Winterlude

The 2022 edition of the annual Winterlude festival has been cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns. However, all Canadians can enjoy the National Ice-Carving Championship and vote online for their favourite creation made by pairs of carvers in all 10 provinces.

And you can still celebrate Canadian winter fun by skating on the Rideau Canal Skateway (weather depending), enjoying a variety of wonderful winter activities, and attending special events taking place throughout the region!

Below is an overview of typical Winterlude programming.

Celebrate free Canadian winter fun at this epic festival which takes place in the Ottawa region during the first three weekends of February each year!

During Winterlude, you can marvel at beautiful ice sculptures, skate on the world-famous Rideau Canal Skateway (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and play till you drop in a gigantic snow playground called Snowflake Kingdom.

Many other Winterlude activities—indoors and outdoors—highlight Canada's cultural, artistic and culinary diversity. Urban sites, museums and special events present special seasonal programming as well as opportunities to connect with Indigenous culture. Most festival activities are free and take place in the urban Ottawa-Gatineau region. Don't miss Canada's annual winter celebration in Canada’s capital!