When you choose Cartier Place Suite Hotel for your Ottawa accommodations downtown, you’ll know right away why our guests return time and time again. Come on your own, with a group of friends, or with your family – you're sure to have a great time no matter how long you’re here. Our hotel situates you close to all the leading events in Canada’s national capital. Here are a few of the many upcoming things to do in Ottawa that we highly recommend for our guests.
Main Events
WINTERLUDE
(WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FROM OUR HOTEL)
January 29- February 15, 2027
A unique winter festival featuring snow and ice sculpture competitions, snow playgrounds, skating and sporting events which transforms Ottawa into a winter wonderland.
BEAVERTAILS ICE DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL
(WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FROM OUR HOTEL)
February 5-7, 2027
At the BeaverTails Ottawa Ice Dragon Boat Festival, international teams race beautifully decorated dragon boats on the world’s largest skating rink in downtown Ottawa.
CANADIAN TULIP FESTIVAL
(WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FROM OUR HOTEL)
May 7-17, 2027
This annual world-famous festival centres around Ottawa`s love affair with the tulip, with a million tulips blooming in public areas, including 250,000 blooms in Commissioners Park near Dows Lake.
TAMARACK OTTAWA RACE WEEKEND
(WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FROM OUR HOTEL)
May 29- 30, 2027
This exciting event centers around six races involving over 48,000 participants, many running in support of their favorite charity. Spectators get in on the fun, too, with lots of activities for all ages.
OTTAWA JAZZ FESTIVAL
(WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FROM OUR HOTEL)
June 18-27, 2027
The biggest annual event in Ottawa, Canada Day celebrates the anniversary of Canada’s confederation with live entertainment from Canadian artists, a pyrotechnic show and other festivities.
CANADA DAY
(WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FROM OUR HOTEL)
July 1, 2027
The biggest annual event in Ottawa, Canada Day celebrates the anniversary of Canada’s confederation with live entertainment from Canadian artists, a pyrotechnic show and other festivities.
RBC BLUESFEST OTTAWA
July 8-18, 2027
The Ottawa Bluesfest is an annual outdoor music festival that takes place each July in downtown Ottawa.
REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONY
(WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FROM OUR HOTEL)
November 11, 2027
A moving ceremony of remembrance for the men and women who served in Canada’s military.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ACROSS CANADA
(WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FROM OUR HOTEL)
December 7, 2026 to January 8, 2027
National museums, monuments, and other prominent landmarks provide the perfect backdrop for Christmas lights that brighten Confederation Boulevard, while the splendor of Parliament Buildings brings a magical winter lightscapes multimedia show to light.
Upcoming Events
TD PLACE STADIUM CONCERTS AND SPORTS EVENTS
Year-round
Located in Lansdowne Park, TD Place Stadium is a recently renovated 24,000-seat venue that regularly hosts both major sports events and live concerts of all kinds.
NATIONAL GALLERY OF CANADA
TBD
From 5:00-8:00 pm on Thursday nights, visitors to the National Gallery of Canada can enjoy seasonal refreshments and snacks while taking in music and ambiance of art.
WINTERLUDE
January 29 - February 15, 2027
A unique winter festival featuring snow and ice sculpture competitions, snow playgrounds, and skating and sporting events which transform Ottawa into a winter wonderland.
BARBEGAZI
February 13-14, 2027
York Street is transformed into a winter sports arena for a high-energy event showcasing ice-cold freestyle snowmobile performances flying as high as 40 feet.
IGLOOFEST GATINEAU
February 11-13, 2027
A major electronic music festival that features food trucks held at Place des Festivals Zibi in downtown Gatineau.
GATINEAU LOPPET
February 19-21, 2027
Canada's largest international cross-country skiing event.
GATINEAU WINTER BEERFEST
TBD
Discover artisan and local brewers inside the museum and outdoors, among friends and family.
OTTAWA INTERNATIONAL WRITERS FESTIVAL
April 15-18 & October 21-24, 2027
Attend the celebration of the finest new and established writing from across Canada and around the world with a fall and a spring edition.
