Winterlude

What to do during Winterlude

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. 

Limited time winter savings in Ottawa

Ottawa Museums Pass $30
Ottawa Museums Pass

Spend less and visit 9 museums and galleries with the 3‑day pass.

$30 with Winter30

Winter hotel deals
Cold days, hot hotel deals!
For even more savings, check out these limited time hotel offers.

Make the festival extra special and do these activities, too

BIG BANG Festival
One wonderful day at Winterlude: an itinerary
For three weekends in February, Winterlude brings a world of fun to Canada’s capital region. Here’s a jam-packed, one-day itinerary to help you plan ahead.
Winterlude
Winterlude Packing Guide
Visiting Canada’s capital during the annual Winterlude festival is like stepping into a winter wonderland!
Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day ideas in the Ottawa region
Looking for great ideas on how to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year? See how you can spoil your spouse, friends, or yourself in Canada’s capital.
Canadian Museum of History
Family Day Weekend: an Ottawa Itinerary
Keep kids entertained in Ottawa Family Day weekend! Find many free outdoor activities, sports, dining options, museums, and animal attractions.
toboggan
10 of the best toboggan hills in Ottawa
With 75 approved toboggan hills, Ottawa has some of the best tobogganing in Canada. Here are 10 of the best hills to sled on in the region. Have fun!
Rideau Canal Skateway
Best ice skating experiences in Ottawa
Find out the best sites within the city and in the countryside, skate rental options, amenities and more.
Happy friends group drinking beer at brewery bar out doors
When the temperature drops, Ottawa’s nightlife heats up
Forget about hibernating. From clubs to pubs to outdoor attractions, here are some of the best ways to experience Ottawa’s nightlife this winter.
Winterlude
The best winter activities in Ottawa for families
Some cities freeze over in Winter. Ottawa comes alive as the perfect place for families to play, explore and create lasting memories together. Let the frosty fun begin!
Rideau Canal Skateway
Adventure awaits in Ottawa this winter
Love a good winter adventure? You’ll love Ottawa. Make the most of the season with these top outdoor experiences in Canada’s capital region.
Canada Aviation and Space Museum
Ottawa’s seven national museums
Visit seven of Canada’s nine national museums in Ottawa!
Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel
Don’t miss these unique museum-like experiences in Ottawa
It’s no secret: Ottawa is home to some of the best museums in the world. But what other museum-like experiences exist in Canada’s capital? And what wonders do they hold?

Winterlude events you can’t miss out on

An Enchanting Winter Day with Elsa from Frozen
Step into a winter wonderland as Elsa from Frozen visits our outdoor patio for a magical family-friendly event. Bring the kids for a day filled with…
Beaver Tales
Discover the legacy of the beaver, a Canadian icon for 50 years! From our nickels to national parks, the beaver is woven into Canadian life. Beaver…
Big Bang Festival
A one-of-a-kind festival of musical adventures, inviting children and their families on a colourful journey featuring a rich array of sound concepts…
BougeBouge Ottawa
The unique indoor 5K at Rideau Centre and Rogers Centre Ottawa is back! This event, in collaboration with Winterlude is back and will conclude your…
Centretown Cold Plunge
The Centretown Cold Plunge is Ottawa’s boldest winter challenge, hosted by the Centretown BIA at Uncommon in Snider Plaza from February 14–16, 2025…
Chill and Cheers at Ottawa’s Grand Ice Bar
Celebrate winter at Ottawa’s Grand Ice Bar, the coolest spot in the ByWard Market during Winterlude weekends. Enjoy local Calabogie craft beer, mulled…

Back to top

Stay up to date

Stay up to date on upcoming events and ideas to plan your next trip to Ottawa with friends, family or on your own by signing up for the Ottawa Tourism Newsletter.