Epic Winterlude Festival back to inspire, entertain and warm you up across Ottawa and the Capital Region

 

Canada’s Capital is set to celebrate the 47th edition of Winterlude from January 31 – February 17, 2025. The epic festival which offers a rich and varied program, takes place in the Ottawa region during the first three weekends of the month attracting on average 600,000 visitors who take part in the festivities and enjoy Canadian winter fun.

 

During Winterlude, you can marvel at beautiful ice sculptures created by artists from around the world, skate on the renowned Rideau Canal Skateway (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and play till you drop in a gigantic snow playground called Snowflake Kingdom. Featured activities include:

 

• Snowflake Kingdom: a snow paradise and a favourite among families.
• Igloofest: from 13 to 15 February, the Place des Festivals Zibi lights up during Winterlude.
• Winterlude Mini Powwow: discover Indigenous traditions at the Canadian Museum of History.
• Sparks Street: where the art and magic of ice carving meet the traditions of the sugar shack!

 

Many other Winterlude activities—indoors and outdoors—highlight Canada’s cultural, artistic and culinary diversity. Urban sites, museums and special events present special seasonal programming as well as opportunities to connect with Indigenous culture. Most festival activities are free and take place in urban Ottawa and its adjacent sister-city Gatineau in the province of Québec.

 

The festival was created by the National Capital Commission (NCC) in 1979 to celebrate Canada’s unique northern culture and climate. Organizers were inspired by ancestors who would gather to enjoy each other’s company during the long winter months. 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.

Learn more about Ottawa Tourism