Winter in Ottawa only really feels like winter once the Rideau Canal opens. Until then, it’s just cold. But once the ice is ready, everything changes. On January 2nd, 2026, I laced up my skates near Dow’s Lake—one of the best places to start if you actually want to skate, not just shuffle. The ice was smooth, the air sharp, and the city felt unusually quiet, like everyone collectively agreed to slow down for the day. There’s something grounding about skating here: no destination pressure, just steady movement and breath fogging up the air. I skated along the canal, letting the city unfold gradually—bridges passing overhead, snow piled neatly along the edges, other skaters gliding by with that mix of focus and joy you only see in winter. Eventually, the cold does what it always does: it reminds you that warmth is earned. That’s when I stopped for a Beaver Tails shack right along the canal near the Dows Lake. Gloves off, hands freezing instantly, sugar everywhere. There’s nothing subtle about eating a Beaver Tail in winter—it’s messy, indulgent, and completely necessary. And somehow, it tastes better when you’ve skated for it. After taking off my skates, I drifted toward the ByWard Market, where winter feels cozier than harsh. Steam rises from food stalls, restaurants glow from inside, and suddenly the cold feels optional. I ended the day with a warm meal, tired legs, and that quiet satisfaction that comes from spending winter with the city instead of hiding from it. This is the kind of day that made me appreciate simple planning. A few good stops. The right order. Enough structure to get you moving—and enough freedom to linger when something feels right. .