Reading Week looks different for everyone. You don’t need to do everything on this list — even choosing one or two things that help you reset can make a difference. Whether your goal is productivity, rest, connection or all three, the break is yours to use in a way that feels right to you.
1. Catch up on your coursework
Review lecture notes, complete assignments and prepare for upcoming midterms. Organize or join study groups to tackle challenging material with peers, or collaborate on group projects.
It’s also a great time to book study rooms on campus to get the quietest spots. After all, this is why Reading Weeks were first started – to give students a break outside of scheduled classes for in-depth reading, research, and study.
2. Take part in Winterlude fun
Reading Week overlaps with the final weekend of Winterlude (February 13–16), making it the perfect time to explore Ottawa-Gatineau’s signature winter festival. Many events are free, so it’s a great option for students on a budget.
Start with interactive light installations like Lumitri on Sparks Street, or wander through the Lantern Grove in Confederation Park for an immersive winter light experience. Sparks Street also hosts Winter Wander, a festive stretch of popups and winter programming.
Dance to live DJs at DJs Live from the Booth, sing along at giant karaoke nights, catch DJ on Screen, or join Cold Yoga in Confederation Park.
Electronic music fans can head to Igloofest at Place des Festivals Zibi, while families and music lovers can explore the BIG BANG Festival at the National Arts Centre (February 14–15), which transforms the NAC into a giant sonic playground.
In the ByWard Market, Create & Celebrate features street curling, buskers, workshops and a vendor market. At the Bytown Museum, you can watch ice carving demonstrations or help build the Bytown Snow Fort.
If you want to experience Indigenous culture, the Assembly of Seven Generations hosts the A7G Round Dance February 14, a gathering on unceded Algonquin Anishinabeg territory, at the Horticultural Building in Landsdowne Park.
3. Get a free ride to Gatineau Park
Gatineau Park is a true winter wonderland with breathtaking trails and scenic views. On Saturdays only (except for February 14), there’s free transportation to the park’s Relais plein air and Camp Fortune ski hill. However, there’s only one bus to go (leaving Ottawa at 9 a.m.) and one bus returning (leaving Camp Fortune at 2 p.m.). You also MUST reserve a spot on the bus ahead of time. Try to sign up for February 21, but if Reading Week dates fill up quickly, there are additional shuttle dates later in February and throughout March.
4. Enjoy outdoorsy adventures
Take a hike, snowshoe, ride a fat bike or cross-country ski on many winter wonderland trails throughout the Ottawa-Gatineau region.
The Britannia Winter Trail is a popular option just over an hour away from campus via public transit (use the OC Transpo Travel Planner). In all, there are more than 150 kilometres of Greenbelt trails in the Ottawa region to explore. Some, like the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail and the Rideau Winter Trail are easily accessible from downtown Ottawa. You can also head into Quebec: Leamy Lake is not too far away and, if you have a car, Gatineau Park offers more possibilities.
5. Embrace the skate
Ottawa is the perfect place to enjoy classic winter activities, like skating on the Rideau Canal, the world’s largest naturally frozen rink, or visit Ottawa City Hall’s Rink of Dreams for outdoor skating.
But have you ever thought of skating through a forest? There are many adventurous options: RiverOak Skating Trail, Icelynd Skating Trails, Countryside Adventures, Little Penguin Trail, and Patinage en fôret. Be sure to do your research to pick the option that’s best for you, but the average cost is around $20.
6. Explore nearby cities
Looking for a change of scenery? Take a trip east to explore Old Montreal’s charm or west for a relaxing walk along Kingston’s waterfront.
Cut costs with carpooling apps like Poparide – or ask around to see if mutual friends you trust are headed in the same direction. If you’re bussing it, find the best deals on BusBud, Flixbus or CheckMyBus.
Closer to Ottawa, Wakefield is a quaint village right next to Gatineau Park with cafés and live music venues. There is public transit, but you’ll have to be pretty adventurous and an early riser. The 924 Transcollines bus to Wakefield runs from Les Galeries de Hull in Gatineau and back.
