People come from all over the world to celebrate Winterlude in the capital. Each year I look forward to participating in all the activities and find it the perfect way to really embrace and enjoy winter. From skating on the canal, ice sculpture carving, musical performances and more, there’s always plenty to do at Winterlude. You’ll be able to enjoy all the festivities from February 1st to 18th. Things are switching up at this year’s Winterlude and it includes even more incredible winter activities and destinations! Here’s everything you need to add to your Winterlude bucket list:
Rideau Canal
Skating on the Rideau Canal
Skating on the Rideau Canal is a Winterlude essential. Enjoy skating 7.8km on the world’s largest outdoor skating rink. You’ll be able to skate all the way from downtown Ottawa to Dow’s Lake. Each year I challenge myself to see how far I can skate on the canal. Make sure to stop for a beavertail along the way. You can rent skates downtown, Fifth Avenue or Dow’s Lake!
Ottawa Ice Dragon Boat Festival
The world’s largest ice dragon boat event is back on the world’s largest skating rink, in Canada’s Capital! Head to Dows Lake to cheer on participants and enjoy this unique experience.
Date: Friday, February 8, 12 pm to 5 pm (practices) and Saturday, February 9, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (competition)
36th Annual Winterlude Triathlon
Join hundreds of winter enthusiasts and participate in a very unique winter triathlon. This event is one of Winterlude’s oldest activities and includes skating on the Rideau Canal, cross-country skiing and running!
Date: Saturday, February 2, 2019, 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, Rideau Canal Skateway, Dows Lake
Snowflake Kingdom
From zip lines to snowslides, there’s plenty of fun for kids of all ages at Snowflake Kingdom. I loved heading here as a kid and still do as an adult. This winter wonderland is sure to provide laughter and fun for your whole group! You’ll find it at Jacques Cartier Park in Gatineau.
Hours: Thursdays 9am-4pm, Fridays/Saturdays 9am-9pm, Sundays and Monday, February 18th 9am-5pm.
Winterlude Pow Wow
Immerse yourself in the culture of First Nations people and learn the histories of dance and drum at the Canadian Museum of History. This event will feature First Nations drumming, dancing, and food. Enjoy this colourful display of dance and music with the backdrop of the Canadian Museum of History’s Grand Hall. This event is presented by The Algonquin Way Cultural Centre, Omàmiwininì Pimàdjwowin.
Date: Sunday, February 3, 2019, 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Winter Celebration at Rideau Hall
Head to Rideau Hall for some Winterlude fun. Enjoy skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and curling on the grounds of the official residence and workplace of the governor general. Learn how other countries spend the coldest months of the year while enjoying traditional foods and activities. All activities are free.
Fête Frissons
Enjoy this Winterlude activity in Orleans at Shenkman Arts Centre. Enjoy free musical entertainment, face-painting, art-making, storytelling, dancing and outdoor fun in the snow! Admission and activities are free!
Date: Saturday, February 2, 2019, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, 245 Centrum Boul. Ottawa
Byward Market
This year, the Byward Market will host multiple Winterlude events:
32nd Crystal Garden International Ice-Carving Competition
This year Crystal Garden has moved from Confederation Park to the Byward Market. Sculptors from all over the world come to create spectacular ice masterpieces. You’ll be blown away by the details in their creations. This is one of my favourite events of Winterlude. Browse through all the sculptures and vote on your favourite one.
Dates: Friday and Saturday, February 1 and 2, 9 am to 10:30 pm, and Sunday, February 3, 9 am to 12 pm
Awards ceremony: Sunday, February 3, 5 pm
Subzero Electro DJ Nights
Head to the Rideau Carleton Casino Stage in the Byward Market for one of Winterude’s popular DJ nights. Bundle up in your snowsuit and enjoy different DJ performances with your friends.
Dates: February 1, 2, 15, 16 from 6pm to 10pm
Taste of the ByWard Market – Winter Warm-up Edition
Taste your way through the ByWard Market during a food tour with C’est Bon Cooking. From soothing hot drinks and comfort foods, your guide will help you discover all the hidden culinary gems of the ByWard Market. Tours run daily at 2 pm from February 1st to 18th. Tickets must be purchased in advance here.
