Ottawa Travel Forum

Hi

I was told that Ottawa has 8 winter months...what are the temperatures like in winter....i understand that the Rideau Canal is frozen during the winter months and it is an experience to skate on it. i would like to visit ottawa during winter...how is the transit during winter..is there a direct bus from the airport to downtown ottawa? thank you.

Winter would be more like 4 months, not 8! Think late November through early March for actual "winter" weather, like ice. Spring and Fall may have some cool days as well, but would not be as cold as winter.

Check out the Weather Underground website, for historic weather information:

www.wunderground.com

Trying to predict the weather can be difficult because of local on the day variations.
This information should be used as a guide only.
Here is the average weather for Ottawa for this time of year.
Enjoy your holiday.

November.
High 40f / 5c
Low 27f / -3c
Rain 3.40in / 86.4mm
Wind (from the) East

December.
High 25f / -4c
Low 11f / -12c
Rain 3.25in / 82.5mm
Wind (from the) West

January.
High 21f / -6c
Low 4f / -16c
Rain 2.28in / 58.0mm
Wind (from the) West

February.
High 24f / -5c
Low 7f / -14c
Rain 2.31in / 58.6mm
Wind (from the) West

March.
High 35f / 2c
Low 19f / -7c
Rain 2.55in / 64.8mm
Wind (from the) West

I think you will find these months cold enough for you.

Yes theres a direct link via Public Transit to the downtown area from the airport...
Bring your woolies if you're coming during the Winter...!!

This page gives you some basic transit info....

http://www.ottawa-airport.ca/AirportInformation/generalGettingHere-e.php

Greggor

Wow,8 months. 4-5 months only. Route 97 serves till the midnight linking the airport and downtown area.

Ha Ha 8 months!:D More like 4-5 months, like others said, depending of what you consider as winter for you. The averages already specified are just average though.. some days are colder and so you should make sure you are ready even for the coldest days and not getting frost bite on the ears, fingers or the nose when it is -35oC in January/February. The passed 2 years have been much warmer during winter so maybe you wouldn't see those temperatures, but you might be :P. Cover your head, hand and neck and think to warm up your nose sometimes... I have seen some tourists with the end of the nose totally white like paper by the past... not good...

Hahahaha like the others said, 4-5 months only. Not sure when you are coming. If you want to skate on the Rideau Canal, it usually doesn't open for skaters until January or February. Often it just makes it for the Winterlude (in February) and then it gets too warm again. Check out the following sites for ice conditions.

http://www.canadascapital.gc.ca/bins/ncc_web_content_page.asp?cid=16297-16298-22877&lang=1&bhcp=1

http://www.canadascapital.gc.ca/bins/ncc_web_content_page.asp?cid=16297-16299-10080&lang=1

Enjoy your visit!
Sprucy