Festivals aren’t just a summer tradition—Ottawa’s residents and visitors prove this every year with Winterlude, the city’s most iconic winter festival. With a rich history and unique traditions, this event is an unmissable experience. Ottawa Ski brings you the most exciting details about Winterlude.
When Did Winterlude Begin?
The official history of Winterlude began in 1979, when the National Capital Commission (NCC) launched the festival to celebrate Canada’s unique northern culture and climate. The idea was inspired by early settlers who once gathered along the Rideau Canal to enjoy winter festivities.
Since 1979, Winterlude has been held annually in Ottawa-Gatineau, with thousands eagerly anticipating the festival’s arrival in February. Visitors can enjoy a variety of free winter activities, including:
- Tobogganing
- Trotting on the Rideau
- Horse racing along the Rideau Canal, a tradition since 1979
- The famous “bed races”
- Waiter and waitress races on ice
- Tube sliding
- Ice skating
- Live concerts
- A massive winter playground with ice slides
The list goes on, but one thing is certain—Winterlude is the highlight of Ottawa’s winter season.
Winterlude Mascots
Winterlude’s official mascots are the “Ice Hogs”, a family of ice-loving pigs. While many legends surround their origins, most Ottawans believe the Ice Hogs date back to the last Ice Age.
According to the most popular story, in the 1970s, just before Winterlude was founded, Papa Ice Hog embarked on his first expedition beneath the Rideau Canal. The mysterious passageway intrigued him, so he decided to explore.
For the first time, he ventured south of the 49th parallel and was astonished to see locals embracing the snow, ice, and winter cold. This experience cemented the Ice Hogs as the unofficial mascots of Winterlude.
How Has Winterlude Evolved Over the Years?
- 1978: A trial event took place in Ottawa, attracting a few hundred visitors.
- 1979: Winterlude was officially established, and its mascot, Ice Hog, made its first appearance.
- 1980: The festival quickly gained popularity, drawing 100,000 visitors and centering its activities around Dow’s Lake.
- 1982: Ottawa attempted to set a Guinness World Record, forming a human chain along the Rideau Canal with 17,000 people. Although the attempt fell short, it became a memorable part of Winterlude’s history.
- 1983: The festival introduced hockey matches between Members of Parliament and journalists, a tradition that remains popular today.
- 1984: Winterlude held its first-ever international competition, welcoming over 400 Dutch skaters. This event laid the foundation for Winterlude’s ice carving and skating competition traditions.
- 1985: Over 500,000 visitors attended Winterlude, which expanded across multiple locations, including:
- Rideau Canal
- Dow’s Lake
- Confederation Park
- Jacques-Cartier Park
- 1991: Winterlude welcomed 1.2 million visitors.
- 1993: The festival celebrated its 15th anniversary and showcased Canada’s tallest snowman, standing over 16 meters high.
- 1994: The festival’s duration changed—from a 10-day event to three consecutive weekends.
Winterlude After 2000
- 2003: Winterlude marked its 25th anniversary.
- 2005: Organizers began covering ice sculptures to prevent melting due to warmer weather.
- 2007: Winterlude set a new attendance record with 1.6 million visitors.
- 2013: The National Capital Commission handed over Winterlude’s organization to Canadian Heritage.
- 2018: The festival celebrated its 40th anniversary.
- 2019: Winterlude introduced new cultural programming, featuring locations like ByWard Market and Sparks Street.
- The festival dedicated its first weekend to Indigenous culture.
- The second weekend focused on LGBTQ+ history and contributions.
- 2021: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Winterlude was held virtually, featuring a national broadcast and online events. A National Ice Carving Championship took place simultaneously in seven cities.
Is Winterlude Free?
One of the best parts of Winterlude is that admission and activities are free. Some venues even offer complimentary hot drinks, such as coffee and hot chocolate.
The only thing visitors should prepare for is the cold. Since the festival takes place outdoors, dressing warmly is essential. Ottawa’s average February temperature is around -8°C, but during Winterlude, temperatures often drop lower, especially with chilly winds.
Festival locations are close together, making it easy to explore them all—except for Jacques-Cartier Park, which is across the river in Quebec.
Visitors can also take advantage of the free Sno-Bus, which shuttles attendees between official Winterlude locations.
Many wonder how much time is needed to fully experience Winterlude. Typically, a long weekend (2–3 days) is enough to:
- Visit all major festival sites
- Go ice skating on the Rideau Canal
- Enjoy the famous ByWard Market
Top 5 Activities to Try at Winterlude
- Skating on the Rideau Canal – This world-famous skating rink is ideal for all ages, including families with children. The skating season usually runs from late January to early March, so be sure to skate the full length of the canal and stop for warm-up breaks and a BeaverTail pastry—a Canadian winter staple.
- Skating on Parliament Hill – Though the skating path is challenging, it offers a spectacular view of Canada’s Parliament buildings. Admission is free, but reservations are required.
- Bed Races on Dow’s Lake – A quirky and beloved tradition, where teams of four runners and one rider race on beds outfitted with wheels and decorations. The fastest and most creative team wins, with all proceeds donated to charity.
- Ice Sculptures and Crystal Gardens – Marvel at the intricate ice carvings, an annual highlight of Winterlude.
- Treasure Hunt in the Ice Blocks – A favorite among children, where participants chip away at ice blocks to find hidden treasures.
Winterlude—A Winter Wonderland for Everyone
Winterlude is part of the prestigious “Ontario Signature Experiences” list and is recognized as one of the “Top 100 Events in the U.S. and Canada”. Each year, local volunteers play a crucial role in the organization and execution of the festival.
Beyond winter sports, visitors enjoy snow and ice sculptures, as well as a rich cultural program.
Winterlude is not just about winter fun—it’s a celebration of art, culture, and community. Every February, Ottawa and Gatineau transform into a winter wonderland, making this festival an event that everyone should experience at least once.
