★★★★★ 4.6(5,000 reviews)10.5 km from hotel~18 min drive
Ottawa's signature winter festival transforms the capital into a frozen wonderland. Ice sculptures on Sparks Street, the massive Snowflake Kingdom playground in Jacques-Cartier Park, and the Rideau Canal Skateway at its festive best make Winterlude the defining Ottawa experience each February.
Winterlude is one of Ottawa's signature annual events, drawing visitors from across Canada and beyond.
Book your hotel early — Ottawa festivals fill up fast, and Adam's Airport Inn is just 7 minutes from the terminal with complimentary breakfast and free parking for direct guests.
Getting There from Adam’s Airport Inn
18 min
From Adam's Airport Inn, take the Airport Parkway to Highway 417 — it's about 18 minutes by car. Paid parking available downtown.
Why Guests Love This
Winterlude transforms Ottawa into something genuinely magical—ice sculptures lining Sparks Street, the world’s largest skating rink in full swing, and snow playgrounds that delight children and adults alike. Our guests at Adam’s Airport Inn find it the perfect reason to visit the capital in February, with festival venues spread across downtown Ottawa and Gatineau, all within a 20–25 minute drive from the hotel. It’s a quintessentially Canadian experience that travellers remember long after the snow melts.
Free
Details
AddressVarious locations, Ottawa-Gatineau, ON, Canada
Winterlude runs for three consecutive weekends in February, typically starting the first Friday of the month. Events and activities span all three weekends, though the ice sculpture competition and Snowflake Kingdom are the marquee attractions. Check the official website for exact dates each year.
Is Winterlude free to attend?
The majority of Winterlude activities are free, including ice sculpture viewing on Sparks Street, Snowflake Kingdom in Jacques-Cartier Park, and skating on the Rideau Canal Skateway. Some special workshops or ticketed performances may carry a small fee, but you can easily spend a full day without spending anything beyond food.
What should I wear to Winterlude?
Dress for extended time outdoors in Ottawa’s February temperatures, which typically range from –15°C to –5°C. Insulated winter boots with good traction are essential. Layer with thermal base layers, a warm mid-layer, and a windproof outer shell. Don’t forget insulated gloves, a warm hat, and a scarf or balaclava.
Where are the main Winterlude venues?
Three primary areas host Winterlude events: Sparks Street in downtown Ottawa features the ice sculpture competition, Jacques-Cartier Park in Gatineau houses Snowflake Kingdom (the family snow playground), and the Rideau Canal Skateway offers skating between Confederation Park and Dows Lake. Each area is distinct and worth visiting.
How do I get to Winterlude from Ottawa Airport?
Winterlude venues are spread across downtown Ottawa and Gatineau, approximately 20–25 minutes by car from Ottawa Airport. From Adam’s Airport Inn (7 minutes from the terminal), take the Airport Parkway north to reach Sparks Street and the Rideau Canal. Parking can be limited during festival weekends—consider using the O-Train to Rideau Station for the most convenient access.
Staying in Ottawa?
Adam’s Airport Inn is just 18 minutes from Winterlude. Complimentary breakfast and up to 14 days of free parking included with every stay.