Spring in Ottawa is such a great time to be in the city. With nature flourishing comes a burst of vibrancy and life, and tons of new things to do! To help you come out of Winter hibernation and seize the sunny days ahead, here are some of our recommendations for 9 things to do in Ottawa this Spring:
Get in touch with nature
1. Check out The Tulip Festival (May 12-22)
We can all agree that the tulip season is one of the most beautiful times of the year. With over 30 tulip gardens across the Ottawa area, it’s a great option to get outside and smell the flowers (pun fully intended), and as an added bonus, admission is free!
Check out the largest gardens along the Rideau Canal, Major’s Hill Park and at Commissioners Park. To go along with the festivities, you might find some new food vendors so you can bring a little bit of money to try something new.
2. Pick your own tulips at Green Corners Farm
Want to pick from every colour of tulip?
You need to check out Green Corners Farm, Ottawa’s cutest flower farm where you get to pick your own bunch of flowers. It’s a truly stunning sight, walking between rows upon rows of different kinds of tulips (it’s like walking through a rainbow, sounds magical right?).
You can purchase different “bundles” ranging from 10-20 flowers, when you arrive for your booking time they give you a cute basket & garden scissors to make your picks. Make sure you book your reservation in advance because their time slots can fill up!
3. Walk or bike through Gatineau Park
Did you know that Gatineau Park is the second-most visited park in Canada? And we’re lucky enough to live right next to it! With a variety of trails for all experience levels, there’s really something for everyone to enjoy. In the 360 acre park, you can explore the Mackenzie King Estate, multiple lakes and ruins, and so much more.
The views never get old, but you can always try a new path for a change of scenery or check out the activities they offer.
Get active in the city
4. “Play Free” with the City of Ottawa
Getting active is a huge trend in Ottawa this year, especially with the launch of a new program called “Play Free”, which offers free drop-in activities for children and youth (anyone under 18) at participating recreation centers.
From April 15 to June 25, the program is focused on sports offerings ranging from basketball, soccer, volleyball, badminton, pickleball, skateboarding, roller skating and Kindergym.
5. Participate in the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend (May 27-28)
There’s a weekend in May where most roads leading downtown are closed, this is also known as the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend! Ranging from a Marathon to 5K and 2K races, it’s a must for runners at any and all experience levels.
However, they don’t leave out the fun for spectators! With the arrival of lots of visitors and tourists, there’s also a Health and Fitness Expo (hosted at Lansdowne) and more activities at the Festival Plaza and Kichesippi Beer Garden all weekend. You don’t want to miss it!
Pssst Seyer’s very own, Josh, will be running the half-Marathon on Sunday!
6. Grab tickets for the City of Om (June 2-3)
What started as the city’s largest yoga event has expanded into a weekend dedicated to all aspects of health and fitness.
You can have fun and meet like-minded individuals over 45+ different workshops/classes, explore the Vendor Village with 30 local and international vendors and so much more.
This year’s event kicks off with a live DJ yoga class inside the Aberdeen Pavilion, featuring international artist, Sol Rising (so cool)! Tickets are already available for sale, save your spot before it sells out.
Explore good eats
7. Expand your Canadian palate at Poutine Fest (April 27-30)
Arguably one of the most anticipated events (for poutine enthusiasts at least), Ottawa Poutine Fest will be returning to City Hall! Our mouths are watering just thinking about the range of traditional to more creative poutines.
This family friendly event has something for everyone, from gluten free to vegetarian options to Italian, Shawarma, Lobster, Greek, Nachos, and much more. While admission is free, poutine prices range from $6.50 up to $15.00.
Cards may be accepted by some, but cash is more widely accepted (and encouraged).
8. Grab locally produced goodies at the Byward Public Market (Daily from May-October)
Truly in the heart of the Byward Market, the Public Market is nearly impossible to miss! With an entire block of vendors and booths, you can get anything you need from fresh fruits and veggies to popping into the local butcher for the cut of the day, and discovering handmade fashions by Ottawa artisans.
In addition to the daily market, a new spin on the Byward Public Market launches Saturday, May 27th called the Byward Night Market! This exciting, weekly market will make golden hour to the evening a perfect time to sip and snack from street food vendors and a mobile bar, while enjoying live music!
9. Celebrate because patio season is back!
With the arrival of the sun and warm weather, patio season is always a great time! You can’t go wrong patio hopping with good company to discover your new favourite eats and drinks.
Some of our quick recommendations: for a rooftop patio overlooking the market, William on York, to catch the game outside, Hometown Grill on Bank St., for delicious mocktails & happy hour, Trofi.
What are your favourite things to do or businesses to visit during the Spring in Ottawa?
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