FESTIVALS
Winterlude
Every February, Canada's Capital Region is host to Winterlude, North America's greatest winter festival. Three fun-filled weekends of excitement and activity await the whole family! From spectacular ice carvings to an amazing playground made of snow, Winterlude is a great way to take in the best of our Canadian winter. Skate on the world's longest skating rink - right in the heart of Ottawa! Marvel at majestic snow sculptures and at the glittering ice sculptures or take in a spectacular fire show.
Canadian Tulip Festival
Spring awakening in the National Capital begins with the opening of the Canadian Tulip Festival in May. More than one million tulips line Ottawa's scenic drive along the historic Rideau Canal to the Parliament buildings and across the Ottawa River to the Outaouais. As you take a stroll among the tulip beds and take in some tulip festivities you can also enjoy multicultural entertainment.
TD Ottawa Jazz Festival
The TD Ottawa Jazz Festival is a multi-week outdoor music festival. Taking place annually in June, it features some of the world's most dynamic performers.
Canada Day in the Capital
Just a few steps away from Parliament Hill, Fairmont Château Laurier is the ideal location to take in the sights and sounds of Canada’s big birthday bash. Don’t miss Canada Day in the Capital, when the region resonates with pageantry and the sounds of celebration!
RBC Bluesfest
Don’t miss Ottawa’s largest music festival and one of the largest international music events in the world! Featuring over 220 varied world-renowned musical acts on several outdoor stages, RBC Bluesfest attracts more than 300,000 music fans each year.
Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival
Don’t miss out on Canada’s largest hot air balloon festival for a sight to be seen and tons of activities! Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival will be sure to amaze kids and adults alike!
CITY TOURS
Bus Tour The Capital of Canada
Discover Ottawa’s charm and distinctive beauty with a tour of the city. Climb aboard the Gray Line or Lady Dive Sightseeing Buses for a narrated tour of Ottawa attractions. Learn about the history behind this great city and why Queen Victoria chose Ottawa over Toronto, Kingston, Montreal and Quebec City in 1857 to be the National Capital and much more. This is a wonderful way to get an overview of Ottawa.
Ghostly Tours of The City
Haunted Walks are offered as a unique historical walking tour in Ottawa. These tours are best known for their local ghost stories and ‘darker’ history which are presented in the evening, when the lights are low and the atmosphere is just right for a good ghost story.
C'est Bon Cooking Tour
C'est Bon Cooking tours takes you on a gourmet journey through the National Capital's most intriguing culinary neighbourhoods.