Behind Rmoc on Laurier. Sonia Lister, 5 peers out of a window cut through the ice in kids maze built for Winterlude. There is plenty to do in Ottawa in winter! (The Ottawa Sun/Greg Henkenhaf)

OTTAWA — Visiting the nation’s capital in winter usually means a stop at the party on ice, Winterlude. But out-of-towners might be surprised to find a multitude of activities and attractions taking place away from the Rideau Canal.

The obvious place to start is the quintessential Ottawa landmark, the Parliament Buildings, which offer an open house throughout Winterlude (running until Feb. 17) in addition to its guided tours.

Check out the beautifully restored Library of Parliament, the last remaining part of the original Parliament Buildings and the only building to have survived the fire of 1916. The octagonal library features a domed ceiling painted in genuine gold leaf.

Visiting student Nick Moore of Fredericton, N.B., said seeing Parliament was the highlight of his trip to Ottawa.

“I don’t know how you can go to Ottawa and not visit the Parliament Buildings,” said the 21-year-old Moore, who was most struck by the spectacular view from the Peace Tower’s observation deck.

For an entirely different view, try to plan your visit to Parliament for a day when the House is sitting so you can take in the action first-hand from the public galleries.

If you’re looking for something a little quieter than the nation’s MPs, head for the National Gallery of Canada to experience the country’s largest visual arts museum. The collections include Canadian, indigenous and international art and photography. An exhibition of sculptures by Saskatchewan artist Joe Fafard runs Feb. 1 to May 4, and an exhibit of early 19th-century watercolours, engravings and other works collected by Lord Dalhousie will be on display Feb. 15 to May 11.

The region’s museums offers choices for even the most discerning visitors — like children. While parents check out exhibitions like “Secret Riches: Ancient Peru Unearthed” at the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, Que., running until April 27, kids can explore the Canadian Children’s Museum conveniently located within.

The exhibit “Living in Space,” also until April 27, lets kids with astronaut ambitions see what life is like on the International Space Station. Museum program manager Lynn McMaster said the exhibit can teach children about the importance of working together.

Children will learn that “it doesn’t take one person to function in a community, but that communities actually require many people and many people’s expertise to ensure the livelihood of that community or the welfare of it,” she said.

“And that goes back to a core theme within the children’s museum permanent exhibits, which is about the notion that where we live highly influences how we see our daily lives and basic needs.”

But if shopping bags are your requirement for a good trip, then head for Ottawa’s Byward Market. There you’ll discover unique shops and boutiques with goods ranging from local handmade jewelry to upscale designer outlets.

After dark, there are plenty of good options for theatre. The Great Canadian Theatre Company is in the middle of its “capital letters” season, the company’s “love letter to the National Capital Region,” said artistic director Lise Ann Johnson.

“All of the plays in the 2007-2008 season are either penned by writers from Ottawa or feature a connection to our nation’s capital.”

And if you’re craving a pint after your long day of sightseeing, the market is also home to a vibrant nightlife that includes 25 clubs.

“We definitely had fun down in the market at night,” said Matt McCann, 27, of Toronto. “There are a lot of good places to hang out - there’s a good scene at night in Ottawa.”

Much of the architecture in the market dates back to the 19th century, and the area boasts award-winning restaurants and wine bars where carriage builders and blacksmiths used to work. The range of the market’s 86 restaurants makes any visit worth extending just to try to sample as many different dishes as possible.

“With a mix like that you pretty much appeal to almost anyone,” said Jasna Jennings, executive director of the Byward Market Business Improvement Area.

Menus vary from tapas and wine bars to all-day breakfast joints, but the most popular restaurants are often those with the best views of the bustling market streets.

“You can almost travel the world in the market,” said Jennings.

But then again, perhaps nothing can really compare to Beaver Tails and hot chocolate while skating the Rideau Canal.

———

On the web:

www.ottawatourism.ca

www.parl.gc.ca/information/visitors