Winterlude in Ottawa; The Perfect 3-day Weekend Itinerary
One of Canada’s most exciting winter festivals takes every February in Ottawa, and it’s one you won’t want to miss. Over 2 weeks each February, Winterlude transforms Canada’s capital into the quintessential winter playground, with every activity ready to check off your winter bucket list. From spectacular ice carvings and snow sculptures, to dreamy ice-skating experiences, maple taffy on snow, snow tubing, and a one-of-a-kind winter music festival, Winterlude has it all.
Winterlude Quick Tips
Before diving into our ultimate Winterlude itinerary, below are some important tips to keep in mind.
Winterlude 2026 Dates
Winterlude 2026 takes place January 30 - February 16th, with most events happening Friday-Sunday. We recommend coming for a full weekend, Friday to Sunday, to enjoy all the activities.
The Rideau Canal Skateway – If it’s open, skate!
If the Rideau Canal Skateway is on your to-do list while in Ottawa, we suggest skating as soon as you’re ready and the canal is open. People will often defer skating to the following day, or an ideal time, only to be disappointed by the Skateway’s closure. If the canal is open, and you’re keen to skate, swap any of the itinerary activities for skating, as mother nature could foil your plans if you wait.
• Find out the latest ice conditions on the Rideau Canal Skateway
Don’t miss these cool 2026 Winterlude special events
Depending on the dates of your visit, you may be in town for these Winterlude special events:
January 30 - February 1, 2026 - Pibòn Festival - ByWard Market
Indigenous art, music, and heritage includingl hide tanning and frost scraping demos, live performances and fashion show
February 6-8, 2026 - Barbegazi - ByWard Market
A high-octane winter event featuring freestyle snowmobile stunts
February 12-14, 2026 -Igloofest Gatineau – Place des Festivals Zibi
Outdoor winter music festival featuring world class performers and DJ’s like Steve Aoki, Kaskade and Swimming Paul
• Check out our full Winterlude event guide
Winter gear – Keep warm, keep the fun going
Ottawa can be one of the coldest cities in Canada, so it’s imperative to dress for extreme weather. With temperatures often reaching -25, with even chillier windchills, along with snow and ice, what you wear will make or break your fun. Don’t be concerned with vanity, snowpants, scarves and big boots look much better than frostbitten cheeks and shivering legs.
• Decide what to pack with our Canadian winter packing list
Winterlude - Day 1
Morning- Start your Journey to Ottawa
Get your winter bags packed and start your journey to Ottawa for a weekend of winter magic. With easy access with VIA Rail, and most Canadian airlines, it’s easy to get to the capital with no wheels. If road trips are your thing, grab a hot coffee, check the local weather forecast, and set the seat warmers on high, as you prepare to glide in to Canada’s capital, the ultimate winter destination.
Afternoon – Selfies, Sightseeing and Iconic Landmarks
Arrive in Ottawa in the afternoon and check into your accommodation. After settling in, it’s time discover some classic Ottawa selfies spots. With the Centennial flame burning bright, Parliament Hill is your first stop for a frosty photo opp. Along with the iconic Centre Block, be sure to explore East and West block up close; their historic stone architecture will give you a beautiful backdrop.
With those iconic shots snug in your camera roll, take a stroll to some other significant buildings and monuments nearby including the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, Rideau Canal Locks, National War Memorial, the Senate of Canada, the Supreme Court of Canada, the Famous Five statue, and the Lord Stanley’s Gift monument (for hockey fans).
If your toes are still warm, venture into the ByWard Market to visit the giant Ottawa sign, and the historic ByWard Market building, both stunning surrounded by a soft blanket of snow.
Evening – Dinner, Drinks and Ice Sculptures
Dinner may rival breakfast as the most important meal of the day if you’re spending a night in the elements, so it’s important to fuel up. Slip out of the warmth of your hotel and in to one of Ottawa’s cozy restaurants for a hearty dinner on the town. Ottawa’s culinary scene is extensive, with options from elegant fine dining options to casual pubs and everything in between.
When dessert is complete, it’s time to be dazzled by the spectacular ice sculptures at Confederation Park. If you’re not dressed for the weather, head back to your hotel to change into warmer wear, or pack your gear and change onsite – it’s not uncommon for people to slip on snow pants in the bathroom, and people will not look twice if you’re outfit has suddenly “winterfied”.
Head out into the night to Confederation Park, the hub for Winterlude’s iconic ice sculptures. Watch skilled ice carvers in action, and watch ice being transformed from simple blocks into stunning gallery-worthy masterpieces. While scheduled ice carving demonstrations run in Confederation Park at various times throughout the day, night is when the sculptures truly shine, lit in a myriad of vibrant colours against a snowy white backdrop.
