What to Wear in Ottawa: Walking Shoes for 7 Museums, Bike Gear & -15°C Canal Skating Layers

Ottawa is a relaxed, active outdoor capital where civil servants commute by bicycle along the canal in summer and by ice skate in winter. Because Ottawa has a wide continental temperature range, from sunny 28°C (82°F) July afternoons to crisp -15°C (5°F) January mornings, pack according to the season plus these four local essentials.

1. Packing for Spring, Summer & Autumn (May to October)

1. Well-Cushioned Walking Shoes (For Marble Museum Floors & Bridge Crossings): Ottawa's top sights (Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal Locks, ByWard Market, the National Gallery and the Museum of History) sit in a scenic 4-to-6-kilometre loop. Combine that with three hours standing on the polished limestone and granite floors of the national museums and you will easily log over 15,000 steps a day.
2. A Light Jumper or Cardigan for Air-Conditioned Museums & Parliament Security: to protect priceless paintings and historical artefacts, the galleries inside the National Gallery and Museum of History are kept at a cool 20°C all summer; keep a light layer in your bag.
3. Small Bag Rule for Parliament Hill Tours (Max 35.5cm x 30.5cm x 19cm): if you have booked a free guided tour inside West Block (House of Commons) or the Senate, Parliamentary Protective Service enforces a one small bag per visitor rule (smaller than 35.5 cm by 30.5 cm by 19 cm, with no large rucksacks, luggage or bag check at West Block). Leave large bags at your hotel before your tour.
4. Swimsuit & Flip-Flops for Nordik Spa-Nature: heading 15 minutes across the river to Nordik Spa-Nature in Chelsea? Pack a swimsuit and clean rubber sandals (robes and towels are included in spa admission).

2. What to Wear for Winterlude & Skating the Rideau Canal (January & February)

In January and February, Ottawa is colder than Toronto or Vancouver (-8°C to -18°C): wear merino wool thermal base layers, a fleece mid-layer, a knee-length windproof down parka with a hood, insulated waterproof winter boots, a fleece neck warmer, a warm tuque and insulated mittens. When renting ice skates on the Rideau Canal Skateway, wear a single pair of thick merino wool ski socks (two pairs of tight cotton socks cut off circulation). Check seasonal weather.