Last Updated: December 26, 2025
January in Ottawa transforms the capital into a winter wonderland with world-class skating, stunning outdoor adventures, and cozy indoor escapes from the cold.
Ottawa January 2025 offers an incredible array of winter experiences that embrace rather than fight the cold. From the iconic Rideau Canal Skateway - the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink - to cross-country skiing in Gatineau Park, this month showcases why Ottawa is Canada’s premier winter destination. Whether you’re hitting the ice, exploring world-class museums, catching an Ottawa Senators game, or warming up with hot chocolate in the ByWard Market, January proves that Ottawa’s winter scene is anything but boring.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: January in Ottawa means Rideau Canal skating (weather permitting), pre-Winterlude excitement, incredible museum exhibitions, Senators hockey, and countless indoor activities to escape the cold. Bundle up and embrace the winter!
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Month | January 2025 |
| 🌡️ Average Temp | -10°C to -15°C (14°F to 5°F) |
| ⛸️ Rideau Canal | Opens when ice is safe (usually mid-January) |
| 🎭 Winterlude | February 7-17, 2025 (preview events in late January) |
| 🏒 Senators Games | Multiple home games at Canadian Tire Centre |
| 🏛️ Museums | Most open daily with special winter exhibitions |
Rideau Canal Skateway
The world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink stretches 7.8 km through downtown Ottawa
The Rideau Canal Skateway is Ottawa’s most iconic winter attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When conditions permit, this 7.8-kilometre skating surface transforms into the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink, equivalent to 90 Olympic hockey rinks.
Skating Season Details
The Skateway’s opening depends entirely on weather conditions. The National Capital Commission (NCC) requires:
- At least 30 cm of solid ice
- Several days of consistent cold temperatures (-15°C or colder)
- Safe conditions throughout the entire length
Typical opening: Mid to late January (sometimes early February) Season length: 4-6 weeks depending on weather Hours: Generally 8 AM to 10 PM daily
What to Know Before You Go
Cost: FREE - The Skateway is completely free to use
Skate rentals: Available at multiple locations along the canal:
- Dow’s Lake Pavilion
- National Arts Centre area
- Fifth Avenue
- Prices typically $20-25 for rentals
Amenities along the canal:
- Warming huts at regular intervals
- BeaverTails pastry stands
- Hot chocolate vendors
- Benches for resting and changing skates
- Washroom facilities
Best Skating Sections
| Section | Distance | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| NAC to Pretoria Bridge | 2 km | Beginners, families |
| Pretoria to Lansdowne | 2 km | All levels |
| Lansdowne to Dow’s Lake | 3.8 km | Experienced skaters |
Skating Tips
- Check NCC.gc.ca for daily conditions before heading out
- Arrive early on weekends to avoid crowds
- Weekday evenings offer a magical, less crowded experience
- Bring layers - you’ll warm up quickly while skating
- Don’t forget a BeaverTail - the classic canal treat!
Outdoor Winter Activities
Gatineau Park offers pristine cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails
Beyond the Rideau Canal, Ottawa and the surrounding region offer exceptional outdoor winter activities that make the most of January’s snowy conditions.
Gatineau Park
Just 15 minutes from downtown Ottawa, Gatineau Park transforms into a winter paradise with over 200 km of trails.
Cross-Country Skiing:
- 200+ km of groomed trails
- Classic and skate skiing options
- Trail passes required ($16/day adult, seasonal passes available)
- Rentals available at Chelsea and Wakefield
Snowshoeing:
- 50+ km of dedicated snowshoe trails
- Great for beginners and families
- Several rental locations nearby
Fat Biking:
- 30+ km of winter fat bike trails
- Growing in popularity
- Rentals available in Chelsea
City Skating Rinks
Ottawa operates numerous outdoor skating rinks throughout the city:
- City Hall Rink: Downtown location, free skating, skate rentals available
- Lansdowne Park: Refrigerated rink near TD Place
- Community rinks: Over 300 rinks in neighbourhoods across Ottawa
Sledding Hills
Popular tobogganing spots include:
- Mooney’s Bay: Long runs, very popular with families
- Brewer Park: Great for younger children
- Carlington Park: Multiple hills, less crowded
Museums & Indoor Attractions
Ottawa’s world-class museums offer perfect escapes from winter cold
January is perfect for exploring Ottawa’s exceptional museums and indoor attractions. Most offer extended hours and special winter programming.