7. Bond over activities and games
Too cold outside? Dive into exciting, indoor group activities. Test your strategic skills and teamwork with a laser tag battle at LaserMaxx Ottawa. For a more cerebral challenge, solve puzzles and race against the clock at Trapped, Escape Manor or Jigsaw Escape Rooms, or play board games at the Level One Game Pub. These interactive activities are perfect for laughs and bonding with friends.
8. Explore Ottawa’s museums and cultural spaces
Immerse yourself in Ottawa’s rich cultural scene by visiting its world-class museums. The National Gallery of Canada is a must-see, featuring stunning exhibits of Canadian and international art, including the iconic “Maman” spider sculpture outside. Dive into the past at the Canadian Museum of History or explore science and innovation at the Canada Science and Technology Museum.
Check out Free Thursday Nights at the National Gallery of Canada (February 19) for evening art and programming.
You can also visit the Bank of Canada Museum to learn about the history of money in Canada, the Canadian War Museum to explore Canada’s military history and its global impact and the Bytown Museum, which is marking Ottawa’s 200th birthday with programming that explores the city’s origins and evolution.
Looking to experience Ottawa’s role as Canada’s capital? You can explore Parliament: The Immersive Experience on Sparks Street, or book guided tours of the House of Commons at West Block, the Senate of Canada Building, or the Supreme Court.
Pro tip: You can borrow a free Ottawa Public Library Access Pass, which provides admission to select museums and cultural sites. Passes are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
9. Visit different Ottawa neighborhoods
Refresh your mindset by visiting trendy areas of the city, such as:
- Chinatown: Snap a selfie with the Chinatown Royal Archway in the background on Somerset Street and enjoy authentic dumplings, bubble tea and ramen.
- Little Italy: Taste amazing Italian food and stroll along Preston Street.
- The Glebe: Browse indie boutiques on Bank Street.
- Hintonburg/Wellington West: Mellow out in its artsy, artisan vibe – from art galleries to craft beer.
- Old Ottawa South: See a cult or mainstream film at the Mayfair Theatre, Ottawa’s oldest active theatre open since 1932.
- Centretown: Check out budget-friendly and trendy spots along Elgin Street.
10. Café hop
Take a leisurely sip of a café latte as you doom scroll and people watch. Reading Week is also for taking time to unplug and take care of your wellbeing. Start with these six must-try cafés near campus.
11. Begin your job search and career planning
Start planning to secure a summer job or kickstart your career after graduation. Create a spreadsheet of potential employers, job postings and deadlines. Connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Update and polish your resume.
Consider dropping by the Career Corner to refine your application materials and interview skills. Sign up for uOttawa’s upcoming Career Week Job Fair on March 9. By proactively taking steps during Reading Week, you can set the foundation for a successful career path.
Students can also take advantage of skills-based workshops happening during Reading Week, such as Unlocking Data with R, a hands-on, two-day introduction to data science offered exclusively to uOttawa students.
If you’re considering graduate or professional school, this can also be a good time to research programs, application timelines and required tests, or to identify skills you may want to develop before graduating.
12. Take care of life admin
Use some downtime to tackle tasks you’ve been putting off:
- Start your tax filing (T4s are usually available by mid-February)
- Organize finances or budgeting
- Book health, dental or advising appointments
- Catch up on your email
Clearing mental clutter can be just as refreshing as a vacation.
13. Stay connected to campus life
Reading Week also coincides with election periods for several student organizations, including the University of Ottawa Students’ Union, faculty associations and various clubs.
Information about upcoming elections, candidates and referendums are typically available during this period. Stay informed about what’s happening across campus and consider how you’d like to engage.
14. Rest, reset and take it slow
If you’re feeling burned out, sick or simply low on energy, it’s okay to use Reading Week to stay close to home. Catch up on sleep, do a digital declutter, watch comfort shows or spend time with people who make you feel grounded.
As you plan, ask yourself what you need most right now — more structure, more rest or more flexibility. A little intention now can save a lot of stress later.
15. Lock and load your study schedule
Take advantage of the break to plan ahead by creating a study schedule for the rest of the term to make sure you stay on track and reach your academic goals. Block off dedicated study time around your classes as well as time for self-care and relaxation.
Please note that the private businesses and organizations identified in this article were suggested by students; the University of Ottawa does not officially endorse any businesses or organizations identified in this article.