This year’s 46th Winterlude in Canada’a Capital Region is scheduled to take place Feb. 2-19 with a promise of experiences that combine winter with rich culture, artistic creativity, and a celebration of Canada’s diversity. Each year, the iconic event transforms Ottawa-Gatineau into a festive gathering with indoor and outdoor activities for all tastes.

Residents and visitors will see a host of performances, street artists, exhibits and interactive and illuminated urban art installations. And outdoor events include ice sculpture carving, skating on the Rideau Canal, and Snowflake Kingdom with its Chinook Super Slide.

Family activities will be plentiful. In Snowflake Kingdom, visitors can cheer on professional dancers from across the country in a breakdance battle (Feb.9 only); take part in the Big Blizzard competition—an obstacle course for 8–16-year-olds; and learn to work in ice as part the Ice Dig treasure hunt.

Also taking part in the festivities are local museums, including the Canadian Museum of History, which will offer an informative Indigenous experience (Feb. 4), and the National Arts Centre, host of the BIG BANG Festival, offering two days of sonic adventures for the whole family.

And a stop on Sparks Street is a must, whether to marvel at the street performers at OLG Buskerfest – Winterlude Edition (a street art festival), or to admire the breathtaking sculptures as part of Winterlude’s Ice-Carving Showcase.

Other events and attractions include:

• The Capital Pride Ice Parade
• A mini pow-wow at the Canadian Museum of History (Feb. 4)
• The Montcalm bridge –also known as the Eiffel bridge – lights up in a tribute to Gustave Eiffel
• Skating and dancing to the beats of a DJ on the Rideau Canal Skateway, and
• Several indoor and outdoor shows, such as at the National Arts Centre.

Light on Indigenous culture

The cultural practices, unique spiritual beliefs, history, and languages of Indigenous peoples will be an integral part of the many activities offered. The first weekend of Winterlude will feature these rich cultures as a way of highlighting the heritage of Indigenous peoples and recognizing the important role they have played in this country.

Celebrating diversity in Canada

The second weekend of Winterlude will let everyone celebrate Winter Pride by taking part in the many activities highlighting Canada’s cultural diversity and inclusive nature. It will also be an opportunity to honour and recognize the exceptional contribution of the Black community in Canada and to dive into the rich cultures of Asia with Lunar New Year celebrations.

For more information on the full programming and for practical information, visit canada.ca/winterlude.