Visiting Ottawa and Central Ontario

Winter in Ottawa, Canada’s capital, is delightful cold weather fun. Skate down the frozen Rideau Canal, the world’s largest natural ice-skating rink stretching over 7-kilometers from downtown Ottawa at the National Arts Centre southward to Dow’s Lake Pavilion. February brings Winterlude to the Capital City of Ottawa, with a diversity of winter sports, activities and events. Winter visitors; be sure to plan around the annual maintenance week at the Canadian Museum of Civilization, Canadian War Museum and Canadian Museum of Nature. Visit these Ottawa museums before or after January 9th through the 13th when they close for annual mantenance. With the NHL All-Star game, the Canadian ski marathon and events like WinterBites – Ottawa is pure winter fun.

It’s hockey season in Ottawa and time to catch the Senators in action at Scotiabank Place. In addition to regular Senators season play, Ottawa hosts the 2012 NHL All-Star Celebration. Ottawa is Hockey Country and the Senators and their fans are proud to host the game Sunday January 29th. Arrive as soon as January 26th, when 2012 All-Star events begin. The Ottawa Senators celebrate their 20th year in 2012 – be sure to enjoy hockey season in Ottawa.

February brings championship pond hockey to Ottawa. The 2012 Beaver Cup Festival is February 10th through 12th on the Rideau Canal at Dow’s Lake. Join in, or come watch this classic Canadian winter sport on the world’s largest outdoor ice-skating rink. Nothing beats an outdoor hockey match on naturally frozen ice – this is how it all began in Hockey Country.

Winterlude 2012, Ottawa’s premier winter festival, is held February 3rd through the 20th. With events like the Ottawa Winter Jazz Festival, Taste of Winterlude and Rogers On-Block ice sculpting challenge, this is a great time to visit Canada’s capital city.

Athletes get ready for an extreme challenge at the Winterman Marathon and Marathon Relays, Sunday, February 19th. This official Winterlude event features 3Km, 5Km, 10Km, Half Marathon and Marathon events for runners of all ages and abilities. The races start at the Canadian War Museum, with courses running through downtown and along the Ottawa River. Challenge yourself with a run in Ontario’s winter weather.

Cornwall, east of Ottawa along the St Lawrence River, is an economical and cultural hub for Ontario’s Seaway Valley. A port-of-entry into Canada, Cornwall is conveniently located along the Quebec City – Windsor Corridor and Ontario Highway 401. Destinations like Ottawa, Montreal and New York’s Adirondacks are an easy drive. While you are visiting the area, check the 2012 calendar at the Upper Canada Playhouse in Morrisburg. Catch the Vinyl Café with Stuart Mclean at the end of January and The Foursome March 16th through April 1st.

Ottawa and Central Ontario Hotel Map