Ottawa-Gatineau’s Winterlude kicks off during bitter cold spell

The 48th edition of a Canadian and Ottawa classic festival, Winterlude, is starting during some frigid temperatures.

Environment Canada is warning of frostbite as wind chills dip to -28 on Friday. Flurries are possible, and the wind is expected to blow at 15 km/h. A previous alert by the weather agency was dropped after temperatures plummeted to -23 at 6:00 a.m., feeling more like -35 on Friday.

Despite the freezing weather, it is not enough to keep people home on the first day of Winterlude.

The iconic festival celebrating winter is jam-packed full of traditions, events and things to do over three weekends until Feb. 16.

“Prepare to be astonished by stunning ice sculptures, immerse yourself in the heritage of Canada’s diversity through shows, exhibitions and play around in a gigantic snow playground called Snowflake Kingdom,” Ottawa Tourism explains on its website.

Winterlude 2026 highlights, according to Ottawa Tourism

• Capital City Bites: Jan. 31 – Feb. 6, check out Capital City Bites at restaurants across the city, more than 50 restaurants showcasing prix fixe menus, exclusive offers and limited-time items
• Igloofest: Beyond the two key Winterlude sites, people can check out Igloofest, the world’s coldest music festival, with headliner Steve Aoki. The festival is happening from Feb. 12-14.
• Barbegazi: In the ByWard Market on Feb 6 and 7 for Barbegazi – freestyle snowmobile performances – where people can watch athletes launch up to 40 feet in the air
• Crystal Garden (Confederation Park): Steps away from Parliament Hill, the iconic ice sculptures, live shows and the Lantern Grove.
• Snowflake Kingdom (Jacques-Cartier Park – North Section): A can’t miss event for those seeking a true Canadian winter experience. Snow slides, winter activities, a Ferris wheel – guaranteed fun for all.

Of course, the Rideau Canal Skateway, which is thriving in the cold temperatures, is always an item people flock to. Conditions on Canada’s largest rink are very good, according to the National Capital Commission.

The year is off to a snowy and cold start for the nation’s capital. Several major snowstorms created treacherous driving conditions and forced children to stay home from school on a few occasions.

To date, the City of Ottawa has recorded 143.5 cm of snowfall this season, Martin Habicht, Operations Planning Analyst and Operational Research and Projects in the Public Works Department, told CityNews in an email. While that number is slightly higher than the typical 120-130 cm that has fallen by the end of January on average, he said, what is more notable is the number of snowfall days that have occurred.

Since the beginning of the 2025-26 winter season, there have been 41 days where measurable snowfall was recorded, Habicht said.

Over the past 25 winters, only four other seasons have seen 40 or more snowfall days by the end of January. The 30-year average is 32 snowfall days.

With files from CityNews’ Rachel Morgan.