About Winterlude

The activities may have changed, but one thing remains: the joy of celebrating our winters together! From 1979 to today, see how Winterlude has evolved over the years.

An idea with a snowball effect!

The National Capital Commission (NCC) created Winterlude in 1979 to celebrate Canada's unique northern culture and climate. Organizers were inspired by our ancestors who would gather to enjoy each other’s company during the long winter months.

Since then, Winterlude is held in Ottawa-Gatineau every year in February. We’ve added new activities over time like the famous Bed Race and the Waiters and Waitresses on Ice Challenge. There’s also Trotting on the Rideau, a horse race on the Rideau Canal Skateway that kicked off the very first Winterlude in 1979.

Winterlude is now considered the flagship event of the winter tourist season in Canada's Capital Region. On average, 600,000 visitors take part in the festivities.

Year after year, the event runs smoothly thanks to the precious help of 800 volunteers.

In collaboration with many partners, Winterlude offers a rich and varied program. Must-do winter pleasures like tube sliding, skating and admiring snow and ice sculptures share the spotlight with cultural programming.

Loving winter outdoors AND staying toasty warm inside… THIS is Winterlude!