Best All-Weather Activities in Ottawa: A Local's Guide
3 min read · Updated 2025-06-01
Keep your Ottawa plans flexible with places that work across weather conditions. Start with these local options.
ByWard Market
Ottawa's oldest and most vibrant neighbourhood is genuinely all-weather. On a sunny day, the outdoor stalls overflow with Quebec produce, Beaver Tails, and BeaverTails (yes, the pastry). On a rainy day, the covered market building, surrounding restaurants, and indoor boutiques absorb entire afternoons. It's a neighbourhood, not just a market. Something is always happening.
55 ByWard Market Square, Ottawa, ON K1N 9C3
Insider tip: The main market building is open year-round. The outdoor stalls run May–October. The Beavertail stand on the corner is mandatory.
Rideau Centre
Ottawa's central shopping mall (50 Rideau St) isn't just a mall. It's connected via underground PATH to the Government Conference Centre and sits directly on the Rideau Canal, with views of the Château Laurier from the upper levels. On a rainy or cold day it's a warm hub; on a summer day the rooftop terrace is the best urban view in the city.
50 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON K1N 9J7
Insider tip: The food court has actually good options by mall standards. The upper-level windows face the Château Laurier and are worth a stop.
National Gallery of Canada
The National Gallery (380 Sussex Dr) is one of the finest art museums in North America, and it's free for Canadian residents on Thursday evenings. The permanent collection spans Indigenous art, Group of Seven, European masters, and contemporary Canadian work. The glass tower entrance, designed by Moshe Safdie, is an architectural landmark in its own right.
380 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 9N4
Insider tip: Free for Canadian residents Thursday 5–8 pm. Don't miss the Rideau Chapel, a Gothic Revival interior reconstructed inside the gallery.
Nordik Spa-Nature
Just 15 minutes from downtown in Chelsea, Quebec, Nordik Spa-Nature is one of the largest Nordic spas in North America. It operates year-round and is arguably better in bad weather. Alternating between outdoor thermal pools, steam rooms, and cold plunges in the rain or snow is an experience that Ottawa visitors remember for years. Reserve in advance; it books up quickly on weekends.
16 Chemin Nordik, Chelsea, QC J9B 2A3
Insider tip: Book online at least 1 week ahead for weekends. The bistro on-site serves surprisingly good food. The 'silence' zones are strictly enforced.
Parliament Hill
The Centre Block is under renovation until approximately 2030, but the East and West Blocks are open for free guided tours. The Peace Tower, Eternal Flame, and grounds are worth visiting in any weather. The gothic copper-roofed skyline is at its most dramatic under storm clouds. The view across the Ottawa River from Major's Hill Park (directly east) is one of the finest in the city.
Wellington St, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A9
Insider tip: Free guided tours of the East and West Blocks run year-round. Book online through the House of Commons website.
Image: GooSee Inc.