How cold is it in the often named Coldest Capital City on Earth? Judging from the trio of polar bears building a bonfire in my backyard, it’s pretty damn cold out there. Thursday we got hit with a frostbite advisory as temperatures dropped to near -30. Actually, Ottawans or those visiting our little slice of the Artic this January, though it’s cold enough to freeze your assets off out there, our record temp drop is -39.9 one frigid Friday in December of 1933. Compared to that, today’s -19 must feel pretty balmy. Break out the Bermuda shorts!
Still, when the weather dips anywhere under zero I bust out the layers. I’d wave a friendly hello should we pass on the street but, alas, like Ralphie’s brother Randy, I can’t put my arms down. Still, I do a mean impression of the Good Year blimp. Next show’s at six on Sparks Street!
The one thing I’ll say about Ottawa, though, we know how to embrace (or is that distract?) from the chill with events, activities and enough hot chocolate to fill Lake Erie. Here a few of my picks that are well worth bundling up and braving the weather to check out.
Lunar Eclipse Observation Party January 20 / Canada Aviation and Space Museum Nothing left to say…total eclipse of the moon. Oh, alright, here are some deets! In collaboration with the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC), the museum is hosting a free lunar eclipse observation party in the parking lot. The event begins at 10:30 p.m. on Jan. 20 and continues until 2 a.m. on Jan. 21, the optimal viewing time. The RASC’s Ottawa Centre will be present with observing equipment and expertise - so you only have to bring your eyes and, perhaps, some Reeses Pieces should whatever’s been sending that radio signal decides to join in on the fun!
Rooftop Concert 50th Anniversary Show January 26 / The Record Centre The Beatles final performance together was not in a sold out stadium or in front of screaming fans on Ed Sullivan, it was on top of the roof of Apple Corps on January 30, 1969. The band played a fab 42-minute gig before London police asked them to can it. Nobody could have known that, craning your neck to gaze skyward, this would be the last time anybody would get to see John, Paul, George and Ringo performing together. To mark the 50th anniversary of this event, musician Jonesey –along with a few buddies-- will perform the songs from the famed rooftop concert, and from the Get Back/Let it Be sessions, in a matinee show at The Record Centre. It's pay what you want. You think Ottawa’s finest would mind if they hopped onto the roof for a tune or two?
Winterlude 2019 February 1-18 / Various Locations Organized by Canadian Heritage, this flagship event in the winter tourism season will celebrate Canadian diversity in Canada's Capital Region. This year the festival focuses on diversity, hosting a multitude of activities highlighting our country's cultural, artistic and culinary variances. Indigenous culture will be in the spotlight during the first weekend of festivities, while LGBTQ2+ culture, history and pride will be the focus of the program for the second. And, hey, who doesn’t want their annual hug from an Ice Hog, right? This year's theme says it all: "THIS is Winterlude!"
Icecade on Sparks Street! February 1 / Sparks Street Winterlude weekends get a little more frigid with some interactive fun on Sparks. The street will be set up with classic carnival games with a winter twist. Stay warm with a toss and a shuffle or by downing a hot bevy!
National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day
February 2 / The Merry Dairy
I know what you’re thinking: I really thought Auqaman, given DC’s track record at the movies, was going to be a total mess but, holy fishcakes, it was pretty good! No wait, I know what you’re thinking…adding more cold to you winter is probably the furthest thing from your mind. This, however, is going to be worth the extra coat of frost on your insides. The Merry Dairy is going all out to celebrate this unique day started by a Rochester, NY mom. Forget what the groundhog says! Whether' it's six more weeks of winter or not, The Merry Dairy re-opens on February 2! Come on down between 8 and 2pm for a waffle topped with special flavours - oatmeal and brown sugar, coffee, Grape Nuts, blueberry jam, lemon poppyseed, maple and candied bacon and of course chocolate! Wear your PJs and get a free hot chocolate or coffee!
Winterlude Roller Skating February 9 / Aberdeen Pavilion Yeah, Winterlude usually brings to mind skating of the bladed, not wheeled, verity but for one night trade the ice rink for the roller rink at Lansdowne! This is an event run by the City of Ottawa, Neon Skates and supported with rental skates by the Ottawa Quad Rollerskating Club, a registered not-for-profit community group. All fees from rentals are applied to running rollerskating activities year round. Best snag your tickets and skate rentals now.
Fire & Ice Festival February 8-9 / Downtown Bank St. If Winterlude wasn’t enough of an ice party for ya, here comes the Bank Street BIA to add a little bit of fire to your February! Celebrate the warmth and chill of the season with this new fest featuring interactive ice sculptures, street performers and a QuietEvetns Silent Disco. They promise to keep you warm with a giant tent, heaters, music to make you dance, snacks and Flora Hall brewery on site this will be a fire hot night the melt away winter blues.
26th Annual Winter Garden Party February 17 / Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre This is one for the whole family, so break out the warm wardrobe and haul the kiddies down to the Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre in Britania Park for some face painting, cotton candy and games. Snag a horse-drawn sleigh ride or watch the wee ones get their bounce on in the bouncy castle! Parking is free.
Coldest Night of the Year February 23 / Downtown Ottawa The Coldest Night of the Year is a fun, family-friendly walk that helps raise funds for charities that serve hungry, homeless and hurting people in the community. This year, you can help The Ottawa Mission reach the goal of raising over $175,000 to support life-changing programs in Ottawa.