It’s coming back! The iconic Winterlude festival that Canada looks forward to every year is returning in a big way this February.
The 45th annual Winterlude will run from February 3rd to 20th, 2023. The festival will return once again to Canada’s capital of Ottawa after a two-year hiatus from in-person festivities.
This annual event celebrates Canadian winter in all of its glory, as well as Canada’s artists, Indigenous cultures, 2SLGBTQI+ pride, and diversity.
Winterlude is known for its jaw-dropping ice sculptures and the carving competition that draws participants from across the country.
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From February 3rd to 5th, 13 pairs of professional ice carvers from 10 provinces and territories will battle it out on Sparks Street in Ottawa for the public to see.
They will have 20 hours to carve 15 blocks of ice and create a work of art with the theme “Creatures of the Sea,” and then you have until February 20th to vote for the winner.
You’ll also get to witness the exciting competitors participate in the Ice Dragon Boat Festival on the Rideau Canal Skateway, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site!
There are plenty of fun activities to take part in during Winterlude, including sleigh rides at The ByWard Market, the Rideau Canal Skateway, and zip lining at The Snowflake Kingdom.
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Snowflake Kingdom is a massive snow playground that’s returning to the northern end of Jacques Cartier Park during the festival.
You can soar through the park on the zip-line, fly down the super-slides, and so much more.
There will be Indigenous events during the first weekend, including a mini powwow and Indigenous craft fair on Sunday, February 5th, and Winter Pride festivities on the second weekend.
Winter is a long and cold season in Ontario, but with Winterlude returning, the fun doesn’t have to freeze.
Winterlude 2023
When: February 3rd to 20th, 2023
Where: See all Winderlude festival sites
