The full Winterlude festival is back and Macaroni Kid Ottawa has all the information about the family fun activities below!
About Winterlude
The National Capital Commission (NCC) created Winterlude in 1979 to celebrate Canada's unique northern culture and climate. Organizers were inspired by our ancestors who would gather to enjoy each other’s company during the long winter months.
Since then, Winterlude is held in Ottawa-Gatineau every year in February. We’ve added new activities over time like the famous Bed Race and the Waiters and Waitresses on Ice Challenge. There’s also Trotting on the Rideau, a horse race on the Rideau Canal Skateway that kicked off the very first Winterlude in 1979.
Now considered the flagship event of the winter tourist season in Canada's Capital Region, Winterlude is proud to be among the prestigious Ontario Signature Experiences as well as the Top 100 Events in the United States and Canada 2021 according to BizBash. On average, 600,000 visitors take part in the festivities.
This year's event takes place from February 3-20, 2023.
National Ice-Carving Championships
About: The Winterlude National Ice-Carving Championship is back! Watch talented Canadian ice sculptors in action on the first weekend. Their masterpieces will be on display on Sparks Street.
Cost: FREE
When:
- Friday, February 3, 2023 | 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm
- Saturday, February 4, 2023 | 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
- Sunday, February 5, 2023 | 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
About: The Kids Zone is for kids 2 to 5 years old and their parents! Mini igloos, slides, structures and a game park adapted for the little ones, everything you need for free winter fun. Discover the inside of a small igloo, slide in the snow or create a totally new winter game. What could be better than a free-play area for children? The Kids Zone installations are easily found in Snowflake Kingdom and is the perfect winter place to play outside with your family!
Cost: FREE
When:
- Friday, February 3, 2023 - Monday, February 20, 2023 | 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
About: The labyrinth of the Snowflake Kingdom awaits you. Have fun as a group to find the exit.
Cost: FREE
When:
- Friday, February 3, 2023 - Monday, February 20, 2023 | 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
About: The Snowphy Trophy is a snow sculpture competition that runs in the Glebe throughout Winterlude from February 3 to 19, 2023. The Glebe Business Improvement Area (BIA) responsible then crowns the winner on the last day of Winterlude, February 20, 2023. Kids and kids at heart are welcome to participate! All you need to do is create a snowman, snowwoman, snowdragon, whatever you like! Then, either send a picture of your snow creation to info@intheglebe.ca or tag your post with @intheglebe on your social media. The winner’s name will be engraved on the Snowphy Trophy and the person will receive a Glebe-themed prize. Get building, we can’t wait to see your amazing sculptures this year! Our goal is to have a neighbourhood full of wonderful winter snow creations to celebrate the snowy months!
Cost: FREE
When:
- Friday, February 3, 2023 - Sunday, February 19, 2023
Aurora Festive Winter Experience
About: Aurora, the festive winter experience, is offering a new free activity at La filature and ruisseau de la Brasserie from February 3 to 12. As soon as night falls, the outdoor program comes to life on the magnificent illuminated site: live music with DJ, coffee bar, skating rink and much more! Come enjoy winter and have fun downtown in a truly magical atmosphere!
Cost: FREE
When:
- Friday, February 3, 2023 | 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
- Saturday, February 4, 2023 | 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
- Sunday, February 5, 2023 | 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
- Friday, February 10, 2023 | 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
- Saturday, February 11, 2023 | 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
- Sunday, February 12, 2023 | 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Indigenous Experiences @ The Canadian Museum of History
Come and experience a mini pow wow featuring an opening ceremony called Grand Entry and performances given by inter-tribal and guest drummers as well as by dancers of different ages and styles coming from several Indigenous communities. Organized and presented by Indigenous Experiences.
Cost: FREE
When:
- Sunday, February 5, 2023 | 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
NCC Rideau Canal Skateway - CURRENTLY CLOSED
Each winter, the NCC transforms the historic Rideau Canal into the world’s largest skating rink. The Rideau Canal Skateway winds its way through the heart National Capital over a total length of 7.8 km. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rideau Canal in winter becomes a treasure that is the pride of the National Capital and a signature destination.
The skating season typically runs from January to early March, but it is weather-dependent. When open, the Skateway is free and accessible 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
This is a late season for the canal skate way as we still wait for the weather conditions to be optimal for the ice to freeze.
Please keep checking the website links above for the Rideau Canal for information about when it is open.
