Winterlude 2026: Your ultimate guide!
- Ottawa Festival Network
- 15 minutes ago
- 3 min read
It’s that time of year again! Winterlude returns January 30th until February 16th, and we’ve got everything you need to know about this iconic winter festival.
What can visitors expect at this year’s festival?
The 2026 edition of Winterlude will introduce new events and bring back old favourites… It’s sure to be fun for the whole family! Explore this year’s featured events below, and click here to see a full list of all the upcoming activities.
2026 Winterlude Ice-Carving Exhibition, presented by Tim Hortons
Cost: Free!
Date: January 30 (10:00 am to 9:00 pm), January 31 (9:00 am to 9:00 pm), February 1 (9:00 am to 4:00 pm)
Location: Confederation Park
About: Admire the talent of 12 teams of two carvers who will have 30 hours and 18 blocks of ice to create spectacular works inspired by the theme, “Celebrating Our Northern Canadian Identity.” A must-see activity at Winterlude 2026, presented by Tim Hortons.
Tim Hortons Chinook Super Slide
Cost: Free!
Date: Multiple dates throughout Winterlude
Location: Snowflake Kingdom (Jacques-Cartier Park)
About: Get ready for an exciting sliding experience… Fun and laughter guaranteed for the whole family! Presented by Tim Hortons.
DJs Live from the Booth: Winterlude Edition
Cost: Free!
Date: Weekends from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm
Location: The Booth on Sparks Street (between Elgin St & Metcalfe St)
About: This event will be bringing music and movement to downtown as we celebrate the magic of winter in Canada’s Capital Region. A lineup of local and diverse DJs will keep the momentum going with vibrant sets that invite everyone to pause, warm up, and dance along on festive Sparks Street. Guests can enjoy the music, soak in the seasonal atmosphere, and turn a chilly winter day into a lively celebration. Step onto downtown streets and feel the Winterlude magic with music, movement, and winter cheer all around!
Winterlude Mini Pow Wow by Indigenous Experiences
Cost: Free!
Date: February 1, 2026 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Location: Canadian Museum of History
About: Experience a mini Pow Wow featuring a Grand Entry or opening ceremony, intertribals, and invited drums, as well as dancers of many styles and ages. Organized and presented by Indigenous Experiences, this event is called “mini” because of its short duration – a Pow Wow normally lasts several days, but don’t worry, the experience will still be spectacular!
There are also plenty of additional activities taking place hosted by event organizers around the city. See below!
From February 6-8, the ByWard Market will be transformed into an adrenaline-filled winter arena. Witness freestyle snowmobile performances that are sure to thrill at this FREE event!
This musical experience is transforming the NAC from February 14-15! Embark on a music-filled adventure that will invite children and parents to explore sound concepts, rhythms, and beats.
Taste Ottawa: Capital City Bites
Discover dishes that pair perfectly with Winterlude fun! Check out a curated lineup of Ottawa restaurants offering limited-time bites created specifically for the festival.
From February 12-14, the Place des festivals Zibi will be shaking to icy-hot beats that’ll get your heart (and your boots) moving. After a wild first edition in 2025, we’re doing it all over again: bigger, louder, and even frostier!
This free event brings Indigenous art, music, and heritage to the ByWard Market during Winterlude. Expect traditional hide scraping demos, live performances by Indigenous artists, a fashion show celebrating heritage and warm refreshments!
Experience Indigenous films from the circumpolar North, Outdoors in a theatre made of snow!
Winter Wander: Winterlude Edition
Visitors can look forward to live DJs every weekend, ice sculptures, interactive installations, and picture-perfect moments that will bring extra energy and excitement to downtown.
Where is Winterlude located?
The event will take place throughout Downtown Ottawa and Gatineau. Notable locations include Snowflake Kingdom (Jacques-Cartier Park) and Crystal Garden (Confederation Park).
Additional events will also take place on Sparks Street, in the Glebe, at Rideau Hall, at the National Arts Centre, and more. To view events by location, click here to explore an interactive map created by Canadian Heritage.
How much does it cost?
Winterlude sites can be accessed for free, and most events are free. Some events have a fee, click here to see the full guide of events with more information.
What are the festival hours?
Times vary based on event. Please note, there are no activities taking place in Confederation Park (Crystal Park) or Jacques-Cartier Park (Snowflake Kingdom) on February 5th, 9th, and 12th.
Getting around
Hop on the Winterlude Sno-Bus, a free shuttle for visitors to explore the festival and travel between sites. For schedules, routes, stops, and more information, click here.
Where can I find more information about Winterlude?
For more information about the festival, visit the official website, https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/winterlude.html.
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