Best ideas for Reading Week

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.

You don’t have to go full nerd – set aside blocks of time away from the books to fully enjoy the fun stuff guilt free.

Start your Reading Week AND treat that special person to a fun Valentine’s Day date on Friday, February 14. Be dazzled by the Luman Eira lights at Confederation Park, dance to DJs on Sparks Street, write a poem at the Poetry Shack or attend Igloofest.

February 14 to 17 is the final weekend of Ottawa’s famous Winterlude, so don’t miss ice carving and wood carving demonstrations, free hot apple cider, free shows and much more. See full details on Winterlude Weekend 3.

Gatineau Park is a true winter wonderland with breathtaking trails and scenic views. On Saturdays only (except for February 15), 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 2:30 p.m.). You also MUST reserve a spot on the bus ahead of time. Try to sign up for February 22, but if you miss out, you’ll have two more chances: March 1 and March 8.

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 Transport 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.

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 and Little Penguin Trail. In Quebec, you can try Éco-Odyssée or 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 12. By proactively taking steps during Reading Week, you can set the foundation for a successful career path.

Indulge in a spa day. Nordik Spa-Nature, located in Old Chelsea, Quebec, offers a serene escape with thermal baths, saunas and relaxation areas surrounded by nature. Their unique experiences, like the Källa saltwater floating pool, are perfect for melting away stress. Alternatively, visit Koena Spa, known for its calming ambiance and outdoor thermal cycle. Both spas provide student-friendly weekday rates. A day at the spa is an ideal way to relax and rejuvenate. You’ll return to your studies with a fresh mind.

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.