Chimes – Interactive Light & Sound Installation
Chimes was created by Collectif Blackbox and invites visitors to interact with this light and sound installation. You’re invited to activate the installation that includes more than 30 illuminated tubes and eight loudspeakers, triggering a transformation of the space through sound and light. Chimes refers to the concept of chaos theory and how a small action has a bigger impact on its environment. Come spark your curiosity and try this installation out for yourself!
Dates: February 1 to 18, open daily, 8 am to 11 pm and on Monday, February 18, 8 am to 5 pm
Sparks Street
Sparks Street is North America’s oldest pedestrian mall and this year it will host multiple activities that are coming to Winterlude for the first time!
Ice Cabaret featuring Mado
For the first time ever, Winterlude will be hosting an Ice Cabaret in collaboration with Capital Pride. Even in the February chill, Capital Tease Burlesque and DJs will sizzle alongside Mado (Montreal’s most famous drag queen) as the Capital Pride stage shines brightly in the winter night! Forget staying at home and warm up with some licensed indoor and outdoor drink and food specials from our friends along Sparks Street to kick off the weekend with the Ice Cabaret featuring Mado!
Date: Friday, February 8, 6 pm to 10 pm, Sparks St., between O’Connor St. & Bank St., Ottawa
Sparks Street Ice-Cade
Enjoy classic carnival games – winter style! Sparks Street will host plenty of games for two weekends during Winterlude. You’ll have the opportunity to toss, throw or shuffle! Warm up with a warm beverage after all the fun.
Dates: Friday and Saturday, February 8, 9, 15 and 16, 12 pm to 6 pm, Sunday, February 10 and 17, and Monday, February 18, 12 pm to 5 pm
Downtown Rideau
Winter Weekends at the Ottawa Art Gallery
Enjoy winter art activities for all ages in the Studio of the Ottawa Art Gallery. They’ll have something new and creative every weekend of Winterlude.
Dates: Saturdays and Sundays, February 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17, and Monday, February 18, 10 am to 2 pm, This is a free drop-in activity and no registration is required.
Big Bang Festival
Head to the National Art Centre for their Big Bang Festival. The festival features a performance by the NAC Orchestra, three virtuoso jazz musicians in an interactive and youthful take on Miles Davis, a dynamic marching band, a journey through all kinds of weird sound machines, and many other surprises.
Dates: Sunday, February 17, 12 pm to 5 pm and Monday, February 18, 10 am to 4:30 pm
Shooting the Rapids: Ice Sculpting Demonstration
The Bytown Museum at the Ottawa Locks is partnering with Métis Nation of Ontario and Parks Canada for an ice sculpting demonstration depicting Métis cultural symbols. Visit the museum’s temporary exhibit Beyond Fiddles and Sashes presented by Parks Canada to learn more about Métis history and culture.
Date: February 9, 11 am to 4 pm
The Glebe
Winter Brewfest
I look forward to this event every year. It will take place in Aberdeen Pavillion at Lansdowne Park on February 15th and 16th. Hop around and try new drinks from a variety of breweries. Find your new favourite beer, cider or spirit at this event. It’s always a great atmosphere and they’ll have over 100 craft beers to choose. Make sure to buy your ticket in advance here.
For a full calendar of events on Winterlude click here. What are you most excited for at this year’s Winterlude?
This blog post was sponsored by Canadian Heritage. As always, all opinions are my own. I hope you enjoy Winterlude as much as I do 🙂 Let me know what you’re most excited for on Instagram. Wondering what to wear to Winterlude? Check out this post.
Julia started Little Miss Ottawa as a way to explore her hometown as a traveller would. She’s always planning her next adventure, whether it’s local or abroad. You’ll find her exploring with her camera in hand. She hopes Little Miss Ottawa helps bring you on new and fun adventures. Happy exploring :)
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