Looking for fun activities in the Ottawa area? Check out these options over the next seven days, starting on Thursday, January 29. Be sure to verify details with the organizers as plans can change at any time.
Ongoing | Warm up indoors and immerse yourself in the sounds, sights, and stories of Centre Block with a free visit to the multi-media attraction Parliament: The Immersive Experience.
Starting Friday, January 30 | Experience the best the Canadian winter has to offer at Winterlude, a highlight of the season in Ottawa-Gatineau. Most activities are free and take place in downtown Ottawa and Gatineau with main sites at Jacques-Cartier Park and Confederation Park.
For more Winterlude excitement…
- Friday, January 30 to Sunday, February 1 | Under a large tent in Confederation Park, watch the 2026 Winterlude Ice-Carving Exhibition, presented by Tim Hortons with 12 teams of two professional ice carvers transform 18 blocks of ice into striking sculptural works. FREE!
- Friday, January 30 to Sunday, February 1 | Pibòn Festival brings Indigenous art, music, and heritage to the ByWard Market during Winterlude. FREE!
- Starting Saturday, January 31 until February 6 | Taste Ottawa: Capital City Bites features a curated lineup of Ottawa restaurants, cafés, and culinary businesses offering exclusive menus, special features, and limited-time bites created specifically for the event.
- Ongoing | Every winter, the Rideau Canal turns into the Rideau Canal Skateway, aka, the world’s largest skating rink! FREE!
- Daily from Friday, January 30 | Winter Wander: Winterlude Edition adds fresh energy to the street with live DJs, ice sculptures, interactive installations, and photo ready moments throughout downtown. FREE!
- Daily from Friday, January 30 | Step into The Lantern Grove, a magical forest where light, sound, and winter wonder come together in an immersive experience designed to delight all ages. FREE!
- Starting Friday, January 30 | Capital Art Fair Gallery Winterlude Art Show features more than 30 Ottawa-area artists and artisans presenting original winter- and Ottawa-inspired works in gallery and boutique settings. FREE!
- Saturday, January 31 to Sunday, February 1 | Discover how money has evolved in Canada through engaging objects and hands on exploration at the Bank of Canada Museum. FREE!
- Sunday, February 1 | Watch dedicated winter enthusiasts ice skate for 7-8 km, cross-country ski for 6 km, and run for 5 km in the Winterlude Triathlon.
- Sunday, February 1 | Experience a mini Pow Wow featuring a Grand Entry or opening ceremony, intertribal dances, and performances by invited drum groups, along with dancers of various styles and ages, happening at the Canadian Museum of History. FREE!
For arts, culture and markets…
- Fridays and Saturdays | Dance the night away at Club Aléa in the Casino du Lac-Leamy with its lineup of talented DJs!
- Friday, January 30 to Saturday, January 31 | Ten of Canada's Best Chefs demonstrate their culinary expertise in three intense competitions over two days at the Canadian Culinary Championship.
- Friday, January 30 and Sunday, February 1 | Support the Ottawa 67’s at TD Place Arena at Lansdowne.
- Friday, January 30 | Spend Friday evenings snowshoeing with an experienced Friends of Gatineau Park nature interpreter. Hiking in the moonlight, you will discover how animals survive winter!
- Friday, January 30 | Catch NYC comedian Ryan Long live in Ottawa for a night of sharp, fearless comedy. Held at Algonquin Commons Theatre.
- Saturday, January 31 | Experience the music and spectacle of Pink Floyd with Comfortably Numb – Canada’s Pink Floyd Show. Held at Algonquin Commons Theatre.
- Saturday, January 31 to Sunday, February 1 | What animal made these tracks in the snow? You'll find out by participating in a guided snowshoe hike along trail 60 starting at Gatineau Park Visitor Centre.
- Saturday, January 31 | Cheer on the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre.
- Saturday, January 31 | Check out an exciting lineup of over 140 vendors who offer hand made treasures, vintage finds and one-of-a-kinds at 613flea in the historic Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne Park. FREE!
- Sunday, February 1 | Leaders in breaking barriers and making history, the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters™ make a key stop on the team’s 100 Year Tour—the most legendary tour in Globetrotters history.
- Sunday, February 1 | Explore over 85 local vendors year-round at the Lansdowne Farmers’ Market every Sunday. FREE!
