Our Recommendations

Visit Parliament

Ottawa, being the Capital of Canada houses both the higher and the lower chamber of Canada’s parliament. There are two main ways you can experience this: First, you can join a free tour for one or both chambers where you can see, hear and perhaps even feel Canada's political ambiance. Second, while parliament is in session, you can sit in. For this, you just go to the parliament public entrance before the session starts (then you have seats for certain, though you can join later as well) and after a quick sign up you can hear Canada’s politicians debate. Usually on Tuesday the prime minister answers questions from parliament, so while these sessions are probably the most interesting, they are also the most sought after. (Elija)

Museums

Ottawa has multiple interesting museums which are worth it to check out. The best thing is, that on Thursday nights all museums are free!  (Sören)

Ice Skating

One of your highlights will certainly be ice skating. Ottawa is home to the longest canal which gets converted to a public, free icerink. From University through Lake Dow you can skate right to Ottawa City Centre (Parliament/Rideau). One way is 8km, there and back is 16 (duh). Message me if you do more than 32km - which was my record :). Sadly, the weather is making the opening of the canal a bit uncertain. While our Cohort had luck, as the canal was open for about 8 weeks, the Cohort before us had a single day... If it opens, Use the chance! You can rent skates there or purchase your own at a second-hand store, on facebook or kijiji marketplace or get cheap ones at decathlon - It is certainly worth it! The ice can be rough - check out the options below for spots to practice or just try your luck!

If the canal does not open, or you want to skate through a forest go to Icelynd. By car / Uber it is about 30 minutes out from Ottawa. The Icelynd skateway is on the property of a retired Ottawa Sens player and costs only a small fee. There is a space to sit down and enjoy a warm drink or eat a snack. The ice is being prepared by Zambonis and is very nice.  Certainly too worth a visit!

Finally, in Ottawa there are countless icerinks, some more professional, some just by some neighbours. Most of them are open to the public and free.  (Elija)

Additionally, there is also the indoor ice skating rink form the university which is free to use twice a week. (Nicole)

Cross Country Skiing

If you love cross country skiing, Ottawa is, if there is enough snow, beautiful. In Gatineau park you will have over 200 km of cross country trails in total nature. Though accessibility without a car is a big problem. It will take you by public transport 1.20 hours (one way). Changing rooms like in Switzerland next to the trails are nonexistent as everyone comes by car. The situation is critical if you are waiting for the bus soaked in sweat at -10 degrees. If you order an Uber, it will cost you some money (20$ each way at least). Organization is important here. Another nice trail is (more accessible) at Britannia park. The trail is maintained privately by a society, check out the FB website if the trails are open or not. In both cases, it will take you some time to get there and back. (Daniel)

Salsa & Bachata

UOttowa (the other University in Ottawa, the worse one;) offered a Bachata (7PM-8PM) and a Salsa (8PM-9PM) lesson organized by students (you don’t have to be a member of UOttawa) on Wednesday night. The prices were affordable (under 10$ for a night for two courses and afterwards a social event for practice). The level is for total beginners, as well as for advanced level. Normally there are two circles, one for beginners and one for more advanced students, in the middle there are the instructors, who will show you the next dance move. After 1 min or so you will switch the partner. Many students, me included as well, came without any partner. Salsa/Bachata is a very social event and you will dance with many people. I went as a beginner and had so much fun that I went almost every Wednesday evening in the winter semester. Check out their Instagram Site for more information: uosalsa. (Daniel)

Fitness

While Carleton has a great gym, it was sometimes too crowded for my own liking. Further, the opening hours are something that restricted me a bit. So I signed up for the Anytime Fitness in 901 Carling Ave, which is open 24/7 and close to Carleton. Price is totally doable and the few people that are usually there are very nice. (Elija)
In addition to the gym, Carleton also has a swimming pool that can be used free of charge at certain times. You can find the exact schedule here. After exercising, you can relax in the sauna which is located in the showers area. (Cynthia)

There is also the option to book some sports facilities like squash courts for free, just sign up beforehand on the university website. (Nicole)

Reddit 

On the Carleton Subreddit you can catch a lot of news about the university. But social events, and gossip have their place too. It might be worth to check it out. (Elija)

Ottawa Senators / Hockey

The Ottawa Senators are Ottawa’s NHL team and play frequently in the grand Canadian Tire stadium. I suggest you go see a game and catch the incredible atmosphere - It might be worth checking in advance for a so-called theme-night which would lift the experience to the next level. Me and my brother went to Star Wars night, where you got a Lightsaber and all the music and animations where Star Wars themed. (Elija)

Circuit Gilles Villeneuve

The Montréal F1 track is open for the public - You can skate, bike or walk it. There is a separate line for visitors by car as well! It’s amazing to see the thing you see on TV from a new perspective. (Elija)

Coffee recommendations 

Canada is not exactly known for its coffee culture, and Starbucks or Tim Hortons do not exactly offer what I would call good coffee. Fortunately, there is also Bridgehead on campus (in addition to several Starbucks and Tim Hortons), where you can get good coffee from a piston machine. In the city, I can recommend the Black Squirrel (also a bookstore), Little Victories (a chain, but very cozy), or the Bike Café (as the name suggests, also a vintage bicycle shop). All of these are also good places to study if you need a change of scenery. (Cynthia)

Trivia Nights at Ollies

Every Monday evening, the student bar Ollies hosts a trivia night. While you ponder the questions, you can enjoy good food and round off the evening. The first 10 teams make it onto the board. (Cynthia)

Natural water swimming

In addition to the swimming pool on campus, you can also go swimming in the river or one of the lakes in Gatineau Park in the summer. Some areas are supervised by lifeguards and/or offer additional infrastructure. Check the water quality beforehand!  (Cynthia)

University sports teams

Carleton has both women's and men's hockey teams as well as women's and men's basketball teams. During the winter semester, there is a game practically every week. The derby games against the Gee-Gees (the teams of the University of Ottawa) are especially worth seeing! (Cynthia)

Travels

If you can, take advantage of the time and travel around. By Canadian standards, the cities of Montréal, Toronto, and Quebec are not that far away. The west and the Rocky Mountains are also particularly worthwhile. There is even a train that travels across the country (Toronto to Vancouver). (Cynthia)

ISSO Events

The International Student Services Office organizes a lot of events, like the Welcome Event, Recreational Skating, Snowshoe hike through Gatineau Park, a visit of the National Gallery, or Information Events. The events are mostly free and a good chance to get to know other (international) students. The ISSO also organizes the Global Café every second Wednesday afternoon during the fall and winter semester, where you can enjoy warm drinks while building connections in a fun and informal setting. (Nicole)

Ottawa Tulip Festival

Every year in May, the Commissioners Park in Ottawa blooms in vibrant colors, displaying a variety of beautiful tulips. The festival celebrates the connection of the Netherlands and Canada, going back to the Second World War, when the Royal Family of the Netherlands took refuge in Ottawa. As a gift to send their gratitude, the Dutch government has been sending Canada tulip bulbs every year since 1945. The festival has a lot of things going on, like food stands, workshops, tours, and even movie showings. Really a breathtakingly beautiful view after the long harsh Canadian winter! (Nicole)