However, because we have a four-season climate, our events match the season in which they are held.
As I've said elsewhere on this site, I'm a warm-weather person. So I look forward to the Spring, Summer and Fall events just a little more than the Winter ones.
But don't get me wrong. A sunny day on the Rideau Canal during the Winterlude festival is a truly beautiful experience. Still cold, but beautiful.
Anyway, here are my recommendations for the best Ottawa Events... by month.
- Ottawa events in December to first week of January
The
Lights Across Canada
event was started in Ottawa several years ago, to brighten up the atmosphere at Christmas time. It has now spread to many cities and towns across Canada.
- Ottawa events in February
Each year our Winterlude festival makes Ottawa the best place in North America for celebrating Winter. That's right, celebrating Winter!
- Ottawa events in March
The Ottawa Spring Home show at Lansdowne Park is the biggest March event. There are over 300 exhibitors.
They cover just about every product or service related to owning a home - building, renovating, landscaping and more. This is probably the biggest trade show in Ottawa for the year.
- Ottawa events in May
Ahhh... Spring!
The
Ottawa Tulip Festival
is the clearest sign of the
maturing of Spring and the arrival of Summer in Ottawa.
I'll confess now... this is one of my MOST favourite of Ottawa events!
- Ottawa events in June
If it's Summer in Ottawa, then it's time for the colourful Changing of the Guard drills on Parliament Hill with the Ceremonial Guards.
If sleek cars get your engine running, then the Byward Market Auto Classic event is something you will want to see. It features over 150 cars, including vintage, classic and high performance entries.
Each year Ottawa celebrates the richness of the Franco-Ontarian culture with the Franco-Ontarien Festival. It has a
full program of artists, musicians, exhibits and numerous cultural activities at the grounds of Ottawa City Hall and Confederation Park in downtown Ottawa.
- Ottawa events in July
As the nation's Capital, Ottawa's
Canada Day
celebrations are the biggest
Canada's birthday on July 1 each year. It's a BIG all-day party. It atrracts tens of thousands of happy Canadians and visitors to Parliament Hill and downtown Ottawa. A great day to be in Ottawa!
If you're a music fan, the
Ottawa Blues Festival
gives you a great chance enjoy live concerts by some of the top performers on the music scene.
If you're a jazz fan then you must come for the
Ottawa Jazz Festival.
You can see some of the best Jazz
musicians from around the world. And you have the choice of enjoying great Jazz in many different settings. A nice time to visit indeed.
- Ottawa events in August
The Central Canada Exhibition is also called the 'Ex' or the 'Super Ex' or the 'Ottawa Ex'. It's ten days of midway rides, cotton candy, agricultural exhibits. It also has featured performances by big-name artists. It's held at Lansdowne Park and is a favourite family event.
But Alas! ...the Ottawa Ex signals the coming end of the Summer holiday season in Ottawa.
- Ottawa events in September
In September each year, during the Gatineau Balloon Festival, hot air balloons come sailing low over my home, as if to give me a demonstration.
The Gatineau Balloon festival is one Canada's largest hot air balloon events and attracts balloonists from around the world. Over the years this event has evolved into large fairground event with activities for the whole family.
Ottawa was once called 'Bytown', after Colonel John By who led the building of the Rideau Canal system. In September, the Bytown Days event celebrates life in Ottawa in
the mid-19th century.
It's held at locations in the historic Byward market. If you're curious about life in Ottawa 150 years ago, you should check this out.
- Ottawa events in October
Fall Foliage Colours - presented by Mother Nature...
Gatineau Park in Autumn is the best place on Earth... in my not-so-humble opinion. You will witness the artistry of Mother Nature. The glorious colours of the
foliage will leave you spellbound... enough said. Come to Ottawa to visit Gatineau Park in October .
- Ottawa events in November
On November 11, the
Canada Remembrance Day ceremony in Ottawa is
Canada's national tribute to those who served and who died in war. It's an emotional ceremony, especially to see the March Past of the older veterans.
Very moving indeed. It's held at the National War Memorial in the heart of Ottawa.
- Ottawa events in December
In late November each year... Oops... we've come full circle. And the big event in Ottawa in December is Christmas shopping!
So now that you know, when you plan your visit to Ottawa you can try to be here for an Ottawa event.
