Canada’s capital isn’t just a city of monuments and museums, it’s also a vibrant hub for sports and outdoor activities. Whether you’re a fan in the stands or an athlete on the move, Ottawa has something for every kind of sports enthusiast. So grab your gear and get in the game!
Ice hockey
Hockey is without a doubt the biggest sport in Canada, and Ottawa is no exception. The Ottawa Senators (NHL Hockey) are the most popular team in the capital, and seeing them play at the Canadian Tire Centre (Kanata) is a must. The atmosphere is amazing, especially when playing against rivals Montreal or Toronto. Watch for Spartacat – the Senators’ lively mascot – who energizes the crowd with fun dances and cheers!
Football
Visiting between June and November? Head to TD Place Stadium in Lansdowne Park to catch the Ottawa Redblacks in action. It’s a fantastic venue surrounded by restaurants, shops, and great views of the Rideau Canal.
Best Winter Sports & Outdoor Activities in Ottawa
One of Ottawa’s iconic winter experiences is skating on the 7.8 kilometre Rideau Canal Skateway, the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink. The Skateway is open 24/7 from around January until late February or early March (depending on the weather), and is one of the highlights of the Winterlude Festival. Admission is free and you can rent skates and accessories at one of the rental spots along the Skateway.
Top tip: Be sure to check the ice conditions in advance
Other Popular Outdoor Rinks
- Rink of Dreams at Ottawa City Hall
- Historic Rideau Hall rink, dating back to the 1870s
- Lansdowne Skating Court
- Brewery Creek Skating Rink, a 400m scenic rink just across the river in downtown Gatineau.
Forest Skating Trails
If you’re looking for something special, why not try an enchanting skating trail through the forest? At Icelynd Skating Trails, you can skate through almost 100 acres of beautiful natural woods in Stittsville. We recommend you go in the evening to enjoy the trail lined with twinkling lights. Don’t forget to bring your own equipment, as rentals are not available. Buy your trail pass here in advance.
Other forest skating and snowshoe activities include RiverOak Estates, with a superb 3km trail through orchards and evergreens and multiple rinks, or Countryside Adventures, where you can also enjoy snow tubing.
Cross-country Skiing
The Greenbelt, the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail and Gatineau Park (just across the river) offer well-groomed, scenic trails for all levels.
Curling
Ottawa is a great place to experience curling, whether you want to watch a game or try it yourself. Several local clubs, including the Ottawa Curling Club, City View, and the Navy Curling Club, offer beginner-friendly “Try Curling” sessions during the season. You can also watch live matches at club events or local tournaments.
Summer Sports & Outdoor Adventures in Ottawa
Cycling and MTB
With more than 800 kilometres of pathways and a range of off-road options, Ottawa is one of Canada’s most bike-friendly cities. The scenic urban and rural paths connect parks, historic sites and neighbourhoods. Enjoy mountain biking trails in the nearby hills, including Gatineau Park.
Hiking and Walking Trails in Ottawa
From easy urban strolls to rugged countryside hikes, Ottawa offers trails for all levels. Top hiking areas include the 361km² Gatineau Park with its 165km of hiking trails, and the Rideau Trail, a 387km trail linking Ottawa and Kingston.
The Greenbelt around Ottawa features 16 conservation and recreation areas with hundreds of kilometers of eco-friendly, multi-use trails perfect for walking and hiking activities through a variety of landscapes.
Kayaking & Paddleboarding
In summer, Ottawa’s waterways come alive. Rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard on the Ottawa River, Rideau River, Rideau Canal (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) or Dow’s Lake and enjoy the stunning views of this flatwater paradise.
Running & Triathlons
Join the excitement of annual events like Ottawa Race Weekend, which attracts runners and triathletes from around the world.
Thrill-Seeking Activities in Ottawa
If you’re looking for adrenaline, why not try the Interzip Rogers, the world’s first interprovincial zipline! The 366m twin zip lines soar 37m above the Ottawa River, and riders can reach up to 40km/h while enjoying 360° panoramic views across Ottawa, Gatineau and Chaudière Falls.
And just a 15-minute drive north from downtown Ottawa, the year-round adventure hotspot Camp Fortune offers a treetop aerial park, Peak to Peak ziplines, free‑fall jumps, and mountain bike, ski and snowboard trails. Excitement guaranteed!
For a splash of adventure, the Ottawa region is a top destination for whitewater activities, thrilling rafting and kayaking experiences on the Ottawa and Madawaska Rivers Rivers.
As you can see, Ottawa truly offers an exciting playground for sports lovers and outdoor adventurers. From the electric energy of NHL hockey games to the serene beauty of skating on the Rideau Canal and exploring extensive hiking and biking trails, the city blends vibrant urban sport culture with exhilarating natural experiences. So grab your gear or tickets, and dive into the awesome sports vibe that makes Ottawa so special.