City of Ottawa Recreation - Let it snow!

 

Gift Certificates If you can’t decide what to purchase that someone special in your life this year, then let them choose by giving a gift certificate to activities, memberships and more!

Sledding safety tips As the snow is falling, remember to check ahead before you sled.  Visit  Ottawa.ca for the status of official sledding hills. Here are a few safety tips for the sledding season. Remember to sled at approved hills only. Wear a CSA-certified helmet Be aware of the terrain – avoid sledding in the direction of collision hazards such as trees. Learn more about how you can reduce the risk of injury to yourself and others ottawa.ca/sledding.

Jingle Bell Splash Make a holiday splash on Wednesday, December 24 at 9:15 am. Join in on the ultimate festive aquafit class at the Nepean Sportsplex. In 2024, there were 350 participants! Reserve your spot now! Please arrive 30 minutes early to check in.

Recreation pass Look ahead to 2026 with a membership pass for City of Ottawa recreation and cultural facilities. If your new year’s resolution is to be more active, then this is for you. Options range from a ten-visit pass to an annual membership pass. Find the best deal by using the Recreation Pass Finder.

Gifts worthy of a standing ovation There’s something for everyone at Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe and Shenkman Arts Centre. Family shows, comedy, music, circus and much more!

Reimaging the Belltown Dome Have your say on the future of Grandeur Park and the Belltown Dome. Join the conversation on Engage Ottawa.

What's happening Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe Thursday, December 18 to Sunday, December 21 - A Christmas Carol: Solo, performed by Pierre Brault Minto Recreation Complex-Barrhaven Friday, December 19 and Saturday, December 20 – Drop off the kids for your time to shop (ages 4 to 12): 5 to 8 pm St-Laurent Complex Sunday, December 21 - Drop off the kids for your time to shop (ages 6 to 12): 12:30 to 4:30 pm at St-Laurent Complex Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Saturday, December 20 - Drop off the kids for your time to shop (ages 4 to 12): 10 am to 2 pm at Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Nepean Museum Sunday, December 21 - Weekend Crafters - Vintage paper ornaments: 1 to 4 pm Cumberland Heritage Village Museum  Saturday, December 20 and Sunday, December 21 - Introduction to leatherwork – Sleigh bell door hanger (ages 16+)

Rink Building at Kilreen Park – Volunteers Needed on December 13

The QTSR Community Association is getting ready to build this year’s skating rink at Kilreen Park (1240 Southwood Dr.) We are looking for volunteers to help pack down the snow and create the base on Saturday, December 13, starting at 9:00 a.m.

If you are able to join us, you are welcome to bring along a shovel, snowshoes, or a sled—anything that can help with packing the snow. Every bit of help makes a difference, and no special experience is required.

Thank you to everyone who supports the rink each year. We hope to see you at the park!

 

Special advisory: overnight winter weather parking ban in effect on Wednesday, December 10 from 7 pm to 7 am

Due to weather conditions, an overnight winter weather parking ban will be in effect on Wednesday, December 10 between 7 pm and 7 am across Ottawa. These hours might be extended if additional time is needed to complete winter road operations. Alternative parking during a parking ban can be found by visiting the Winter Parking webpage. Please be sure to remove your vehicle when the ban ends if you use it.   During a winter weather parking ban, parking is prohibited on city streets so crews can plow easily and effectively. Vehicles parked on the street during a ban may be ticketed and towed. On-street monthly parking permit holders are exempt from this restriction when they are parked in residential parking permit zones. Available parking During winter weather parking bans, residents will have access to select OC Transpo park and rides as well as certain recreation centres. Some City parking garages are available for parking during winter parking bans, however it is important that residents take note of what time they need to remove their car. Visit our winter parking web page for more information about which City facilities are available during winter weather parking bans. Commercial main streets To help residents shop local, some commercial main streets are exempt from winter parking bans. When a parking ban is called during winter weather events, residents can park in the identified areas, while observing all posted signage and pay and display requirements. Be in the know about snow ·       Subscribe to our electronic email alerts. If you subscribe to e-Alerts, you will receive notification each time a winter weather parking ban is put in place, extended or lifted. There is no charge for this service, and you can unsubscribe at any time.  ·       Follow us on Facebook, Bluesky and X to receive updates ·       Residents can also download the City of Ottawa app on their Android or Apple device to receive up-to-date information on winter parking bans and other City news. For more winter parking information, please visit the winter parking web page.

City of Ottawa - At your museum - November 2025

 

Vintage Village of Lights

Visit Ottawa’ s very own heritage village for a unique holiday experience! Immerse yourself in the festive season as Cumberland Heritage Village Museum transforms into the Vintage Village of Lights with dazzling displays and postcard-perfect scenes from yesteryear. Visit with Santa Decorate gingerbread cookies Make an ornament Take in a heritage skill demonstration Explore heritage buildings and see vintage vehicles Browse the boutique for handmade gifts Enjoy a treat from the canteen, including a selection of baked goods made with produce grown right here at the museum Plan your visit: Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings beginning November 28 through December 21. Advance registration is recommended.

