Colder temperatures are hitting the Ottawa area this week, but this hasn’t stopped families from enjoying outdoor activities together.
Michaela Harper is a mother of two in the Ottawa area who isn’t letting the recent cold weather deter her from taking her children outside for some winter fun.
“There isn’t much snow in our yard, so my kids are hoping it’ll snow a lot soon. We’ve been going around the city to see what we can get up to so they can still get some fresh air,” said Harper.
Time spent outdoors with children should be limited when temperatures reach -15 C and avoided entirely when the temperature reaches -27 C, according to The Canadian Pediatric Society.
When asked about her favourite winter activity she’s enjoyed with her children, Harper named the Rideau Canal.
“We’ve really enjoyed getting to go skating at the canal this year. We’ll be going to Winterlude when it opens. There’s a lot of activities and there’s always food nearby,” said Harper.
Although temperatures the week of Jan. 20 will be colder, the chill will lift for the weekend. Environment Canada is calling for snow on Saturday with a high of -5 C. The snow is expected to continue into Sunday with a high of -3 C.
Here are Capital Earth’s top picks for some weekend fun.
Rideau Canal
Colder weather is good news for skaters in the Ottawa area. Skating at the Rideau Canal is free and is open on Sunday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Visitors can rent skates, sleighs or tricycles. Food and beverages are available.
Temple’s Sugar Bush
Temple’s Sugar Bush trail covers 70 acres of land and contains around 5,000 taps where you can collect maple syrup.
Visitors can enjoy a bite to eat at their family-owned pancake house. The restaurant is open Wednesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for sit-in dining.
Skis for Schools
Skis for Schools is a program that creates opportunities for children to stay active during the winter months.
Children can bring their parents on the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail and enjoy many winter activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snow biking or taking a stroll.
Parents can visit their website to make a booking.
Winterlude
Winterlude is open for three weeks of frosty fun that includes an ice rink, drag-on-ice performances, Indigenous crafts and wood sculptures. Food and beverages are available.
Winterlude begins on Jan. 31 and runs until Feb. 17.
Fire and Ice Festival
The Fire and Ice Festival begins on Jan. 25 and goes from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The festival takes place on Manitoba Street.
The event has ice sculptures, skating, fireworks, performances from fire artists and an interactive drum circle.
Children under five attend for free. Tickets for older children costs $5. Adults can attend for $10.
Stay Safe Outdoors
The Canadian Pediatric Society advises parents to make sure their children are dressed in several layers before heading outdoors. Keeping children warm and dry and taking regular breaks from the cold is essential.
Fiona Pope, a nurse at the Queensway Carleton Hospital in Ottawa, also encourages parents to take proper precautions.
“The risk of frostbite does increase as temperatures continue to drop. Outdoor fun can only be fun if you aren’t getting frostbite,” said Pope.
Tell us your favourite winter activities in the comments below!
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