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Some cities come alive with wonder after the first snowfall—and Ottawa is absolutely one of those cities. Well-versed in winter weather, Canada’s capital knows just how to embrace the most quintessentially Canadian season, much to the delight of locals and visitors alike.
The city will be aglow with dazzling lights and projections for Christmas Lights Across Canada if you plan your event in December. And during this holiday season, the new Ottawa Christmas Market will entice your group with unique vendors, food, drinks and live music in a charming, European-style market setting.
Attendees can trade their boots for a pair of ice skates and glide through downtown on the frozen waters of the Rideau Canal, which transforms into the world’s largest outdoor skating rink once the temperatures dip (roughly January through late February). The picturesque skateway runs right alongside the Shaw Centre, downtown’s renowned meeting and conference facility, making it the perfect place for creative, in-between meeting breaks and team-building activities.
From January 31 to February 17, 2020, the annual Winterlude festival will make attendees feel like they are stepping into a beautiful snow globe. Breathtaking ice sculptures by artists from around the world, a giant snow playground, outdoor bars and restaurants all bring the city to life!
Ottawa Tourism recently introduced their Winter Meeting ICEntives initiative, which means special savings on qualifying meetings held in the city between December 1 and March 31. Now is the time to consider pairing your business event with a winter wonderland adventure, complete with snow-shoeing, cross-country skiing, dog sledding and a Canadian wildlife safari through Omega Park. Or to celebrate a job well done with an authentic Canadian experience via the capital’s restaurants, bars, performing arts venues and fascinating museums.
Don’t hibernate—capture the magic of the winter season with an unforgettable event in Ottawa.