On a cold January morning, commuters lace up skates and glide downtown along the frozen Rideau Canal, warming their hands on a BeaverTail before the walk up to Parliament Hill. Winter writes the plan here. A snowy day means skating and hot drinks, and a thaw sends everyone into the museums.
Summer flips the script. Patios fill the ByWard Market, boats rise through the canal locks, and cyclists cross the river to the trails of Gatineau Park. Winters are long, snowy and cold, summers warm and humid, with bright maple colors in between. A Local Friend reads the menu, the map and the forecast for you, so you know which patio is worth it and when the ice is ready.