Tree lighting at Cumberland Heritage Village Museum

Celebrate the opening of the Vintage Village of Lights on Friday, November 28 at 5:15 pm. Santa’s magic will light the village’s main tree and surrounding displays, but we need your help to make it happen through the power of Christmas cheer! Sing along to classic carols with special performers from Vintage Stock Theatre. You might even catch a glimpse of the museum’s 1929 Landau Deluxe Oldsmobile (weather permitting). Advance registration is recommended.

Retro Christmas

Step back in time to the 1970s, 80s and 90s at Nepean Museum. Families are invited to a retro Christmas party on December 6 and 7 between 10 am and 4 pm. Make and decorate vintage paper ornaments and paper fidget toys, play with retro toys and games, try a classic video arcade game, complete the scavenger hunt to collect a prize, browse local toy advertisements from years past and more! Activities are best suited for children ages 10 and under.

New workshop! Sleigh bell door hangers

Learn the basics of leatherwork and make your own handcrafted decoration to delight friends and family. No prior leatherwork experience is required. This workshop will cover techniques for cutting, tooling and finishing leather to create a festive sleigh bell door hanger. Light refreshments will be served and participants are invited to stroll the site before or after their workshop to enjoy the seasonal light displays at Cumberland Heritage Village Museum. Ages 16 and up. Advance registration is required.

Bake-at-home scones

Did you know Billings Estate National Historic Site offers bake-at-home scones during the holiday season? These traditional treats are prepared in our tearoom kitchen and frozen so you can bring the taste of our afternoon tea experience home with you. New! We’re pleased to offer apple butter made in-house with apples harvested at Billings Estate, a perfect complement to a freshly baked scone. Orders open on November 28. Place your order by December 17 by calling 613-580-2088 ext. 35258 or by emailing BillingsEstateTea@ottawa.ca.

Holiday hours at Billings Estate

Take a quiet break from the hustle and bustle at Billings Estate National Historic Site. Explore a piece of local history and enjoy the Victorian-inspired Christmas decorations at Ottawa’s oldest wood-frame house. November 28 to December 19: Wednesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm (excluding December 13 and 14). Regular admission fees apply.

Stay tuned

Follow us on social media to make sure you don’t miss a single announcement. Billings Estate National Historic Site (or @billingsestatemuseum on Instagram) Cumberland Heritage Village Museum (or @cumberlandmuseum on Instagram) Fairfields Heritage House Nepean Museum Pinhey’s Point Historic Site (or @pinheyspoint on Instagram)

City of Ottawa: Introducing the Older Adult Plan 2025-2030

 

The City of Ottawa has released the Older Adult Plan 2025-2030. This is the fourth version of the Plan since 2012. It builds on past efforts and focuses on making Ottawa a supportive community where everyone can age with choice and dignity. The Plan was shaped by input from residents during public consultations and developed in collaboration with community agencies. It was approved by City Council in November 2025. The new version has a stronger focus on working with community partners to help make a bigger, more lasting impact. Read the Older Adult Plan 2025-2030.

For older adults who want to get involved

To help guide the Plan's progress, the City is creating an Older Adult Plan Roundtable. This group will include City staff, community partners and older adult residents. We are currently seeking five volunteer older adults to join the Roundtable. A selection process will be used to ensure fair and equitable representation. Selection criteria include: Lived experience as an older adult in Ottawa Represent the diversity of Ottawa's older adult population Willing and able to attend a half-day, in-person launch meeting in January 2026 Willing and able to dedicate at least two hours every three months Interest in sharing ideas and helping guide the progress of the Plan If you are interested in applying to volunteer for the Roundtable, please complete the application form on Engage Ottawa. If you need help with the form, email olderadults@ottawa.ca and a staff member will assist you. Applications will be accepted until December 3, 2025 and successful candidates will be contacted before December 17, 2025.

City of Ottawa - Fall into fun!

 

Free sports equipment lockers From soccer pitches to basketball courts, our parks are great spaces to get outdoors, have fun and stay active. And now it’s easier than ever to get the gear you need! We’ve partnered with Equip Sport and Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities to launch free sports equipment lockers across the city. Just download the free Equip Sport app to unlock equipment for free, enjoy your game and then return the gear when finished.

Nepean Sportsplex Christmas Craft Shop till you drop at the 52nd annual Nepean Sportsplex Christmas Craft Show next month! With over 100 local artisans and their handcrafted goods, you’re sure to make a dent in your holiday gift list. Hours: Thursday, November 6: 10 am to 8 pm (2 for 1 admission all day) Friday, November 7: 10 am to 8 pm (2 for 1 admission from 5 to 8 pm) Saturday, November 8: 10 am to 6 pm Sunday, November 9: 10 am to 4 pm Admission: Adults: $7 Seniors and youth: $5 Children under 12 are free

Changes to recreation passes Membership passes and drop-in fees are changing on December 1 to let you do more of what moves you. With three levels to choose from – Basic, Plus, or Super – you can access more than 50 City of Ottawa facilities to enjoy a variety of drop-in activities.