National Museums
Canadian Museum of History (Gatineau)
- Canada’s most-visited museum
- Grand Hall with totem poles
- Canadian History Hall
- Special exhibitions rotate regularly
- Address: 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau
- Adult admission: ~$25
National Gallery of Canada
- Extensive Canadian and Indigenous art
- Famous spider sculpture “Maman” outside
- European and contemporary collections
- Free admission Thursday evenings (5-8 PM)
- Address: 380 Sussex Drive
Canadian Museum of Nature
- Dinosaur exhibits, wildlife galleries
- Arctic/Antarctic exhibitions perfect for winter
- Great for families with children
- Address: 240 McLeod Street
Canada Science and Technology Museum
- Interactive exhibits for all ages
- Space, transportation, technology themes
- Excellent for families
- Address: 1867 St. Laurent Blvd
Canada Aviation and Space Museum
- Aircraft collection spanning aviation history
- Space technology exhibits
- Helicopter and airplane rides (seasonal)
- Address: 11 Aviation Parkway
Museum Passes
Save money with passes:
- Ottawa Museums Passport offers admission to 7 museums
- Family passes available for significant savings
- Many libraries offer free museum passes to borrow
Performing Arts & Theatre
The National Arts Centre hosts world-class performances throughout winter
January’s cold weather makes it the perfect time to enjoy Ottawa’s vibrant performing arts scene.
National Arts Centre (NAC)
The NAC offers diverse programming throughout January:
- NAC Orchestra classical performances
- English Theatre dramatic productions
- French Theatre productions
- Dance performances from touring companies
- Popular music concerts
Location: 1 Elgin Street Tickets: From $30 to $150+ depending on performance
Other Venues
Meridian Theatres at Centrepointe
- Broadway touring shows
- Concerts and comedy
- Family programming
Great Canadian Theatre Company
- Canadian contemporary theatre
- Intimate venue experience
- Address: 1233 Wellington Street West
Ottawa Little Theatre
- Community theatre since 1913
- Quality amateur productions
- Affordable ticket prices
Comedy Shows
- Absolute Comedy: Stand-up every weekend
- Yuk Yuk’s: National comedy club chain
- Various open mic nights at local venues
Ottawa Senators Hockey
Catch the Ottawa Senators in action at Canadian Tire Centre
Nothing says Canadian winter like NHL hockey, and the Ottawa Senators play multiple home games throughout January.
Game Day Experience
Venue: Canadian Tire Centre Location: 1000 Palladium Drive, Kanata Capacity: 18,652 fans
What to expect:
- Pre-game festivities in the arena
- Spartacat mascot appearances
- In-game entertainment
- Full concession options
Ticket Information
- Tickets range from $50 to $300+ depending on opponent and seat location
- Student and military discounts often available
- Family packs offer best value for groups
- Book through Ticketmaster or team website
Getting There
- Driving: Ample parking available ($20-25)
- OC Transpo: Route 403 runs from downtown on game nights
- Rideshare: Drop-off and pickup areas designated
January 2025 Home Games
Check the official Senators schedule at nhl.com/senators for the complete January home game schedule with opponents and times.
Family Activities
Ottawa offers countless family-friendly winter activities for all ages
January offers excellent family programming when the kids are back in school but weekends still need filling.
Indoor Play
Funhaven
- Massive indoor playground and laser tag
- Great for birthday parties
- Address: 1050 Baxter Road
Cosmic Adventures
- Multi-level play structures
- Arcade games and activities
- Address: 1373 Ogilvie Road
Tag Zone
- Laser tag and escape rooms
- Perfect for older kids and teens
- Address: 2599 Carling Avenue
Swimming
City pools offer public swim times:
- Deborah Anne Kirwan Pool
- Plant Recreation Centre
- François Dupuis Recreation Centre
- Most offer drop-in family swims for ~$5
Libraries
Ottawa Public Library offers excellent winter programming:
- Story times for various ages
- Maker spaces and technology programs
- STEAM activities
- Free admission to all programs
Indoor Skating
When outdoor rinks are too cold:
- Jim Durrell Recreation Centre: Full-size arena
- Minto Recreation Complex: Barrhaven location
- Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex: Orleans
Food & Dining Events
Warm up with Ottawa’s cozy winter dining scene
January brings comfort food cravings and Ottawa’s restaurant scene delivers with cozy spots and special winter menus.
Warming Comfort Foods
Best poutine spots:
- Smokes Poutinerie: Multiple toppings
- Chez Lucien: ByWard Market classic
- Play Food & Wine: Gourmet twist
Soup and stew specialists:
- Union Local 613: Daily soup specials
- Pure Kitchen: Healthy comfort bowls
- The Manx: British comfort food
Cozy Cafés
Perfect for warming up mid-activity:
- Bridgehead Coffee: Local roaster, multiple locations
- Happy Goat Coffee: Artisan beans, cozy atmosphere
- Little Victories: Third-wave coffee scene
- Ministry of Coffee: ByWard Market favourite
January Restaurant Deals
Many restaurants offer promotions in the slower winter month:
- Look for prix-fixe lunch deals
- Happy hour specials extended
- Winter Warm-Up promotions
- Check local deal sites for offers
Day Trips from Ottawa
Parc Omega offers unique winter wildlife experiences just outside Ottawa
January’s crisp weather makes for beautiful day trips to nearby destinations.
