Ottawa is putting plans in place to celebrate the 200th anniversary of its establishment in 2026.
Founded originally, as “Bytown” in 1826, the city was linked to Kingston, on the Saint Lawrence River, via the Rideau Canal. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that waterway also turns 200 in 2026.
City events will include the Ottawa Bluesfest in the summer, which will see some 300,000 music fans gather to listen to more than 200 acts playing on multiple stages.
Having long since moved beyond blues to showcase all sorts of music, Ottawa Bluesfest is one of the largest international music events in the world. Past performers have included Sting, Buddy Guy, Donna Summer, Kanye West, The White Stripes, the Dixie Chicks and Lady Gaga. The festival also showcases Canadian artists, like The Tragically Hip and Blue Rodeo, and many local acts.
This year special programming on July 19 will be headlined by The Guess Who, a legendary Canadian rock band from Winnipeg known for their garage, psychedelic, and hard rock sound who are widely acclaimed as Canada’s first rock superstars.
For those clients looking to get out onto the water, visitors do not need a licence to travel the Rideau Canal’s 126 miles on one of Le Boat’s houseboats.
And in the winter, depending on the extent of the ‘big freeze’, the waterwayl transforms into the world’s largest outdoor skating rink, with skating often possible from January to March.
Another reason to visit Ottawa and neighbouring Gatineau during the winter months is the spectacular Winterlude festival.
Held from January 30 to February 16, 2026, and centred at Confederation Park and in the north section of Jacques-Cartier Park, Winterlude features ice carving at the ByWard Market, the Snowflake Kingdom snow playground, snow slides, a Ferris wheel and live music.
Urban sites, museums and special events present seasonal programming as well as opportunities to connect with Indigenous culture.
Most activities are free and take place in downtown Ottawa and Gatineau.
For travellers who prefer indoor activities during winter, seven national museums are in Ottawa. They include the National Gallery of Canada and others focused on Canadian history and nature.
The good news for travellers is that Canada’s capital is now easier to get to: Air Canada is operating a non-stop service between London Heathrow and Ottawa throughout the winter, with the frequency of the year-round service increasing from three to four times a week on March 28, 2026.
And on May 15, 2026, Air Transat will introduce its first London Gatwick-Ottawa service. The direct flights will operate three times a week.
