Free · Family · Outdoors

Plaisirs d’hiver – Buckingham Winter Fun Day

When: Saturday, January 17, 2026 · 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Where: Parc Maclaren, Buckingham (Gatineau)

If you only pick one big family outing this week, this is a great choice. Plaisirs d’hiver à Buckingham is a free winter festival organized by the Ville de Gatineau, with activities designed for all ages.

• Music and entertainment
• Family games and activities in the snow
• Introduction to cross-country skiing
• Outdoor fun like tug-of-war, races and more
• Warm community atmosphere in the heart of winter

Dress warm, bring the kids, invite friends, and turn it into a full day of winter memories.

Skating & Snow

Skate, Slide and Play Outside

Even between big festivals, winter in Ottawa–Gatineau comes with lots of simple, almost-free activities:

• Outdoor skating rinks across Ottawa and Gatineau — neighbourhood rinks, city rinks, and (when conditions allow) the Rideau Canal Skateway.
• Tobogganing hills in local parks — bring a sled and enjoy an afternoon of sliding with the kids.
• Winter walks and snowshoeing in Gatineau Park and city trails: a great option for all ages and fitness levels.

Tip: Pack hot chocolate in a thermos and turn any simple outing into a mini winter adventure.

Libraries

Storytimes, STEM Clubs & More at Ottawa Public Library

Throughout January, branches of the Ottawa Public Library run free or low-cost programs for children and families: babytime, storytimes, craft sessions, STEM clubs and more.

• Drop-in storytimes for toddlers and preschoolers
• Hands-on science and STEM activities for school-age kids
• Quiet reading corners and spaces to wind down after outdoor play

Check the library’s program calendar for events near you, and build one of your weekday afternoons around a free kids activity.

Museums

Museums & Galleries on a Budget

Ottawa–Gatineau’s national museums are perfect for very cold or very snowy days. Watch for reduced or free entry windows and family-friendly exhibits at:

• Canadian Museum of History (Gatineau)
• National Gallery of Canada
• Canadian Museum of Nature
• Canadian War Museum
• Canada Aviation and Space Museum

Many museums offer free admission evenings or hours on certain days of the week. It’s worth checking their websites before you go.

Dance & Nightlife

Find Local Latin & Social Dance Nights

If you’re looking for energy, music and community, Ottawa & Gatineau have a growing Latin and social dance scene with weekly socials, workshops and parties. Many of them are low cost and beginner-friendly, and some offer free intro classes at the start of the night.

On EventOra.ca you can find events like:

• Rahim’s Salsa Fridays
• Vibe Salsa Tuesdays
• Vibe Salsa Thursdays
• Gatineau Kizomba Sessions

Check the event details for each night to see if there’s a free or discounted beginner class, student pricing, or special promos.

Live Music

Live Music, Open Mics & Small Venues

Small venues, bars, cafés and community spaces around downtown, the ByWard Market, Old Hull and neighbourhoods like Hintonburg and the Glebe often host live music, open mics and jam sessions through the week.

Many of these shows are pay-what-you-can or have a small cover charge, making them an easy way to add live music to your week without a huge budget.

To make the most of January 15–24, try this simple routine:

• Pick one big outing (like the Plaisirs d’hiver family festival in Buckingham on January 17) for a full-day winter experience.
• Add one outdoor activity (a skate, sledding session or winter walk) on the weekend.
• Choose one kid-friendly indoor event from the library or a museum.
• Treat yourself to one dance or live music night at a local social or venue.

A week with a little outdoor time, a little culture, and a little dancing feels very different than just “surviving” winter. That’s the idea behind EventOra.ca — helping you discover what’s happening around you.