Upcoming registration dates Winter is just around the corner. Mark your calendars with the following registration dates: Tuesday, November 4: winter programs are visible online. Tuesday, November 18 at 9 pm: online registration for swimming activities. Thursday, November 20 at 9 pm: online registration for all other winter activities.

What's happening Atrium Art Gallery Thursday, November 6 – Opening for the Fortune exhibition Billings Estate National Historic Site  Various dates and times – Alone in the Dark: The Haunted Walk  City Hall Art Gallery Thursday, November 13 – Finnissage for the Space Created by Distance exhibition Sunday, November 30 – Artist tour for the Space Created by Distance exhibition Cumberland Heritage Village Museum Various dates and times – Alone in the Dark: The Haunted Walk Fairfields Heritage House Sunday, November 23 – Weekend Crafters Karsh-Masson Gallery Thursday, November 13 – Opening for the And I Have Come Upon This Place by Lost Ways exhibition Lansdowne Park Sunday, October 26 – Pumpkin Derby Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe Wednesday, October 29 - Tom Morello: A Night of Stories & Music Thursday, November 13 – Matinée Café: Durham County Poets Saturday, November 15 – Billy Goats Gruff and Other Tales  Nepean Museum Sunday, November 16 – Weekend Crafters Shenkman Arts Centre Wednesday, November 5 – Fat Joke Wednesday, November 12 – Matinée Café: Durham County Poets Thursday, November 13 – World Music: Flavia Nascimento & Tio Chorinho Tuesday, November 26 – World Music: Kuné Trinity Art Gallery Thursday, October 30 – Opening reception for Arteast Ottawa’s Mosaic exhibitin

City of Ottawa - At your museum - October 2025

 

Family-friendly Halloween fun

A weekend filled with Halloween fun awaits at Billings Estate National Historic Site and Cumberland Heritage Village Museum. Activities are best suited for families with children ages 10 and under. Advance registration is required. Halloween Heist at Billing Estate National Historic Site October 25 and 26 from 10 am to 4 pm Mischief is afoot at Billings Estate National Historic Site. A thief has been sneaking treats from our candy vault, and we need some clever kid sleuths to help us crack the case! Special guest: The Zoo Crew. Halloween Hijinks at Cumberland Heritage Village Museum October 25 and 26 from 10 am to 4 pm Pumpkins have taken over the museum! From the scavenger hunt to the witch’s cauldron and beyond, we’ve put a pumpkin twist on all our favourite kid-friendly games and hands-on activities. Special guests: Luciano Lu - stilt walker; Chris Pilsworth - magician; Jacky - airbrush temporary tattoo artist; Ottawa Fire Services.

Alone in the Dark

The Haunted Walk is back at Billings Estate National Historic Site and Cumberland Heritage Village! Participate in spine-tingling paranormal experiments and see what happens at the museums after all the lights go out. Ages 16+. Advance registration is required.

Christmas Tea reservations open on November 5

Enjoy the festive décor and a seasonal three-tier tea menu at Billings Estate National Historic Site. Mark your calendar. The online reservation request form will be available on ottawa.ca/billingsestate beginning Wednesday, November 5 at 10 am. Seatings for the Christmas Tea will be offered at 11:30 am and 2:30 pm on December 13, 14, 20 and 21. Reservations and advance payment are required. We anticipate interest will exceed capacity for this program. Once reservations are full, a waitlist will be maintained. Follow Billings Estate on Facebook for updates.

Make your own holiday cards

Limited spaces remain for the Introduction to Printmaking workshop on November 1 at Cumberland Heritage Village Museum. Learn the basics of linocut printmaking and create six greeting cards—just in time for the holiday season! Ages 16+. Advance registration is required.

Weekend Crafters

Kids and their families are invited to get crafty with drop-in activities inspired by local history. Explore the exhibitions at Nepean Museum and Fairfields Heritage House through a craft and themed scavenger hunt. Nepean Museum November 16 from 1 pm to 4 pm December 21 from 1 pm to 4 pm Fairfields Heritage House November 23 from 1 pm to 4 pm

Save the dates

Vintage Village of Lights Cumberland Heritage Village Museum November 28 to December 21 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings Retro Christmas Nepean Museum December 6 and 7 from 10 am to 4 pm

Find your perfect event venue

Did you know that the City of Ottawa Museums and Historic Sites are available as venues for weddings, special events and professional photography sessions? Learn more about rental opportunities online or visit our booth at the Ottawa Wedding Show (November 1 and 2). Rental Search Tool Available locations: Billings Estate National Historic Site (primarily outdoor venue) Cumberland Heritage Village Museum (indoor and outdoor venue options) Fairfields Heritage House (outdoor venue) Pinhey’s Point Historic Site (outdoor venue)

Stay tuned

Follow us on social media to make sure you don’t miss a single announcement. Billings Estate National Historic Site (or @billingsestatemuseum on Instagram) Cumberland Heritage Village Museum (or @cumberlandmuseum on Instagram) Fairfields Heritage House Nepean Museum Pinhey’s Point Historic Site (or @pinheyspoint on Instagram)