Photo Credit Depositphotos.com
Here’s what’s happening in the National Capital Region this winter
What: The Harbour Harvest
Where: Nepean Sailing Club, 3259 Carling Ave.
When: Feb. 16, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Why: An ice fishing derby that raises money for three local charities, this event also includes free hot chocolate and coffee, ice safety and live ice rescue demonstrations. There will also be prizes. No experience, equipment or fishing license is required.
Website: chatterblock.com/events/408471/the-harbour-harvest-nepean/
What: Lena the Lizard Lady Live Animal Show
Where: North Country Children’s Museum, 10 Raymond St., Potsdam NY
When: Feb. 22, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Why: Lena the Lizard Lady makes a return to the North Country Children’s Museum with her live animal show with dozens of snakes and mammals including a sloth! Two performances are scheduled.
Website: northcountrychildrensmuseum.org/
What: Ottawa Children’s Choir Sing-a-thon Celebration Concert
Where: NAC Elgin Lobby, 1 Elgin St.
When: March 1
Why: This free concert is the culmination of the Ottawa Children’s Choir’s month-long choir fundraiser. Experience the magic of choral music.
Website: ottawachildrenschoir.ca/events
What: Rideau Hall Historic Skating Rink
Where: Rideau Hall
When: Through March 2 (weather permitting). Monday to Friday, 5 to 8:30 p.m. (last entry at 7:45 p.m.) Saturday and Sunday, 12 to 8:30 p.m. (last entry at 7:45 p.m.)
Why: Dating back to 1872, the Rideau Hall Skating Rink has hosted generations of skaters and shaped the culture of winter sports in Canada. Rideau Hall is pleased to welcome the public in 2025, to continue the tradition of skating at the residence of the Governor General. Check out the Winter Pavilion, a restored heritage building where visitors can warm up and lace up their skates.
Website: gg.ca/en/visit-us/rideau-hall/what-see-and-do/rideau-hall-skating-rink
What: Counterfeiting: Learn from the Experts
Where: Bank of Canada Museum, 30 Bank St.
When: March 3 to 14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Why: Explore the security features that keep Canadian bank notes safe from counterfeiters with members of the Bank of Canada’s currency team. They’ll teach visitors of all ages to spot a fake for themselves.
Website: bankofcanadamuseum.ca
What: Family Paint Party
Where: The Bridge Public House, 1 Donald St.
When: March 14, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Why: Enjoy a night of creativity and fun at The Bridge Public House with Timka’s Love of Art! Timka guides participants step-by-step through painting a beautiful masterpiece. No experience necessary,
Website: eventbrite.com/e/family-paint-party-tickets-1100380139619
What: Ottawa Parent & Child Expo
Where: Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Ave.
When: April 5 and 6
Why: The Ottawa Parent & Child Expo is the capital’s longest running parenting and kids shows and one of the best values for fun, learning, new products, services and entertainment for families. Admission includes play areas, activities, and learning zones, 75 local parenting exhibitors, free mainstage entertainment and free show bags for the first 1,500 families each day.
Website: parentandchildexpo.ca/
What: Gabby Dance Party
Where: Ottawa Parent & Child Expo, Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Ave.
When: April 5 and 6
Why: Join Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse for a special dance party and sing-along at the Ottawa Parent & Child Expo.
Website: parentandchildexpo.ca
What: Guided tours at the Royal Canadian Mint
Where: The Royal Canadian Mint, 320 Sussex Dr.
When: Ongoing
Why: The Royal Canadian Mint is an integral part of our country’s past, present and future, and its facilities are a ‘must see’ if visiting Ottawa. Interactive guided tours feature displays and a behind‑the‑scenes look at the state‑of‑the‑art facilities and production floor.
Website: mint.ca
What: Ottawa Black Bears games
Where: All home games will be played at the Canadian Tire Centre.
When: See site for game schedule
Why: Check out a game with Ottawa’s new men’s professional lacrosse team. The team is owned by the GF Sports and Entertainment and Senators Sports & Entertainment, the same group that owns the Ottawa Senators.
Website: ottawablackbears.com
What: Snowshoeing at Mādahòkì Farm
Where: Mādahòkì Farm, 4420 West Hunt Club Rd.
When: Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Why: Enjoy the perfect outdoor activity for the whole family. Snowshoe the Legacy Trail and acres of new maintained trails. Snowshoes are available for rental.
Website: madahoki.ca/snowshoeing/
What: Saturday Playdays
Where: Merrickville Public Library, 446 Main St. W., Merrickville
When: Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Why: A drop-in play event. Play with LEGO and other building toys, including Thomas the Tank Engine trains, dollhouses, magnets, race cars, play kitchen and more. Toy and activity selection varies weekly.
Website: merrickvillelibrary.ca