Ottawa 
Experience the magic of Winterlude, which has transformed Canada’s Capital Region into a festive destination since 1979.
Credit: Canadian Heritage
This vibrant festival offers an array of indoor and outdoor activities, perfect for families, individuals, couples, or groups. Discover performances, street art, and interactive installations that light up the region. Outdoor enthusiasts will revel in majestic ice sculptures, the iconic Rideau Canal Skateway, and Snowflake Kingdom’s exhilarating Tim Hortons Chinook Super Slide.
Join us for a celebration of winter, culture, and community at Winterlude!
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What is New at the 2026 Edition
- For the first time since 2018, the Crystal Garden is back in Confederation Park, just steps from the Rideau Canal Skateway. The site introduces the Winterlude Ice-Carving Exhibition, presented by Tim Hortons; the Ryan Hill Ice-Carving Public Challenge; the Lantern Grove light experience, presented by Ottawa Tourism; and the OLG Sugar Shack Village, featuring live entertainment.
- Snowflake Kingdom is adding new attractions alongside the Tim Hortons Chinook Super Slide, developed in partnership with the Ville de Gatineau, Afterslide Evenings, Nordic Race and a new illuminated Ferris wheel.
- On February 6 and 7, Afterslide Evenings run from 6 to 10 p.m., combining DJ-led programming, activities, and retro winter fashion. Presented with Igloofête and AdoGatineau, both nights are free.
- This year’s festival recognizes the 25th anniversary of the STS-100 mission and Canadarm2; the first Canadian spacewalk; the upcoming Artemis II mission; the 150th anniversary of the first telephone call; the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics; and National Flag of Canada Day on February 15.
Fun at Snowflake Kingdom
- The Big Ferris Wheel: Winterlude introduces its first Ferris wheel, lifting visitors 50 feet above the ground for sweeping views of snowslides, the Ottawa and Rideau rivers, and downtown. It offers a calm, elevated way to see the national capital wrapped in winter.
- Afterslide Evenings: Afterslide Evenings introduce a nighttime experience for teens and young adults, featuring DJs, illuminated attractions, sliding, games, and retro winter style. Held February 6 and 7, the free events keep Snowflake Kingdom open until 10 p.m.
- The Nordic Race: Taking place February 8, the Nordic Race is Gatineau’s only timed winter run, offering 1 km, 5 km, and 12 km distances. Routes follow the Gatineau River and Leamy Lake, blending sport, scenery, and winter celebration.
- The Big Blizzard – Obstacle Course: This snow-built obstacle course challenges participants to run, crawl, climb, and cross through tunnels, tires, and structures. Activity leaders energize each race, while the fastest time of the day earns a prize and bragging rights.
- Tim Hortons Chinook Super Slide: A Winterlude staple, the Tim Hortons Chinook Super Slide delivers fast-paced sliding fun for all ages. This free attraction combines speed, laughter, and winter thrills, making it one of the festival’s most popular family-friendly experiences.
- Winterlude Maze: The Winterlude Maze returns with a winding labyrinth of twists and turns. Each decision shapes your route, testing patience and curiosity. It’s a playful, puzzle-like walk that invites visitors to slow down and explore winter from a different angle.
- Introduction to Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding: Children aged 5 to 8 can try downhill skiing or snowboarding through a free introductory session led by trained instructors. Offered with the Quebec Ski Area Association, the activity focuses on basic skills, confidence, and fun on snow.
Fun at Confederation Park
Photo Credit: Canadian Heritage
- Crystal Garden returns to Confederation Park as an official Winterlude site, featuring free outdoor ice sculptures, animation, and seasonal activities near Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal Skateway. Visitors can explore Lantern Grove, an immersive, lantern-filled storytelling space, and experience Glacialux, where ice sculptures come to life after dark through light and sound.
- Winterlude Ice-Carving Exhibition: Twelve teams of two professional carvers shape 18 ice blocks over 30 hours inside a heated tent. Their works, inspired by “Celebrating Our Northern Canadian Identity,” form one of Winterlude 2026’s central free attractions.
- Ryan Hill Ice-Carving Public Challenge: This hands-on challenge invites the public to try ice carving alongside professionals. Participants receive guidance, take part in a friendly competition, and exchange ideas while creating pieces inspired by Canada’s northern identity at Confederation Park.
