Dates
Winterlude 2027 runs from Friday, January 29 to Monday, February 15, 2027, across the first three weekends of February. Weekends are busiest; weekdays are quieter, and some programming runs only on weekends. Check the official Canadian Heritage schedule closer to the date.
The main sites
Crystal Garden, Confederation Park (Ottawa)
Ice sculptures, live shows and a new Lantern Grove, right beside the National Arts Centre and a few minutes' walk from Parliament Hill.
Snowflake Kingdom, Jacques-Cartier Park (Gatineau)
The giant snow playground: snow slides, a Ferris wheel, games and select-evening "Afterslide" nights. Dress for it: snow pants make the slides much more fun.
Rideau Canal Skateway
The canal freezes into a 7.8 km skating rink through the middle of the city. Opening depends entirely on the weather, so check the NCC's ice status the morning you go. You can rent skates along the canal.
Capital City Bites
More than 40 restaurants run prix fixe menus and festival specials during Winterlude.
What's free?
Most Winterlude activities are free, including the ice sculptures, Snowflake Kingdom and skating the canal (skate rentals cost extra). Budget for food, rentals and any guided tours.
Tours and experiences
If you'd rather someone else plan the day, look for guided city walks, food tours and Gatineau Park winter activities.
Where to stay for Winterlude
Stay downtown or in the ByWard Market to walk to Confederation Park and the canal, or in Gatineau to be near Snowflake Kingdom for less. Rooms go fast on festival weekends, so book early and look for free cancellation in case the weather turns.
More detail: where to stay in Ottawa.
What to wear
Ottawa in February is regularly −15°C or colder with wind chill. Wear layers, a proper winter coat, a toque, mitts, warm boots and snow pants for the slides. Plan indoor breaks: see our indoor winter activities.
Also that weekend
Senators home games fill the February calendar, and an evening game makes a good warm-up after a day outside. Senators tickets
FAQ
When is Winterlude 2027?
Winterlude 2027 runs from January 29 to February 15, 2027, over the first three weekends of February.
Is Winterlude free?
Most activities are free, including the ice sculptures at Confederation Park, the Snowflake Kingdom in Gatineau and skating on the Rideau Canal. Skate rentals, food and tours cost extra.
Will the Rideau Canal Skateway be open during Winterlude?
It depends on the weather. The NCC opens sections when the ice is safe, so check the official ice status on the day.
Where is Snowflake Kingdom?
In the north section of Jacques-Cartier Park in Gatineau, just across the Ottawa River from downtown.
The weekend, sorted
One short email on Thursdays: what's worth doing in Ottawa and the Gatineau Hills this weekend, and nothing you'll skip.
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