After you’ve got your fill of chisels and chainsaws, take the short stroll over to Ottawa City Hall and the Sens Rink of Dreams. Opt to rent a pair of skates and practice your skills on the smooth refrigerated ice, or watch skater silhouettes glide through the night with a hot chocolate and Beavertail in hand.
If the Friday night itch has got you wanting more, head to the ByWard Market and take part in Ottawa’s night life. Complete with outdoor ice bars, cozy coffee shops and lively indoor pubs, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for a night cap or late night snack.
Winterlude - Day 2
Morning – Rideau Canal Skateway and Ice Carving Demonstrations
Dig out from under your cozy covers and prepare for a day of winter fun. Start the day with a delicious brunch from one of Ottawa’s brunch hot spots, or opt for a quick coffee or snack at a local café or coffee shop. Put your winter outfit on for day two, and venture out for one of the most iconic Ottawa experiences; skating on the Rideau Canal Skateway.
The Rideau Canal transforms each winter into the largest naturally frozen outdoor skating rink in the world, stretching over 7.8km With multiple entrances and exits, you can skate for as long or as little as you like, with Beavertail stands, warming huts, outdoor firepits and endless selfie opportunities along the way.
After experiencing the magic of the Skateway, stop by Confederation Park on your way back to your hotel, and take a daytime peek at the new ice carvings underway. You’ll be surprised at their progress, and the intricate ice carving details visible during the day.
Afternoon – All Things Snow at the Snowflake Kingdom
After lunch and a rest, gear up for an afternoon of polar fun at the Snowflake Kingdom in Jacques-Cartier Park. As one of the main Winterlude sites, the Snowflake Kingdom is the ultimate winter playground for kids and adults alike, and the hub for active winter experiences.
Snowtubing is the highlight of the Snowflake Kingdom, and with numerous runs open both day and night, it’s one of Winterlude’s most popular free activities. Whether you pile into a snow tube with a friend, or race your friends down the slope solo, snow tubing is definitely a highlight of any visit.
As you stroll through the Snowflake Kingdom, try your hand at traditional winter games, gaze in awe at the towering snow sculptures, warm up at an outdoor firepit, visit the Ice Hogs - Winterlude’s hardy mascots, and try to squeeze yourself into a human-sized snow cutout.
The Snowflake Kingdom also has plenty of food and drink options to keep your toes warm, and energy high. Try winter Canadian classics like maple taffy on snow, Beavertails, coffee and hot chocolate, and of course poutine – after all, you’re on the Quebec side of the river.
If you decide to walk back to Ottawa over the Alexandra Bridge, be sure to make a quick detour up to Kìwekì Point. Newly reopened in 2025, this lookout point gives you stunning 360-degree panoramic views of Ottawa and Gatineau. Snap pics of Parliament, the Canadian Museum of History, the National Gallery of Canada, the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, Major’s Hill Park, the Snowflake Kingdom and endless view of the Ottawa River.
Evening – Go for a Night Skate on the Rideau Canal Skateway
If you still have winter steam left in you after a day in the snow, and want a truly unique experience, it’s time for a night skate on the Rideau Canal Skateway. With Beavertail huts open late, and the Skateway open 24/7, gliding through the night with the city lights framing your route is truly magical. The stretch from Somerset to Rideau is especially scenic with the Roger Centre and Fairmont Chateau Laurier, giving you those fairytale winter feels.
Winterlude - Day 3
Morning – Farmers’ market, Shopping and one last Skate
After a well-deserved sleep in, and a quick pack, head south to the beautiful neighbourhood of the Glebe. Wander down bustling Bank St. lined with local shops, quaint coffee shops and tasty brunch spots, while admiring giant Winterlude snow sculptures and public art along the way.
When you’ve reached Lansdowne Place, make your way to the year-round Ottawa Farmers’ Market in the historic Aberdeen Pavilion, open 10am-3pm every Sunday. Shop from local artisans and producers for cool local goods like homemade soaps, hand-kit woolies, maple syrup, jarred preserves, artisan crafts, fresh-baked treats and seasonal produce.
If the pull of the skating rink still has hold, take one last skate on the iconic outdoor rink at Lansdowne Park Skating Court, with the historic Aberdeen pavilion as your backdrop, or hop on the Rideau Canal Skateway at the Lansdowne entrance nearby, and take some final Skateway selfies.
Afternoon - Depart
With goodies in hand, fight off the last day blues and pack up for your trip home. With your winter bucket list checked off, skating skills improved and fun memories safely in your camera roll, head home knowing you’ve experienced one of Canada’s greatest winter festivals.
