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 2-19, 2024.
This is a free event.
The Snowphy Trophy is a snowman building competition that runs in the Glebe throughout Winterlude from February 2 to 19, 2024. The Glebe BIA then crowns the winner at the end of Winterlude, on February 20, 2024. We encourage all to participate! All you need to do is create a snowman, snowwoman, or even a snow animal! Then, either send a picture of your snow creation with at least one of the builders in the photo for scale 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 all of the amazing snow creations this year! Our goal is to have a neighborhood full of wonderful snow creations to celebrate winter!
Introduction to Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding
This is a free event.
Children aged 5 to 8 can get a free introduction to downhill skiing and snowboarding with dynamic instructors.
Giant Games Cube
This is a free event.
From side to side to side to side, come play interactive games at Winterlude’s Game Station. Tic Tac Toe, “Where are the Ice Hogs?” character search, Find a Pair and Find Ten Differences are all games you can play at our Interactive Game Station! See if you can solve them all!
This is a free event.
With a tuque, warm mittens and a scarf wrapped over their little nose, kids discover the inside of a small igloo. Others slide in the snow or create a totally new winter game. When children let their imagination run free, who knows what story they’ll come up with amongst themselves!
This is a free event.
Winterlude sculptors have designed a spectacular decor of ice and snow. Immortalize your visit to the Snowflake Kingdom by taking a picture of yourself in this amazing setting!
Chinook Super Slide
This is a free event.
Get ready for an exciting sliding experience on the Tim Hortons Chinook Super Slide! Fun and laughter guaranteed for the whole family!
Lansdowne Park Skating Court
This is a free event.
Come skate on this state-of-the-art refrigerated ice rink and enjoy all the great on-site restaurants. A skate rental service is available.
Rink of Dreams
This is a free event.
Come skate on the Rink of Dreams, the state-of-the-art refrigerated ice rink, and eat a delicious, local favorite: a Beavertails pastry. Take a tour inside of the Barbara Ann Scott Gallery and Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame. Skate rentals are available but visit Final Pass for details. The heated changing facility is open daily from 9 am to 11 pm.
Parliament: The Immersive Experience
This is a free event.
The Immersive Experience takes you on a 360° journey through the main Parliament Building (Centre Block), which is currently closed for rehabilitation. You will discover the history, art and architecture of this iconic building in vivid sensory detail! Located at 211 Sparks Street in downtown Ottawa, the Immersive Experience includes an exhibit, as well as an immersive show. The full visit lasts 45 minutes. Tickets are free of charge, but advance reservations are recommended since same-day tickets may not be available. Health and safety information: Please be advised that the Immersive Experience includes moments of near darkness, flashing lights, motion video and immersive sounds. Alert staff if you feel unwell during your visit. Some people may experience motion sickness, nausea, disorientation or other discomfort. The experience may not be suitable for visitors with photosensitive epilepsy, sensitive hearing or other conditions. Please contact the Tours Reservation Office at 613-996-0896 or tours-visites@parl.gc.ca if you have any questions.
This is a paid event.
Join a breathtaking expedition in ARCTIC: Our Frozen Planet. Embark on a year-long adventure across the seasons and three continents. Be immersed in the astounding world of narwhals, belugas and polar bears as they navigate ice floes. Hear the thunderous sound of stampeding caribou and muskox trying to escape hungry wolves. Be amazed by hooded seals that blow up red balloons and ice-covered bumblebees that emerge glorious from their winter lairs. As the planet’s climate is experiencing rapid changes, so is the Arctic. But the changes here are happening faster and more dramatically than anywhere else. Can it keep pace? Consult our web site for showtimes.
Event website: Arctic: Our Frozen Planet
This is a free event.
Discover the oldest stone building in Ottawa and celebrate winter with the Bytown Museum. On top of visiting our exhibitions and learning about the history of the region, you are invited to participate in our winter craft activities. Several choices of activity are waiting for you, including the chance to cut out snowflakes, paint the northern lights in sugar as well as coloring pages with words in Anishinaabemowin. Copies of material needed for our activities will also be available on our Web site for virtual visitors.
Through his spiritual journey, the young boy meets seven animals, each revealing a foundational value of Indigenous culture. Using music and animation, The Seven Sacred Laws leaves audiences enlightened and more knowledgeable about Indigenous foundational values and beliefs. Written by the late Anishinaabe Elder and Honorary Doctor of Laws, David Courchene, The Seven Sacred Laws was directed by Indigenous filmmaker Erica Daniels of Peguis First Nation and created by Manitoba’s Peg City Pictures Inc. The film is presented in English, French and Anishinaabe. Consult our web site for showtimes.
Event website: The Seven Sacred Laws / Consult our web site
This is a free event.
Join feature entertainers from across Ontario and Quebec, and celebrate winter with outdoor shows that are fun for the whole family.
Free Events at the Bank of Canada Museum
February 10–11
It’s Black History Month, learn about the story of Viola Desmond, and design your own banknote after discovering the ins and out of Canada’s polymer money.
Come to the Bank of Canada Museum to discover all there is to know about Canada’s polymer banknotes: the security features, the symbolism, and the imagery.
Learn how Viola Desmond, a black businesswoman and civil rights icon, came to be on our $10 bill—then design your own bank note.
February 17–19 (Family Day Weekend)
Visitors get to see (and touch) unusual currency, build a piggy bank, join a scavenger hunt and take a snap in our photo booth! It’s a jam-packed weekend visit.
And there is more! See the full program here.
