Snowy Streets & Downtown Treats: Family Day in the Core

Family Day weekend is the perfect excuse to slow down, step outside, and enjoy the city you live in with the people you love. With walkable streets, free activities, cozy cafés, and one last chance to soak up the magic of 'Winter Wander: Winterlude Edition', the long weekend is full of opportunities for fun and discovery in downtown. Whether you’re planning a full day out or just a few stops in between, this itinerary highlights the best of what makes downtown feel like the heart of the city — winter magic, local favourites, and experiences that bring everyone together.

Start Your Day With Winter Magic
Ease into the day with a stroll down Sparks Street, where the final weekend of 'Winter Wander: Winterlude Edition' brings lights, art, and winter charm to downtown. The pedestrian-friendly street is perfect for wandering at your own pace, snapping photos, and letting the little ones explore safely. When it’s time to warm up, downtown has an endless number of cozy cafés to pop into, from spots like Moulin de Provence and Little Victories to Morning Owl and Ottawa Bike Cafe — perfect for grabbing a hot drink and a treat before continuing your day. See the full list of cafes here.

Free Downtown Experiences
One of the best parts of Family Day weekend is having the time to take advantage of downtown’s free activities. The Parliamentary Experience offers engaging tours that bring Canada’s democracy to life in an accessible and interesting way for all ages. Just a short walk away, the Bank of Canada Museum invites families to explore interactive exhibits that make learning about money and history fun and hands-on. Turn the walk between stops into a casual monument stroll, discovering statues, historic buildings, and landmarks throughout the downtown core. 

Families can also take advantage of the nearby canal, just a short walk from Sparks Street and other main downtown streets, whether to skate, stroll along the ice, or simply enjoy the winter scenery.

Family-Friendly Lunch
After a morning of exploring, choose a spot for lunch at one of downtown’s easygoing, family-friendly spots. Gooney’s is a great option for a relaxed meal everyone will enjoy, while Mad Radish offers fresh, customizable bowls that are quick, satisfying, and perfect for refuelling before the afternoon. See the full list of spots to eat here. 

A Little Mystery and Storytelling
For families looking to add something a bit different to their day, the Haunted Walk offers a winterized version of its Original Haunted Walk here in downtown, from January through March. With cozy indoor stops along the route, it’s a comfortable way to experience some of Ottawa’s spookier stories and hidden history. Perfect for curious minds of all ages, it’s a fun twist on downtown exploration.

Cozy Dinner Downtown
Wrap up your adventure with a relaxed dinner at one of downtown’s welcoming, family-friendly restaurants. Darcy McGee’s offers hearty comfort food in a warm pub setting, while Nando’s is a reliable crowd-pleaser with flavours that work just as well for kids as they do for adults. After a full day of wandering, learning, and exploring together, it’s the perfect way to slow down and enjoy the evening. See the full list of restaurants here.

Family Day weekend is about sharing time and making memories, and downtown Ottawa makes it easy with winter magic, cultural experiences, great food, and stories waiting around every corner.