The OTTAWA sign as snow falls in downtown Ottawa. (Natalie van Rooy/CTV News Ottawa)
While the cost of groceries, property taxes and home ownership keeps rising, there are things you can do in Ottawa this winter without breaking the bank.
You can visit Winterlude in Ottawa and Gatineau, go cross-country skiing for free at several trails in Ottawa or tour the Parliament buildings.
CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at nine things you can do for free in Ottawa this winter.
Winterlude
Experience the best of Canadian winter at Winterlude.
The popular winter festival in Ottawa and Gatineau includes a number of free events on Sparks Street, the Snowflake Kingdom at Jacques-Cartier Park in Gatineau and in the ByWard Market.
Winter Pride is set for the weekend of Feb. 10 to 12.
The Winterlude National Ice-Carving Championship kicked off on Sparks Street Saturday morning. The competition was delayed one day due to the cold temperatures. (Josh Pringle/CTV News Ottawa)
Rideau Hall Winter Celebration
The public is invited to Rideau Hall on Feb. 11 for the Winter Celebration.
Activities include:
Eisstock – a traditional Alpine winter sport similar to curling
Giant Skis
Indigenous Activities - activities that reflect the diversity of Indigenous communities through traditional music, dance and various workshops
Korean traditional games
Nunavut traditions - Rideau Hall says students from Nunavut Sivuniksavut will share their Inuit culture and language through drumming, dancing, throat singing, Inukshuk building and other winter activities
You can skate for free at Ottawa's four refrigerated outdoor skating rinks.
The Rink of Dreams at Ottawa City Hall is open daily from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. (weather permitting).
Lansdowne Park skating court is open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. (weather permitting).
The Jim Tubman Chevrolet Rink (Canterbury) is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. (weather permitting).
Ben Franklin Place Skating Rink (101 Centrepointe Drive) Open daily (weather permitting).
Cross-country skiing
You can cross-country ski for free at the following areas, but donations are encouraged.
Canadian War Museum – Admission is free on Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., but a timed ticket is required.
Canadian Museum of History Admission is free on Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., but a timed ticket is required.
National Gallery of Canada – Free admission every Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. You must book your ticket in advance.
KIDS EAT FREE
Children can eat for free at several restaurants in Ottawa.
Zak's Diner – Kids 10 and under eat free Sunday to Thursday (holidays excluded) from 4 p.m. to close, with the purchase of one adult meal and beverage. Offer available at the Zak's Diner locations in the ByWard Market, on Elgin Street and in Kanata. Visit the restaurant's website for details.
Jonny Canuck's – Kids eat free on Sundays between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. For more information, visit the restaurant's website.
Mandarin Restaurant – Kids aged 4 and under eat free from the buffet (up to two kids per paid adult)
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The OTTAWA sign as snow falls in downtown Ottawa. (Natalie van Rooy/CTV News Ottawa)
The Winterlude National Ice-Carving Championship kicked off on Sparks Street Saturday morning. The competition was delayed one day due to the cold temperatures. (Josh Pringle/CTV News Ottawa)