Parc Omega (1 hour)
Wildlife safari park:
- Drive-through animal encounters
- Wolves, bison, elk, deer
- Winter wolf walks (book ahead)
- On-foot walking trails
- Address: 399 Route 323 North, Montebello, QC
Wakefield (30 minutes)
Charming village in Gatineau Hills:
- Local shops and galleries
- Cross-country skiing nearby
- Cozy restaurants and cafés
- Historic covered bridge
Mont-Tremblant (2 hours)
World-class ski resort:
- 102 ski trails
- Village atmosphere
- Spa and dining options
- Day trip or overnight getaway
Calabogie Peaks (1.5 hours)
Closer skiing option:
- 24 runs, affordable prices
- Night skiing available
- Less crowded than Tremblant
- Great for families
Winterlude Preview
Winterlude’s ice sculptures and festivities kick off in early February
While Winterlude 2025 officially runs February 7-17, the excitement builds throughout late January with preparations and early activities visible around the city.
What is Winterlude?
Canada’s largest winter festival celebrates all things winter with:
- International ice sculpture competition
- Snow slides and winter playground
- Live entertainment and concerts
- Indigenous programming
- Food and beverage experiences
2025 Dates & Locations
When: February 7-17, 2025
Where:
- Confederation Park (ice sculptures)
- Jacques-Cartier Park, Gatineau (Snowflake Kingdom)
- Rideau Canal Skateway
- Various downtown Ottawa locations
Late January Preview
As January ends, watch for:
- Ice sculptors arriving to begin work
- Snow structures being built
- Festival signage appearing
- Pre-festival events announced
Plan your February Winterlude visit now - accommodation books up quickly!
FAQ
Q: When does the Rideau Canal Skateway open in 2025?
The opening depends entirely on weather conditions. The NCC requires at least 30 cm of solid ice and safe conditions. Typically opens mid to late January, but some years it doesn’t open until February or at all if weather is too warm.
Q: Is skating on the Rideau Canal free?
Yes, skating on the Rideau Canal Skateway is completely free. You can bring your own skates or rent them at several locations along the canal for approximately $20-25.
Q: What is there to do in Ottawa in January if the canal isn’t open?
Ottawa offers plenty of alternatives: indoor skating rinks, museums, performing arts, Gatineau Park skiing/snowshoeing, Senators hockey games, indoor play centres, and cozy restaurants and cafés.
Q: How cold is Ottawa in January?
January is typically Ottawa’s coldest month, with average temperatures of -10°C to -15°C (14°F to 5°F). Wind chill can make it feel much colder. Dress in warm layers for any outdoor activities.
Q: Are Ottawa museums open in January?
Yes, Ottawa’s national museums are open year-round including January. Many offer extended hours and special winter programming. The National Gallery of Canada offers free admission Thursday evenings.
Q: When is Winterlude 2025?
Winterlude 2025 runs February 7-17. While this is technically February, late January sees preparations underway with ice sculptors beginning their work and festival infrastructure being installed.
Q: Where can I go skiing near Ottawa?
Gatineau Park (15 min) offers excellent cross-country skiing. For downhill skiing, Camp Fortune (25 min), Calabogie Peaks (1.5 hours), and Mont-Tremblant (2 hours) are popular options.
Q: Can I watch Ottawa Senators games in January?
Yes, the Senators play multiple home games in January at Canadian Tire Centre in Kanata. Tickets range from $50-$300+ and can be purchased through Ticketmaster or the team website.
Q: What should I wear in Ottawa in January?
Dress in warm layers: thermal base layer, insulating mid-layer, windproof outer layer. Insulated winter boots, warm hat, gloves, and scarf are essential for any outdoor activity.
Q: Are there family activities in Ottawa in January?
Ottawa offers numerous family activities including indoor play centres (Funhaven, Cosmic Adventures), swimming pools, library programs, museums with children’s programming, and outdoor skating rinks throughout the city.
Q: What’s the best way to get around Ottawa in January?
OC Transpo runs year-round including the O-Train. Roads are plowed but winter driving conditions apply. Walking downtown is manageable with proper footwear. Rideshare services operate normally.
Q: Is Parc Omega open in winter?
Yes, Parc Omega is open year-round including winter. The drive-through wildlife experience is especially magical in snow, and they offer special winter wolf walks by reservation.
Final Summary
January in Ottawa proves that Canada’s capital is a true winter destination worth embracing. The Rideau Canal Skateway (when open) offers a unique experience found nowhere else in the world, while Gatineau Park provides a winter wilderness escape just minutes from downtown.
Key January highlights:
- Rideau Canal Skateway - Check NCC.gc.ca for opening status
- Museums - Perfect cold-weather escapes with world-class exhibitions
- Gatineau Park - Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
- Senators hockey - Catch the home team at Canadian Tire Centre
- Winterlude prep - Festival builds throughout late January
Bundle up, embrace the cold, and discover why Ottawa’s winter scene attracts visitors from around the world. January is just the beginning of the city’s incredible winter season!
Sources: National Capital Commission, Ottawa Tourism, Ottawa Senators, Canadian Heritage
