With spring right around the corner, it’s time to start planning for all the wonderful things you can do now that it’s getting sunnier, warmer, and more pleasant to be out and about. But what should you do this spring?
Ottawa has a vast selection of events and festivals, all geared toward different things, giving you options to explore your favourite foods, spend time in nature, or simply take in some history, art, or culture.
Getting Outdoors
In May, the Canadian Tulip Festival takes over Commissioners Park and Dow’s Lake, featuring millions of the colourful flowers alongside historical displays and light shows. You can stroll along the tulip trail, which illuminates the flower's history, or take a self-guided tour of the gardens, enjoying the natural beauty of the flower along the way.
The Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend, also taking place in May, is a more active event with races ranging from 1k to 42.2k, so whether you’re new to running or a seasoned vet, you can enjoy getting outside and getting your blood pumping as a family.
When June rolls around, you can watch exciting and competitive dragon boat racing at North America’s largest dragon boating festival at Mooney’s Bay Park. The Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival is free, goes on for a few days, and offers food, a children’s play area and music festivals alongside the racing.
Indulging in Cuisine
Nothing is quite as staple in Canada as the poutine, and if you love to try out different variations, you’ll love the Ottawa Poutine Fest at the RA Centre. With over 30 vendors to choose from, there is no shortage of options, and since it’s the 10th anniversary this year, there’s going to be some celebrating, too, with live music, a beer garden and family-friendly fun for all ages.
Italian Week Ottawa also celebrates the beauty of Italian cuisine through food, music, and parades in Little Italy, so you can experience vibrant Italian culture while sampling delicious traditional eats.
For Asian street food, you’ll want to check out Asian Fest Night Market in Kanata, which features various vendors, entertainment, and authentic Asian street food guaranteed to broaden your palate.
Taking in Arts and Culture
One of the most exciting indoor options in the spring is Doors Open Ottawa, which runs through June. It gives you a rare look at the city's historical architecture, either in person or virtually. All admissions are free, and you and your family can visit such places as embassies and municipal buildings.
All the great museums in the city, such as the Canadian Museum of Nature and the National Gallery of Canada, offer free Thursday evening admission for families, making it a great way to spend a rainy Thursday night as a family.
Head over to the Ottawa Children’s Festival to experience the world of the arts with performances, theatre, music, and dance, all curated and designed to host families, giving you all something to get excited about in one event. If theatre is up your alley, the Ottawa Fringe Festival in June is another great event offering various performances throughout the city.
If music is more your thing, you can check out Ottawa’s Grassroots Festival, featuring some of the best folk music, dance, and spoken word.
So, what will you and your family be up to this spring season?