Winterlude 2026 is coming back in January
Jan. 15, 2026
Global Korean Post
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The 48th Winterlude will be held from January 30 to February 16, 2026. The official sites are Confederation Park and Jacques-Cartier Park.
Yesterday, Canadian Heritage unveiled the programming for the 48thWinterlude, to be held in Ottawa–Gatineau from January 30 to February 16, 2026.
Opening hours for the official sites (Confederation Park and Jacques-Cartier Park) are available online. They may change from one weekend to the next.
The iconic national festival will be back again this winter, showcasing the country’s unique winter identity, rich cultural diversity and creativity.
The program will highlight certain important anniversaries, including:
o the 25thanniversary of space mission STS-100 (Canadarm2) and the first spacewalk by a Canadian astronaut, as well as the launch of the Artemis II mission;
o the 150thanniversary of the first telephone call;
o the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games (February 6 to 22);
o National Flag of Canada Day (February 15).
For the first time since 2018, the Crystal Garden makes its long-awaited return to Confederation Park. Located just steps from the Rideau Canal Skateway, this official site will host, among other activities, the Winterlude Ice-Craving Exhibition, presented by Tim Hortons; the Ryan Hill Ice-Carving Public Challenge; the Lantern Grove light experience, presented by Ottawa Tourism; the OLG Sugar Shack Village featuring entertaining shows; and much more.
In addition to the Tim Hortons Chinook Super Slide, the Snowflake Kingdom, located at the northern part of Jacques-Cartier Park, will be offering several new features in co-production with the Ville de Gatineau. On February 8, the Nomades du Parc will host the first-ever Nordic Race, Gatineau’s only timed winter race. An illuminated Ferris wheel, a free and unique attraction at the festival, will offer a breathtaking view of the snow-covered landscape. The Afterslide Evenings for teens will take place on February 6 and 7, from 6 to 10 p.m., presented by Winterlude and Igloofête. In cooperation with AdoGatineau, these evenings will feature a unique DJ atmosphere, plenty of activities, and the chance to wear your best retro winter looks and experience two of the season’s coolest parties, free of charge.
The free Sno-Bus shuttle service will take visitors between official sites on Saturdays and Sundays and on Monday, February 16. Throughout the festival, it will be quick and easy to take part in several activities in a single day.
by Global Korean Post (Source: Canadian Heritage)
