10 Things to Do on Thanksgiving Monday in Ottawa
If you hold your family feast on Sunday, Thanksgiving Monday in Ottawa is a wonderful day to enjoy the (hopefully) glorious fall weather and spend some quality family time together. In Ottawa, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the holiday with family-friendly fun. From outdoor adventures to cozy indoor activities, here are some ideas to make your Thanksgiving Monday in Ottawa a day to remember.
10 Fun Family Ways to Spend Thanksgiving Monday in Ottawa
1. Stroll Through Gatineau Park
Just a short drive from downtown Ottawa, Gatineau Park offers stunning views of fall foliage that are perfect for a Thanksgiving Monday outing. Take a family hike on one of the many trails suited for all ages and fitness levels. Bring along a camera to capture the vibrant colours, and stop at the park’s scenic lookouts to take in the breathtaking autumn landscape.
2. Explore the Canadian Museum of Nature
The Canadian Museum of Nature is a family favourite and a great indoor option for Thanksgiving Monday in Ottawa. Kids will love exploring the dinosaur exhibits, the bird gallery, and the interactive displays throughout the museum. It’s a fun way to mix learning with entertainment, and perfect for a cozy day indoors if the weather isn’t ideal.
3. Bake Thanksgiving Treats Together
Ottawa’s (usually!) wonderful fall weather is the perfect excuse to stay in and bake some delicious Thanksgiving treats. Try whipping up some pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, apple pie, or homemade granola for the week. If you’re not keen on baking from scratch order from Crumb & Co. for bake-at-home kits for goodies (free shipping within Ottawa!)
4. Visit the Central Experimental Farm
Thanksgiving Monday in Ottawa is a great time to visit the Central Experimental Farm, where you can learn about Canadian agriculture and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Walk through the Ornamental Gardens, visit the Agriculture and Food Museum, or simply wander through the farm’s grounds. The museum has interactive exhibits and demonstrations, making it a fun and educational experience for kids.
5. Take a Family Bike Ride Along the Rideau Canal
Ottawa is known for its scenic bike paths, and Thanksgiving Monday is the perfect day to explore the city on two wheels. Rent bikes (or bring your own) and enjoy a leisurely ride along the Rideau Canal. The canal pathways are family-friendly and offer plenty of spots to stop and admire the fall scenery or grab a hot drink at a nearby café.
6. DIY Fall Crafts at Home
After a day outdoors, gather the family around for some fall crafts. Use leaves collected from your walk through Gatineau Park or Central Experimantal Farm to create fun projects like leaf art or turkey crafts. Ottawa’s DeSerres location has everything you need for a fun crafting session, and you’ll end up with adorable fall-themed decorations for your home.
7. Head to the movies!
If you’re in the mood for a family movie, most movie theatres are open for business. Grab some popcorn, settle in, and enjoy a cozy afternoon at the movies with your family.
8. Picnic at Major’s Hill Park
If the weather is on your side, pack a Thanksgiving picnic and head to Major’s Hill Park. Located between Parliament Hill and the National Gallery, this beautiful green space offers stunning views of Ottawa’s landmarks, especially with the backdrop of fall colours. Bring a blanket, some hot apple cider, and enjoy a relaxed, family-friendly picnic in the heart of the city.
9. Check Out one of Ottawa’s Great Attractions
You don’t have to be a tourist to enjoy the city’s great attractions, and most of them are open on Thanksgiving Monday in Ottawa:
- The Canadian Museum of Nature is open all weekend, including Thanksgiving Monday
- Canada’s Agriculture and Food Museum is open Thanksgiving weekend
- The Canada Science and Technology Museum is open all weekend, including Thanksgiving Monday
- The Canada Aviation and Space Museum is open all weekend
- The Canadian War Museum is open all weekend, including Monday
- The Canadian Museum of History will be open Thanksgiving Monday
- The National Gallery of Canada is open Saturday, Sunday, and Thanksgiving Monday
10. Visit a Pumpkin Patch or Fall Festival Near Ottawa
For a more traditional fall experience, head just outside Ottawa to one of the nearby farms or pumpkin patches. Saunders Farm in Munster or Proulx Farm in Cumberland offer pumpkin picking, corn mazes, and a variety of other activities that are perfect for families. Thanksgiving Monday is an ideal time to grab your pumpkins and enjoy some festive fun with the kids.
Many places are open on Thanksgiving Monday in Ottawa, so it doesn’t have to be all about the turkey. Whether you’re exploring the city’s parks, museums, or local farms, there are plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy. Spend the day making new memories, savouring fall’s beauty, and reflecting on what you’re grateful for. Happy Thanksgiving, Ottawa!
