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.
You don’t have to spend the entire week studying. Even setting aside a few focused hours can make returning to class feel much more manageable.
2. Get into the Halloween spirit
This year, Reading Week ends on Halloween, which gives you a pretty good excuse to embrace the spooky season.
For ideas, check Ottawa Tourism’s list of spooky and fun Halloween activities in Ottawa. It includes details about haunted walks.
Saunders Farm, to the west of Ottawa, has events like FrightFest and PumpkinFest, which run during Reading Week. They offer pumpkins, mazes, hayrides and other fall activities.
Get into the Halloween spirit with a fun paint night October 22! You’ll be guided by an experienced artist, who will instruct you step by step on how to reproduce a Halloween painting on a 9-inch by 12-inch (23 cm by 30 cm) canvas.
You can also gather some friends for a Halloween movie, host a Halloween party or simply wander through the city, looking for the best decorated houses.
Looking for costume ideas? Try the uOttawa Free Store to see if any clothing sparks your imagination!
Whether you prefer activities that are genuinely scary or just an excuse to eat candy, there’s something for everyone.
3. Take in the last of the fall colours
One of the best things about spending fall in Ottawa–Gatineau is watching the region change colour.
Reading Week falls right at the tail end of the fall foliage season, so take advantage of it while you can. You can start by walking through campus from Tabaret Hall. Or even visit Lees Campus. Behind Gee-Gees Field, there’s a bicycle and walking path that follows the Rideau River.
Head to Major’s Hill Park, walk along the Rideau Canal, explore one of the Greenbelt trails or check out the hiking trails in Gatineau Park for a change of scenery.
Gatineau Park is especially beautiful in autumn. If you’re planning to visit, check access conditions and transportation options before heading out since seasonal schedules change toward the end of October.
Sometimes, getting away from your laptop for an afternoon is exactly the reset you need.
4. Explore a fall market
If you want an easy outing that doesn’t require planning an entire day, head to a local market.
The Ottawa Farmers’ Market at Lansdowne is running on Sunday, October 25. You can browse seasonal produce and locally made products. You can also enjoy live music on site.
Grab a friend, wander around, pick up something local or simply enjoy being somewhere different for an afternoon.
5. 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.
You don’t have to travel far to feel like you’ve gone somewhere completely different.
Travelling with friends can also help keep costs down.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Visit different Ottawa neighborhoods
Think Ottawa’s just Parliament Hill and the ByWard Market? Think again. Beyond the city's best-known landmarks, Ottawa is home to vibrant neighbourhoods, each with its own personality.
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.
For more insight, read The Gee's article Beyond Campus: Explore Ottawa’s neighbourhoods.
9. Find your new favourite café
Fall and cafés just belong together.
Bring a book you actually want to read, meet a friend or take your laptop somewhere other than the library.
You can revisit your favourite spot near campus or use the week to explore cafés in the ByWard Market, Centretown, the Glebe, Chinatown, Little Italy or Wellington West.
And yes, sitting by a window with a warm drink, doing absolutely nothing productive, still counts as a Reading Week activity.
Start with these six must-try cafés near campus.
10. 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. By proactively taking steps during Reading Week, you can set the foundation for a successful career path.
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.
11. Take care of life admin
Use some downtime to tackle tasks you’ve been putting off:
- 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.
12. Rest without feeling guilty about it
You don’t need to turn Reading Week into another productivity challenge.
Sleep in. Stay home.
Watch the show you’ve been saving. Cook something you like. Call someone you miss. Put your phone down for a while. Spend an afternoon doing absolutely nothing.
The term moves quickly, and taking time to rest is part of getting through it.
Reading Week looks different for everyone. Pay attention to what you need, whether that’s connection, quiet, movement or simply more sleep.
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.
13. 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.