CANADIAN TULIP FESTIVAL
May 7-17, 2027
This annual world-famous festival centers around Ottawa’s love affair with the tulip, with a million tulips blooming in public areas, including 250,000 blooms in Commissioners Park near Dows Lake.
TAMARACK OTTAWA RACE WEEKEND
May 29-30, 2027
Almost 50,000 participants compete in a variety of challenging races, including Canada’s largest marathon, during the country’s most popular multi-day running event.
DOORS OPEN OTTAWA
June 5-7, 2027
Building owners unlock their doors and welcome the public in to share the secrets of architecturally and historically significant buildings. Free admission.
TIM HORTON'S OTTAWA DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL
June 18-20, 2027
This action packed weekend for the whole family features non-stop boat racing, free concerts with great performers, a children’s activity area and great food, drinks and vendors.
OTTAWA JAZZ FESTIVAL
June 18-27, 2027
From the avant-garde to big band and swing, come enjoy musical stylings to suit any jazz aficionado!
CANADA DAY
July 1, 2027
Don’t miss Canada’s 151st birthday in the capital, when the region resonates with pageantry and the sounds of celebration!
RBC OTTAWA BLUESFEST
July 8-18, 2027
One of the largest international music events in the world, with over 220 varied musical acts on several outdoor stages, attracting more than 300,000 music fans each year.
MUSIC AND BEYOND
July 4-17, 2027
A classical music festival that presents concerts, including orchestras, choirs, bands, wind ensembles, recitals, baroque groups small ensembles, and more.
OTTAWA CHAMBERFEST
TBD
The world's largest chamber music festival takes place each summer in Canada's capital. You can enjoy 120 concerts by leading international ensembles and solo musical artists.
THE CASINO LAC-LEAMY FIREWORKS
July 28- August 14, 2027
Enjoy pyromusical shows of international calibre, open flame culinary experiences, experiential paths, artistic creations and much more. The fireworks are launched from a platform in the majestic Ottawa River, directly below the Canadian Museum of History.
CAPITAL RIBFEST OTTAWA
July 5-7, 2027
Capital Ribfest, the big BBQ foodie experience, takes over downtown Ottawa. Free admission, lots of ribbers, live music, craft beer gardens and much more!
OTTAWA BUSKER FESTIVAL
August 1-9, 2027
This dynamic festival brings together world-class street artists from all corners of the globe to deliver dazzling performances by acrobats, magicians, musicians, dancers, and much more.
OTTAWA CAPITAL PRIDE
TBD
Each year, during the third week of August, you can take part in the various celebrations of Ottawa's 2ELGBTQ+ community in parks, streets, clubs and other locations throughout the city.
CHANGING OF THE GUARD
TBD
Catch the thrilling spectacle of the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Come early (9:45 am) to learn about the symbolism, history and proceedings of this free ceremony.
GATINEAU HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL
September 1-5, 2027
Come to Canada’s largest balloon festival where hot air balloons fill the Gatineau sky and a number of exciting shows take place.
CITY FOLK
(WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FROM OUR HOTEL)
September 15-19, 2027
Every year, Ottawa's CityFolk festival offers more than 30 shows on indoor and outdoor stages.
CANADA ARMY RUN
(WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FROM OUR HOTEL)
September 19, 2027
This unique race brings together Canadians with the Canadian Armed Forces using cannons for starter's pistols, dog-tag medals and military-themed bands, equipment, meals, attire and even a kid's zone!
OTTAWA INTERNATIONAL ANIMATION FESTIVAL
(WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FROM OUR HOTEL)
September 22-26, 2027
North America`s largest animation festival showcases the finest new productions from around the world.
CANADIAN POLICE AND PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL SERVICE
(WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FROM OUR HOTEL)
September 26, 2027
Join us every year on the last Sunday in September, for the Canadian Police and Peace officers memorial.
FALL RHAPSODY
TBD
Enjoy the spectacular fall colours on display throughout Gatineau Park.
BELL CAPITAL CUP
TBD
The world’s premier tournament for young hockey players from Europe, U.S. and Canada.