January really burst into our lives this year ❄️ Mine was super active — lots of meetings, showings, conversations about the real estate market, and hopes that Ottawa’s market will finally start to stabilize. That’s why weekends feel even more valuable — a chance to exhale, switch gears, and enjoy the city not for work, but for yourself.
If you also had a busy week — or simply want a change of pace — here are some ideas for spending this weekend in Ottawa: with family, as a couple, or staying active.
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☁ Weather
• Friday (Jan 30): –10°C, cold, light snow possible ❄️
• Saturday (Jan 31): –12°C, clear — a sunny winter day ☀️
• Sunday (Feb 1): –9°C, cloudy, comfortable for a walk 🌨
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👨👩👧 Family-Friendly Ideas
⛸ Rideau Canal Skateway (if open)
🗓 Jan 30 – Feb 1
📍 Rideau Canal
🎟 Free — skating, hot chocolate, winter vibes
🚗 Parking along the canal / downtown
🔗 https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/rideau-canal-skateway
🦖 Canadian Museum of Nature — Winter Programs
🗓 All weekend
📍 240 McLeod St, Ottawa
🎟 Great for kids and adults, interactive exhibits
🔗 https://nature.ca
🧸 Canadian Museum of History & Children’s Museum (Gatineau)
🗓 Jan 30 – Feb 1
📍 100 Laurier St, Gatineau
🎟 Family programs and exhibitions
🔗 https://www.historymuseum.ca
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🎭 Culture & Date Ideas
🎶 NAC — Winter Concerts & Performances
🗓 Jan 30 – Feb 1
📍 National Arts Centre
🎟 Classical, jazz, chamber music
🔗 https://nac-cna.ca/en/calendar
🎬 ByTowne Cinema — Indie & Classic Films
🗓 All weekend
📍 325 Rideau St, Ottawa
🎟 Cozy arthouse atmosphere
🔗 https://www.bytowne.ca
🍷 Jazz & Wine Nights — Downtown Ottawa
🗓 Friday and Saturday evening
📍 Jazz clubs and wine bars
🎟 A calm winter evening for two
🔗 https://ottawatourism.ca
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💃 Active Weekend
❄️ Gatineau Park — Snowshoeing & Winter Hiking
🗓 Jan 30 – Feb 1
📍 Gatineau Park
🎟 Free / rentals optional
🔗 https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/gatineau-park
⛸ Rink of Dreams — City Hall
🗓 All weekend
📍 110 Laurier Ave W
🎟 Free, with music and lights
🔗 https://ottawatourism.ca/en/event-calendar/rink-dreams
🚶♀️ Winter Walks — Parliament Hill & Sparks Street
🗓 All weekend
📍 Downtown Ottawa
🎟 Free — especially beautiful in the evening
🔗 https://ottawatourism.ca
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💕 3 Romantic Date Ideas
1️⃣⛸ Skating on the Rideau Canal or at the Rink of Dreams + hot chocolate
2️⃣🎶 A chamber concert at the NAC + dinner on Elgin Street
3️⃣❄️ An evening walk around Parliament Hill with lights and a winter sky
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🎉 Events in Gatineau
❄️ Canadian Museum of History — Winter Programs
🗓 Jan 30 – Feb 1
📍 Gatineau
🎟 Exhibitions and activities for the whole family
🔗 https://www.historymuseum.ca/events-and-programming
🌲 Gatineau Park — Lookouts & Winter Views
🗓 All weekend
📍 Gatineau
🎟 Scenic viewpoints, winter photos
🔗 https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/gatineau-park
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💛 My COMMUNITY PROMOTION
✨ And a small note for our community:
If you’re planning to sell your home, I’m offering a special community program — you pay only 3% total commission.
🏡 And if you’re looking to buy a home, I also have some very attractive bonuses for you.
📞 Just send me a message or call 613-796-1449 — I’ll be happy to share the details.
Alvina Usher, Realtor® ✨