Looking for fun activities in the Ottawa area? Check out these options over the next seven days, starting on Thursday, January 30. Be sure to verify details with the organizers as plans can change at any time.
From January 31 to February 17, 2025| Take part in the winter season’s flagship event in Gatineau and Ottawa! Winterlude returns with its must-see ice sculptures, snow slides and the Rideau Canal Skateway. With over 600 indoor and outdoor activities, the event also features shows, exhibits, interactive urban art installations, performances by street artists and much more. Whether you’re looking for something to do with the family, on your own, as a couple or with friends, Winterlude has something to offer! See the calendar of events for more information. Most activities are FREE!
For some Winterlude excitement…
- Until Saturday, February 1 | Experience the Ottawa Winter Jazz Festival, showcasing unique concerts and collaborations that bring jazz to life during the winter months. Held at Arts Court.
- Friday, January 31 to Sunday, February 1, 2025 | Check out LüX, a striking arch-like structure offers a sensory experience with a sound and light show that blends traditional sugar shack tunes with electronic rhythms, immersing you in the festive atmosphere of the urban sugar shack.
- Starting Friday, January 31 | Discover the legacy of the beaver, a Canadian icon for 50 years! Beaver Tales invites you to celebrate this industrious animal — Canada’s official symbol for half a century — during Winterlude at the Canadian Museum of History.
- Saturday, 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.
- Saturday, February 1 to Sunday, February 2 | Immerse yourself in the magic of Sugar Fest at Parc Omega! Dress warmly and come have fun. Don't forget to wear your best plaid shirts!
- Saturday, February 1 to Sunday, February 2 | Experience the magic of winter with a horse-and-carriage ride through the ByWard Market. FREE!
- Saturday, February 1 |Young and old alike can have fun while taking part in winter sports and activities outside on the grounds of the official residence and workplace of Canada’s Governor General at Rideau Hall’s Winter Celebration. FREE!
- Sunday, February 2 | 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!
- Until Sunday, February 2 | Discover the history of Ottawa within the city’s oldest stone building. The Bytown Museum is an ideal Winterlude destination for history enthusiasts and families. FREE!
- Sunday, February 2 | Step into a winter wonderland as Elsa from Frozen visits the Grand Pizzeria and Bar for a magical family-friendly event. Bring the kids for a day filled with fun and joy. FREE!
For arts, culture and a good time…
- Friday, January 31 to Saturday, February 1| Ten of Canada's Best Chefs demonstrate their culinary expertise in three intense competitions over two days at the Canadian Culinary Championship.
- Saturday, February 1 and Sunday, February 2 | Created by Hors Pair Social and The Moving Art Gallery, Crépu: Our DNA is an artistic celebration and exploration of Black hair. The event delves into these themes through photography, film, discussion, and performance. Held at Canada Science and Technology Museum.
- Saturday, February 1 and Sunday, February 2 | Participate in a guided snowshoe hike along trail 60 to uncover animal tracks. Discover the strategies animals have to survive the harshness of winter. At Gatineau Park Visitor Centre. Snowshoes are provided. FREE!
- Fridays and Saturdays | Dance away at Club Aléa at the Hotel-Casino du Lac-Leamy with its lineup of talented DJs!
- Sunday, February 2 | Explore over 85 local vendors year-round at the Lansdowne Farmers’ Market. FREE!
- Ongoing | Discover the hidden gem that is the Capital Art Fair Gallery & Boutique on Sparks Street, an artist-run space showcasing the work of over 30 local professional artists.
For sports fans…
- Thursday, January 30; Saturday, February 1 | Cheer on the Ottawa Senators as they compete against the Washington Capitals and the Minnesota Wild at the Canadian Tire Centre.
- Wednesday, February 5 | Support the Ottawa 67’s as they play against the Oshawa Generals at TD Place.
- Friday, January 31| Cheer on the Ottawa Black Bears at the Canadian Tire Centre as they take on the Calgary Roughnecks.
