Media release: Ottawa Tourism Announces New Experiences Ahead of Winterlude

Immersive and Culinary Experiences Introduced by Ottawa Tourism for Winterlude 2026 

OTTAWA, January 7, 2026 — Ottawa Tourism, in collaboration with Immersive International, Optimal Show Experience and Taste Ottawa, is introducing two new additions to enhance the visitor experience for Winterlude 2026: The Lantern Grove, an immersive light and sound experience in Confederation Park, and Capital City Bites, a new restaurant week presented by Taste Ottawa. 

The Lantern Grove is a light and sound animation produced by Immersive International, a global creative design and innovation studio that recently opened their North American headquarters in Ottawa. It will transform Confederation Park into a visually striking, story-driven environment. Visitors can explore sculptural installations illuminated by dynamic lighting and animated content. A short film will be presented in both French and English on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The installation and lighting will run daily from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. throughout Winterlude. 

Capital City Bites is a restaurant week event happening from January 31 to February 6, 2026. Guests can access exclusive prix fixe menus and special offers at over 35 participating Ottawa restaurants through a free digital pass. For more information about the offerings, as well as details and free registration, visit Taste Ottawa: Capital City Bites. 

“Winterlude is a central part of Ottawa’s winter offering and we are proud to be a partner in promoting and expanding it,” says Michael Crockatt, President and CEO of Ottawa Tourism. “The Lantern Grove and Capital City Bites will add new dimensions to Winterlude, offering visitors and residents new opportunities to gather and experience the winter through light, sound and flavour.”  

“We’re thrilled to bring the Lantern Grove to life for Winterlude 2026 and share this magical experience with visitors of all ages,” says Jordan Foster, Head of Studio, North America of Immersive international. “Blending large-scale sculptural elements, immersive sound and lighting, and animated storytelling, the Lantern Grove creates a nostalgic winter world built around a fable focused on community and generosity. We’re grateful to Ottawa Tourism, the National Capital Commission, Canadian Heritage, and our partners at OSE for their collaboration. This project marks an exciting beginning for Immersive International in Ottawa, with many more experiences to come.” 

“Capital City Bites brings together Ottawa’s culinary community to showcase the city’s diverse food scene across many neighbourhoods,” says Steven Hellmann, Executive Director of Taste Ottawa. “It’s an invitation to everyone to explore the city and enjoy exceptional dining experiences during Winterlude, one of our city’s signature festivals.” 

About Ottawa Tourism 

Through its values of inclusivity, trust, collaboration, and innovation, Ottawa Tourism pursues its vision to be one of Canada’s most visited, vibrant, and appealing urban destinations, as well as the tourism authority for key economic development and city-building decisions in Ottawa. Canada’s capital welcomes an estimated 10 million visitors annually who spend $2.6 billion in the community contributing to economic prosperity and quality of life in Ottawa. 

About Immersive International 

Immersive International is a global experience design and innovation studio, specializing in immersive environments, digital storytelling, and location-based entertainment. With creative teams based in the UK, North America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East, the studio partners with museums, brands, governments, and cultural institutions to deliver unforgettable experiences. 

About Taste Ottawa 

Taste Ottawa celebrates the people, places, and flavours that make Ottawa a dynamic food destination. Through curated experiences, city-wide dining initiatives, and strategic partnerships with restaurants, tourism leaders, and cultural organizations, Taste Ottawa connects locals and visitors to distinctive, high-quality food and drink experiences across the city. For more information, visit tasteottawa.com and follow @therealtasteottawa on Instagram.