Celebrate Canadian winter! The annual Winterlude festival in Ottawa begins January 31st to February 17th this year.
The event is FREE! You can view the ice sculptures, skate on the famous Rideau Canal Skateway, and visit some of Ottawa’s favourite neighbourhoods featuring food & drink. This is the perfect event for students and young professionals to enjoy and explore the city!
Check out the activities at the following destinations:
Sparks Street
Sparks Street was the first permanent open pedestrian mall in North America. Just a few steps from Parliament Hill, this promenade is a great destination all year round. In 2020, it will be the main hub of the Winterlude festivities in Ottawa, with lighting effects and interactive light structures.
Don’t miss Winterlude’s Kick-Off Party on January 31, featuring Sarahmée, DJ NDN and Virginia to Vegas. The evening will also include a special number to highlight the important role that the Métis Nation played in Manitoba’s entry into Confederation 150 years ago.
For the first time, Sparks Street will host ice-carving challenges: the Winterlude International Ice Carving Challenge, the Winterlude Battle of the Americas Ice Carving Challenge and the Canadian Ice Carvers Society’s Ice-Carving Speed Challenge.
Bank Street
Bank Street has had a commercial vocation since the late 19th century. People still shop here today, but they also visit the lively street for its good food and entertainment. Shops, restaurants, nightclubs and theatres… You’re sure to have a good time on Bank Street!
Melt away the winter blues as Bank Street hosts its Fire & Ice Festival. Come celebrate the warmth and the chill of the winter season with great food, drinks, dancing and live music.
ByWard Market
Established in 1826, the ByWard Market is one of Canada’s oldest and largest public markets. All year round, day and night, the area buzzes with activity! Discover pretty shops and various restaurants, and visit the National Gallery of Canada.
During Winterlude, take in the fun with activities such as gourmet tours, the famous Stew Cook-off and the 40th Accora Village Kiwanis Bed Race.
The Glebe
The Glebe has a rich and fascinating history. The Aberdeen Pavilion, built in 1898, stands at the centre of Lansdowne Park. Today, shopping, dining and entertainment make it one of Canada’s Capital Region’s preferred gathering places.
Discover Snowmania and find out why the neighbourhood has become the “snowman capital of the planet”, and warm up with a retro roller disco in the Aberdeen Pavilion!