From January 31 to February 17, 2025, let Winterlude inspire, entertain and warm you up across Ottawa and Gatineau! A highlight of the winter season, THIS is Winterlude!
While there are lots of events throughout the next three weeks, below are the FAMILY events. Click on the link for each event for specific hours.
Rideau Canal Skateway
Each winter, the historic Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, becomes the Rideau Canal Skateway, the world’s largest skating rink. The skating season is weather-dependent. Always check the ice conditions before you visit.
This is a free event.
Interests: Families and kids, Adults, Daytime, Evening
Event website: Rideau Canal Skateway
Parliament: The Immersive Experience
Produced by the Library of Parliament, this 45-minute multimedia attraction takes visitors on a 360° journey through the main Parliament Building, also known as Centre Block, which closed in 2019 for long-term rehabilitation. The experience brings the history, art and architecture of this iconic building to life in vivid sensory detail. Located at 211 Sparks Street in downtown Ottawa, the attraction includes an exhibit, as well as an immersive show featuring large-scale projections of key spaces in the main Parliament Building, including the Senate, House of Commons, Library of Parliament, Peace Tower and Memorial Chamber. With immersive sound, narration and visual effects, it also spotlights some of the decisions and debates that took place in Parliament over almost 100 years. Tickets are free of charge.
This is a free event.
Interests: Families and kids, Adults, Daytime, Indoor
Event website: Parliament: The Immersive Experience
Family Fun Zone
Looking for the perfect way to spend quality time with your loved ones? Step into the Family Fun Zone at the Museum! Whether you’re testing your skills or trying something new, this hands-on activity zone is the ideal space for family fun.
This is a free event.
Interests: Families and kids, Daytime, Indoor
Event website: Family Fun Zone web page
Winter Crafts
Discover the oldest stone building in Ottawa and celebrate winter with the Bytown Museum. In addition to 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, as well as colouring pages with words in Anishinaabemowin.
This is a free event.
Interests: Families and kids, Daytime, Indoor
Event website: Bytown Museum
Tim Hortons Chinook Super Slide at the Snowflake Kingdom
Get ready for an exciting sliding experience! Fun and laughter guaranteed for the whole family! Presented by Tim Hortons.
This is a free event.
Interests: Families and kids, Daytime
Winterlude Maze
Winterlude’s Labyrinth is back with turns that will take you further along the path. Will you solve the puzzle of twists and turns? The choices you make will ultimately decide where you end up! Presented by Tim Hortons.
This is a free event.
Interests: Families and kids, Daytime
Enjoy FREE hot apple cider with OLG!
Friday, January 31, Saturdays, Sundays and Monday, February 17 (Family Day). See hours for details. Enjoy the performances presented by OLG on Sparks Street and warm up with FREE hot apple cider! (While supplies last.) Presented by OLG.
This is a free event.
Interests: Families and kids, Adults, Daytime, Evening
Skating Through Time: Glow Skate Night
Ready to roll back the decades? Join us for an unforgettable night packed with iconic hits from the ’80s, ’90s & ’00s! Dress in your best throwback outfit for a chance to win awesome prizes. Don't miss this epic retro party! Glow Skate Night is a vibrant, neon-lit skating event where the rink is illuminated with glowing lights and music. It’s a fun, energetic way to enjoy skating under colourful lights with friends and family.
This is a free event.
Interests: Families and kids, Adults, Evening
Event website: ByWard Market
Introduction to Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding
Children aged 5 to 8 can get a free introduction to downhill skiing and snowboarding with dynamic instructors.
This is a free event.
Interests: Families and kids, Daytime