Byward Market Celebrations
- Pibòn Festival brings Indigenous culture to the ByWard Market through art, music, and heritage demonstrations. Visitors can experience hide tanning, frost scraping, live performances, a fashion show, and warm refreshments in a free, family-friendly setting.
- BARBEGAZI delivers high-adrenaline winter spectacle as freestyle snowmobile riders soar up to 40 feet above York Street. Engines roar, crowds gather, and the festival’s alpine folklore mascot appears throughout the weekend with unexpected interactions, performances, and playful challenges.
- Create & Celebrate turns the ByWard Market into a Valentine’s and Family Day hub with street curling, live busking, chainsaw carving, workshops, vendor markets, and horse-drawn rides. The free, all-ages program blends creativity, winter fun, and relaxed daytime exploration.
Rideau Hall’s Winter Celebration
Celebrate winter at Rideau Hall’s event with a focus on Canada and winter cultures from around the world. Enjoy a variety of free, family-friendly activities, including skating on the historic Rideau Hall Rink and touring the Governor General’s residence. Experience international winter traditions and take advantage of the free Winterlude shuttle bus running every 15 minutes from downtown to Rideau Hall.
Igloofest
Igloofest Gatineau debuts at Place des festivals Zibi, closing Winterlude with three nights of electrifying electronic music. Headliners include Steve Aoki, Kaskade, and BUNT. February 12 to 14 @ Place des Festivals Zibi, 60 Jos-Montferrand St, Gatineau
Centretown Cold Plunge
The Centretown Cold Plunge dares participants to dive into freezing waters and warm up in saunas—all to support Centre 507 and the Centretown Community Health Centre. With a chance to win a sauna for top fundraisers, the event also invites spectators to cheer, enjoy live DJs, hot drinks, and family-friendly activities. Not plunging? Donations and pledges still make a difference in reaching vital community goals. Embrace the thrill and spirit of this bold winter challenge! February 14 to 16 @ Uncommon at Snider Plaza, 140 Bank Street, Ottawa
BIG BANG Festival
BIG BANG is back, and it will transform the NAC into a joyful musical maze full of adventures in sound to explore. This 8th edition promises bouncing rhythms, colourful performances, and interactive experiences, with mini-concerts and lively shows filling the air with joy. A fanfare adds extra excitement, making it a must-see event for families. With free and ticketed events, this musical adventure is perfect for creating unforgettable memories together. February 14 & 15 @ NAC
Taste Ottawa: Capital City Bites
Capital City Bites turns Ottawa into a city-wide tasting experience, connecting diners with restaurants across the capital. Running January 31 to February 6, 2026, the paid event features curated menus and limited-time dishes from established favourites and emerging spots, inviting participants to explore neighbourhoods, support local businesses, and experience Ottawa’s diverse culinary scene.
Winterlude Mini Pow Wow
The Winterlude Mini Pow Wow, presented by Indigenous Experiences, brings song, dance, and ceremony to the Canadian Museum of History on February 1, 2026. The free event features a Grand Entry, intertribal dances, invited drum groups, and dancers of all ages, offering a meaningful introduction to Pow Wow traditions in a condensed, accessible format.
Winterlude On Sparks Street
Photo Credit: Canadian Heritage
Sparks Street transforms into a vibrant winter wonderland, alive with busker performances, intricate ice carvings, and interactive art. Celebrate community, culture, and the magic of Canada’s winter while enjoying lively festivities and delectable treats. Don’t miss the “Live from the Booth: Winterlude Edition,” featuring DJs celebrating LGBTQ+, Indigenous, and Canadiana sounds.
Trip Planning Winterlude:
Credit: Canadian Heritage
When & Where: January 31 to February 16, 2026 @ Various Locations, Ottawa & Gatineau.
How Much: Mostly free, some activities ticketed.
Sno-Bus
Enjoy a free shuttle ride to Winterlude activities.
Paid Parking:
Queen Elizabeth Drive on Bronson Avenue (temporary parking)
Dows Lake (corner of Preston Street and Prince of Wales Drive)
National Arts Centre (NAC)
Rideau Centre
World Exchange Plaza
Ottawa City Hall and other parking lots operated by the City of Ottawa
