The BIG BANG Festival transforms your National Arts Centre into a giant sonic playground. Musical adventures invite children and their families on a…
The annual Winterlude festival celebrates Canadian winter culture and events. People from around the world gather to experience winter fun, cultural and culinary delights and outdoor adventures the first three weekends in February.
Winterlude was first celebrated in 1979 to celebrate Canada’s unique culture and climate, featuring Trotting on the Rideau; a horse race on the Rideau Canal Skateway. The festival has evolved but its mission stays the same; celebrating Canada’s cold winters and warm spirit.
Try to get a pic with the mystical Winterlude mascots; the Ice Hogs!
Official Winterlude sites
Crystal Garden (Confederation Park)
Winterlude returns to Confederation Park! Steps away from Parliament Hill, the National Arts Centre and other Ottawa landmarks, you’ll find ice sculptures, live shows and the Lantern Grove (NEW!).
Snowflake Kingdom (Jacques-Cartier Park – North Section)
Grab your snowpants! The Snowflake Kingdom at Jacques-Cartier Park is a can’t miss for those seeking a true Canadian winter experience. Snow slides, winter activities, a Ferris wheel – guaranteed fun for adults and kids! Plus, come out select evenings for Afterslide.
2027 Winterlude highlights
This year, experience Winterlude across the Ottawa-Gatineau region at Confederation Park in downtown Ottawa, and Jacques-Cartier Park (North Section) just across the Ottawa River in Gatineau. The festivities begin on January 29, 2027 until February 15, 2027.
Igloofest
Beyond the two key Winterlude sites, make sure to check out Igloofest, the world’s coldest music festival back by popular demand.
Capital City Bites
Foodies rejoice! Check out Capital City Bites restaurants across the city. 40+ restaurants showcasing prix fixe menus, exclusive offers and limited-time items. Discover Ottawa one plate at a time.
Ice skating
Finally, no Winterlude experience is complete without enjoying outdoor skating in the Capital region! Glide on the world’s largest outdoor skating rink on the Rideau Canal, visit a landmark rink at City Hall, Lansdowne or Rideau Hall (the Governor General’s residence) or try a skating trail through the forest!
Winterlude events you can’t miss out on
Embrace Winter Run
A winter running race offering marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, 3K, and a 1K Kids Snowy Shuffle. Enjoy a closed course along the Ottawa River, with…
Rideau Canal Skateway
Winter 2027, dates to be announced
Every winter, the Rideau Canal turns into the Rideau Canal Skateway, aka, the world’s largest skating rink! From roughly January to late February or…
Rideau Hall’s Winter Celebration
Winter 2027, dates to be announced
Join us for Rideau Hall’s Winter Celebration! Enjoy an afternoon of free outdoor activities, skating on the Rideau Hall Rink, stellar performances and…
Unikkaatuarniq: Snowscreen by the Asinabka Festival
Winter 2027, dates to be announced
Join Unikkaatuarniq: Snowscreen for a celebration of Indigenous films from the circumpolar North!
Winterlude Triathlon
Winter 2027, dates to be announced
Watch dedicated winter enthusiasts ice skate for 7-8 km, cross-country ski for 6 km, and run for 5 km.
More tips for a magical Winterlude experience
Winterlude Packing Guide
Visiting Canada’s capital during the annual Winterlude festival is like stepping into a winter wonderland!
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