Don’t let the ice and snow get you down; Ottawa has many unique events and activities this month. Discover a new festival or celebrate Winterlude, an annual Canadian winter celebration in the National Capital Region. February also means there are special events where you can watch the Super Bowl or get romantic for Valentine’s Day, and you can find other experiences like dance parties and live performances.
Here are our top picks on fun things to do in Ottawa this February 2024.
Winterlude
Where: Multiple sites in Ottawa and Gatineau
When: February 2 – 19, 2024
Celebrate all winter things at this massive festival in the downtown Ottawa area. Race on a tube down a snowy hill, admire ice sculptures, wander through a maze, enjoy live music and cultural performances, contribute to an ice mosaic, glide on an indoor roller rink, watch the ice dragon boat races, and much more. Check the online calendar for specific shows, activities, and attractions – over 200 of them.
Happiness Dancing
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: February 4, 2024
Join Happiness Habits 613 and Capital Sessions for a community dance practice at the NAC. There will be DJ beats spinning and a dance instructor to teach you some new moves, along with some guest dancers. This free dance meetup will likely sell out, so register online or join the waitlist. The music promises to be loud and soulful; no experience is necessary.
Ottawa Senators Games
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: February 10, 13, 15, 22 and 24, 2024
Head to the arena to watch Ottawa’s home team hit the ice. Cheer on the Sens as you wear red, white and gold. You can save big on tickets to see the Ottawa Senators with a CAA Membership.
Disney’s Frozen
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: February 22 –March 3, 2024
Spend a night at the theatre, and transport yourself to the fairytale town of Arendelle, following Anna and Elsa’s epic journey. Enjoy songs you already know and love from the Disney movie, along with new scores to have stuck in your head. Look forward to stunning costumes and special effects during this magical performance.
Winter Celebration At Rideau Hall
Where: Rideau Hall, 1 Sussex Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: February 3, 2024
This free winter event is part of Winterlude, with its indoor and outdoor special activities. Take your turn participating in outdoor winter sports and games, skating on the historic outdoor rink, and stopping at the residence for a tour of the staterooms.
There will be limited parking, so take advantage of the free Winterlude shuttle that stops at Rideau Hall.
Be My Valentine Craft Market
Where: Glebe Community Centre, 175 Third Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: February 10, 2024
Celebrate the season of love and browse over 40 local makers and artists at a Valentine ‘s-themed market. Square Lemon Artistic Association is a women-run not-for-profit hosting community markets annually.
Ottawa 67’s Games
Where: 1015 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
When: February 9, 10, 14, 19, 23 and 24, 2024
Experience a hockey night in Ottawa at the TD Place. Cheer on the local OHL team and enjoy the lively ambiance. CAA Members can save on Ottawa 67’s tickets and merchandise.
Valentine’s Day Dinner And Dance
Where: Sala San Marco Event Centre, 215 Preston St., Ottawa, ON
When: February 10, 2024
Treat yourself and your love to a dazzling evening celebrating Valentine’s Day. Enjoy this early party on the Saturday before the holiday so you can dance all night. Espresso Show Band will perform, so get ready to twist and twirl around the dance floor. You can call or email the event centre to reserve your spot.
Super Bowl LVIII At The Prescott
Where: 379 Preston St., Ottawa, ON
When: February 11, 2024
Get off your couch and experience the rush of the Super Bowl game surrounded by like-minded football fans at The Prescott. Immerse yourself in the tailgating atmosphere, including contests and prizes throughout the afternoon. Of course, there will also be tons of pub food, including nachos and chicken wings. Secure your tickets online.
Valentine’s Dinner In A Tropical Greenhouses
Where: Robert Plante Greenhouses, 4228 Navan Rd., Ottawa, ON
When: February 14, 2024
Escape the cold this February by celebrating Valentine’s Day with a romantic dinner in a tropical greenhouse. Enjoy this luxurious dining experience for two with a three-course meal surrounded by lush plants as you listen to live music. There are limited tables, so book your meal online to guarantee your spot.
Swift Me Away – Taylor Swift Dance Party
Where: Overflow Brewing Company, 2477 Kaladar Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: February 16, 2024
Shake it off at a Taylor Swift-themed dance party. Electrifying musical beats will guide you through Taylor’s eras in a bejewelled atmosphere with laser lights and other special effects. Make your friendship bracelets and grab the moment by securing tickets online.
Big Bang Festival
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON
When: February 17 and 18, 2024
For the music festival, The National Arts Centre will be decorated with colourful garlands everywhere you look, and you can even find a sound machine. It is a child-friendly event full of surprises. Enjoy mini-concert events along with free activities.
Gatineau Loppet
Where: Gatineau Park, Gatineau, QC
When: February 16 – 18, 2024
Adults and kids can register for different races at this international cross-country skiing event. Ranging in distance and route, you can sign up and show off your classical or free ski techniques during the races. Enjoy this competitive winter day in the beautiful Gatineau Park.
All Ages Karaoke
Where: Hintonburg Public House, 1020 Wellington St. W., Ottawa, ON
When: February 18, 2024
Bring your little ones to a local restaurant to sing their hearts out at family-friendly karaoke. There will be a kid’s menu available.
City And Colour
Where: Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr., Ottawa, ON
When: February 23, 2024
Catch Dallas Green’s Canadian tour in Ottawa by enjoying the City and Colour concert. It is his first cross-country tour in five years, and Nathaniel Ratecliff & The Night Sweats will join the show.
Great Canadian Kilt Skate
Where: Lansdowne Park Skating Court, Princess Patricia Way, Ottawa, ON
When: February 18, 2024
The Scottish Society Of Ottawa celebrates Scottish culture and history in Canada and is hosting the tenth annual Kilt Skate this February. They take to the ice in kilts at the Lansdowne rink to enjoy the tradition and have fun. Feel free to skate without a kilt; tartan clothing is highly encouraged.
Snowball: A Cool Winter’s Eve
Where: Ottawa Art Gallery, 50 Mackenzie King Bridge, Ottawa, ON
When: February 28, 2024
Move throughout the venue, indulging in unique experiences at this cocktail party-style event supporting The Snowsuit Fund. It is an all-inclusive, multi-chef event where you’ll find chef stations, live music, auctions, beauty bars, art showcases and more.
Ottawa Storytellers’ Signature Series
Where: Arts Court, 2 Daly Ave., Ottawa, ON
When: February 25, 2024
The Ottawa StoryTellers 2023-2024 Signature Series has begun, presenting mythical tales, crime stories and magical songs. February’s performance is Of Ice and Fire: Stories from Norse Mythology, telling epic tales of Norse mythology. You can find tickets online.
Rideau Canal Skateway
Where: Rideau Canal, Ottawa, ON
When: Opening dates are weather dependent
Ottawans hope for cold enough weather each winter for the Rideau Canal to turn into the world’s largest outdoor skating rink. The total length is 7.8 kilometres, and you’ll be able to enjoy rest areas and food huts along the way as you admire the downtown scene. There are also changing rooms and equipment rentals if needed. The opening is weather-dependent, so stay tuned for updates from the National Capital Commission.
If the canal is not open, there are other skating trails around Ottawa, such as RiverOak Skating Trail, Le Sentier de Petit Pingouin, Icelynd Skating Trail and Patinage en Forêt.
Bring your CAA Membership on your adventures
Starting at just $30 a year, CAA Members can enjoy discounts on everything from dining out and filling up on fuel to savings on your car and travel insurance, as well as other benefits. You can view the list of 126,000 partner locations worldwide and compare Membership plans online.