Free things to do in Ottawa

Lakes, 165 km of trails, peak fall colour.

300,000 tulips peak mid-May.

Scenic multi-use trail along the Ottawa River with views of Parliament Hill — great for cycling, jogging or a long romantic walk.

World's largest naturally frozen skating rink stretching 8 km through the city — THE iconic Ottawa winter activity.

Large sandy beach on the Rideau River with volleyball courts and a water park — Ottawa's top family summer destination.

Hop on the water for an hour — beginner-friendly, great with a friend or date.

Lace up at a city rink — date-night classic and the easiest winter family outing.

Day-pass bouldering with shoe rental — great solo workout or first-date conversation starter.

Pedal boats in summer, 7.8 km skate in winter.

Sandy river beach with a great little café.

Skate, ice sculptures, hot chocolate — repeat.

Indoor skydiving wind tunnel delivering a real adrenaline rush for families, thrill-seeking friends and adventurous dates.

Canada's largest Nordic spa nestled in the forest outside Ottawa, offering an unforgettable thermal circuit for couples or solo.

Low-stakes 18 holes — perfect date, family outing or chill friend hang on a warm evening.

Pack snacks, park up and catch a double feature under the stars.

Slide down on an inner tube, ride the lift back — silly fun with kids or friends.

Two frames in, nobody's bored — easy plan with friends, family or a casual date.

Hundreds of games, coffee and snacks — equally great solo, on a date or in a group.

Coached lanes, leagues most nights — go-to group activity when everyone's bored.

Open jump, dodgeball courts and foam pits — chaotic kid energy or unironic adult fun.

Free-roam VR rooms — works for friend groups, parties or rainy-day plans.

Soak, steam and reset — book solo, with a friend, or as a couples thing.

Popular Sunday market at Lansdowne Park with local produce, artisan foods and prepared eats that draws the whole neighbourhood.

Flights, board games and food trucks parked out front — laid-back friends hang.

Two-hour guided walk through history, food or street art — great solo intro to a city.