If you’re looking for the ultimate winter wonderland experience, Ottawa’s Winterlude Festival is the place to be! Every year, Canada’s capital transforms into a playground of frosty fun, filled with activities that will make you fall head over skates. Here’s how you can spend a weekend soaking up the winter magic during this iconic celebration, which runs from Friday, January 31 to Monday, February 17, 2025 – and the best part? It’s free!
Gliding on the Rideau Canal
First stop: the Rideau Canal Skateway, the crown jewel of Winterlude! At nearly 8 kilometres long, this UNESCO World Heritage Site becomes the world’s largest skating rink each winter. Grab your freshly sharpened skates and get ready to hit the ice.
The best part? The canal is dotted with little huts serving up warm treats like hot chocolate and, of course, the famous Beavertails (more on that later!). If you’re a newbie skater like me, don’t worry – there’s always a friendly vibe, with locals zipping past and kids wobbling adorably.
And don’t worry! On the canal, you can rent a pair of sharpened skates, training bars for the kids, and even sleds.
A Sweet Slice of Canadiana
Speaking of Beavertails, these warm, crispy pastries are a Winterlude must! Shaped like a beaver’s tail (because, Canada), they’re deep-fried perfection topped with whatever your heart desires. I usually opt for the classic with cinnamon and sugar, but you can always level up with Nutella or maple toppings.
The Beavertail stands are pretty much ever kilometre on the canal, so feel free to take a break at any point and enjoy the delicious treat.
Frozen Works of Art
After an exhilarating skate, head to Confederation Park, Sparks Street, Byward Market, or Jacques-Cartier Park where more fun festivities will take place. More importantly, the festival’s famous snow and ice sculptures will often take center stage at these locations.
Artists from all over the world compete to carve the most intricate, jaw-dropping sculptures, and the results are nothing short of spectacular. Dragons, castles, and even an ice version of Parliament Hill – it’s like stepping into a frozen fairy tale.
Gatineau’s Snowflake Kingdom
Just across the river in Gatineau (Jacques-Cartier Park), Snowflake Kingdom is a paradise for families and thrill-seekers. Picture massive snow slides, snow mazes, and even a Zipline for the more adventurous. I couldn’t resist channelling my inner kid and racing down the snow slides against my friends, laughing all the way—not to quote Jingle Bells.
Warm Up with Local Delights
When the cold starts to nip a little too hard, you can always find some solace in one of Ottawa’s coziest cafés. From delicious lattes at Little Victories to sweet hot chocolate from Cacao 78 to perfectly baked scone at The SconeWitch, the city’s cafe scene is as vibrant as its winter festivities.
Tips for Winterlude Warriors
- Dress Warm: Layers are your best friend. Ottawa’s winters are no joke, but staying toasty ensures you can enjoy every icy moment.
- Plan Ahead: Popular activities like ice sculpting demos and canal skating can get busy, so go early to beat the crowds.
- Bring a Camera: The frozen beauty of Winterlude is Instagram gold. From twinkling lights to glittering sculptures, you’ll want to capture it all.
Whether you’re a fan of outdoor thrills, tasty treats, or simply embracing the magic of winter, Ottawa’s Winterlude Festival has something for everyone. So, grab your skates, bundle up, and make your way to Ottawa between January 31 and February 17, 2025.
Trust me – winter has never felt so cool! And did I mention? It’s free!
Safe travels,
Carina
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Hi Carina,
You make me almost want to don a down coat and start skating. That “rink” is phenomenal. It looks just like a winter playground. Beautifully written post.
Hi Marsha! Thank you so much for your comment. I grew up in Ottawa and spent most winters skating on the canal (and eating beavertails haha). It’s a winter-must if you’re ever in Ottawa during winter time 🙂 Down coats are defintely a must though!
I LOVE Winterlude! It’s one of my favourite Ottawa festivals.