great way to do just that.
I loved going to waterparks as a kid and Calypso is no exception. It opened once I was a teenager, but I’ve still gone a handful of times and it’s a blast.
… No pun intended…
Strole Around Gatineau Park
Year Round
Get away from the hustle of the city and cross the bridge into Gatineau to find this MASSIVE park full of amazing walking and hiking trails.
Take your bike, go walking, go kayaking, or just go exploring! It’s hands-down one of the biggest highlights of living in the capital region and it’s so close, too!
Walking Along The Rideau Canal
Year Round
Don’t want to cross the border? No problem!
Take a walk along the Rideau Canal from downtown all the way to the Arboretum near Carleton University. If you want to, you can keep going all the way to Mooney’s Bay and hang out at the beach!
We own kayaks so we love to go on the canal on a sunny spring day; but make sure to go after the water’s been brought up from its winter level.
Self Guided Bicycle Tours
Late Spring Into Fall
One of the many things I love about Ottawa is that it has so many bike paths. You could ALMOST cross the entire city from East to West while staying off of main roads and only on bike paths.
It’s a really fun way to explore the city because it offers a different perspective.
If you love biking, hit the “More Info” button to see some of Ottawa’s most popular bike routes!
Ottawa Farmers’ Market(s)
Some Year Round | Some May To October
Who doesn’t love a good farmer’s market? I know I do! Ottawa is home to MANY farmer’s markets throughout the spring and into the fall.
I love being able to support local farmers and makers by buying their products and supporting their business.
Rideau Falls & Tavern On The Falls
Year Round
Another favourite of mine is spending some time at Rideau Falls. You could drive there, bike there, even kayak there if you wanted to.
While you’re there, spend some time at Tavern on the Falls, it’s an outdoor canteen/bar patio and overlooks the Ottawa River and offers a great view of Gatineau. It’s free to go and it’s a great place to stop for a lemonade or a snack!
Walk Through Mer Bleue
Year Round
If you’re looking for a more relaxing and casual walking path, head over to the Mer Bleue Bog. The boardwalk is open year-round and it’s beautiful during every season.
We typically go a few times a year because it’s not too far and sometimes we just want to enjoy a nature walk.
Fletcher Wildlife Garden
Year Round
Another one of my favourite spring activities to do in Ottawa is to go visit the Fletcher Wildlife Garden.
Located in the same area as the Arboretum, it’s a fun way to learn about all the nature in and around the area. They occasionally host workshops and other fun family-friendly events.
Major’s Hill Park
Year Round
If you grew up in the area, chances are you’d been to Major’s Hill Park. Located on a parcel behind the Chateau Laurier, it fits perfectly in between the hotel, the National Gallery of Canada, and the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica. It’s a great place to have a picnic or just walk through during any season.
Recently, the Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Lemay (a fireworks competition held in the capital region) has moved their launch site to the Ottawa River in between Parliament and the Canadian Museum of History.
If you’re looking to get front row seats, head over to their website HERE! If you’re looking to see it for free, grab your camping chairs and head over to Major’s Hill Park!
Eagle’s Nest Lookout
Year Round
Eagle’s Nest Lookout is a must-see if you’re in Ottawa. It’s a short hike from the parking lot and the views are stunning.
I’ve gone at least a dozen times now and it never disappoints.
It’s located in Calabogie (about an hour out of Ottawa) and you need a car to get there, but it’s absolutely worth it.
Canadian Museum of History
Year Round
This is by far one of my favourite museums in the region. A) because I’m a history buff, and B) because it’s just a beautiful building.
Located just across the river on the Gatineau side, the Canadian Museum of History is super fun and family-friendly activity to do. Like many museums in Ottawa, Admission is free on Thursdays from 5pm-7pm so why not go check it out!
Canadian Museum of Nature
Year Round
Another one of the best spring activities to do in Ottawa is going to the Canadian Museum of Nature. It’s both an education and scientific institution and has been open to the public since 1912!
Bonus for me is that this one is also a beautiful building, especially with the new addition.
Bonus for you is that admission is also free on the following days:
- Thursdays from 5pm-8pm
- Earth Day from 9:30am-4pm
- Canaday Day from 9:30am-5pm
- National Day for Truth & Reconciliation from 9:30am-4pm
Canadian Museum of Science and Technology
Year Round
I LOVED going to the Canadian Museum of Science and Tech when I was a kid. It was so much fun and honestly? It still is even as an adult.
It’s FULL of interactive activities for both kids and adults and it’s an absolute blast. I love it. You should love it. Your grandpa should love it. Everyone should love it.
It was recently renovated, and the team did an excellent job. Definitely a must-see.
Admission is free daily between 4pm-5pm (the last hour of being open).
Canada Aviation and Space Museum
Year Round
Last but not least, the Canada Aviation and Space Museum! If you have a plane or aerospace fanatic at home like I do, this is definitely a perfect activity for you!
The hanger-style building houses a large number of aircrafts that highlight Canadian engineering and its contributions to the field.
Like the Science and Tech Museum, admission is free daily between 4pm-5pm (the last hour of being open).
Canadian War Museum
Year Round
The Canadian War Museum is an architectural masterpiece in my opinion. Not only that, but the exhibits are curated beautifully and do an amazing job at really immersing visitors as they walk through the space.
Admission to the Canadian War Museum is free on Thursdays from 5pm-7pm
Spring Activities To Do In Ottawa Bucket List
Now that you have this ultimate list of spring activities to do in Ottawa, why not try them all out?!
Whether you’ve lived here your whole life, are a student, a newcomer, or just visiting, this list is bound to make you an expert on all things spring in Ottawa.
I’d love to hear which ones you plan on trying down in the comments!
xo
Don’t forget to save this post to come back to it whenever you’re looking for some fun Spring Activities To Do In Ottawa!
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