January 30 - February 16
Ottawa’s coolest festival is back.
Cultural & community events, shimmering ice sculptures, classic Canadian experiences, and snowmobiles flying over York Street… This is what awaits you for three consecutive weekends in the ByWard Market District during Winterlude 2026, starting January 30 – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Let’s dive in.
Winterlude at the ByWard Market is made possible thanks to the support of Ottawa Tourism's Destination Development Fund.
Pibòn Festival
Jan 30 - Feb 1
Wonder at Indigenous culture and creativity.
Pibòn Festival brings Indigenous art, fashion, music, and heritage to the ByWard Market through live performances, traditional hide scraping demos, and a stunning fashion show celebrating heritage.
Presented by the Assembly of Seven Generations.
BARBEGAZI
Feb 6 - Feb 8
Adrenaline levels: off the charts.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of extreme winter sports or about to experience the thrill for the first time, get ready to feel the ground shake beneath your feet as engines roar, and riders fly over York Street.
Brought to you by the BMDA and Ottawa Tourism.
Winter Stewed Cook-Off
Feb 7
Sample delicious signature stews and soups from your favourite ByWard Market District restaurants!
Cast your vote for the ultimate crowd favourite. Samples are available by donation, with all proceeds supporting the Lowertown CRC food bank.
Create & Celebrate
Feb 13 - Feb 15
Fall in love with winter all over again.
Celebrate Valentine’s and Family Day weekend with a heartwarming blend of love, laughter, and winter wonder, complete with live performances, creative workshops, live chainsaw carving, and scenic horse-drawn rides.
Brought to you by the BMDA.
William Street Curling Alley
Jan 31 - Feb 16
Street curling takes over William Street Plaza on weekends from January 31 to February 16. Drop in, give it a try, and experience winter the Canadian way.
Brought to you by the BMDA.
Be minutes away from it all.
Discover nearby accommodations, just steps away from Winterlude in the ByWard Market District.
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Les Suites Hotel Ottawa’s Winterlude Fun Fest Package is available for stays from January 30 to February 16, 2026, offering 15% off the Best Available Rate on two-bedroom suites with a minimum two-night stay.
The package includes complimentary Beavertails vouchers for four. Book online with rate code WNTRLUDE, or call the hotel directly and ask for the Winterlude Fun Fest Package.
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Make Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market your home base for Winterlude 2026, right in the heart of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhood. Steps from Winterlude programming, the Rideau Canal, and Parliament Hill, Andaz puts you close to everything — with a relaxed, design-forward space to warm up at day’s end.
Winterlude guests can enjoy a special attendee rate starting at $199 + tax, available throughout the festival, plus a complimentary drink at the hotel’s rooftop patio, Copper. Copper will also host daily BARBEGAZI watch parties, timed with scheduled showtimes.
Choose from a Spiced Pear Bellini, The Snowfall Martini, or Mulled Wine (Glühwein). Kids can enjoy hot chocolate.
Contact the hotel directly for booking details.
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Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Ottawa is offering a special promotion for Winterlude, with 15 % off stays during the festival, subject to limited availability, providing guests with a comfortable stay steps from Winterlude programming in the Market and close to the festival’s key activities.
Located in the heart of the city, the hotel offers a convenient home base to attend Winterlude events in the ByWard Market District and make the most of your winter visit to Ottawa.
For more details about the offer and availability, contact the hotel directly.
Explore the full schedule.
Discover Winterlude across Ottawa.
Looking to keep the winter fun going? Winterlude brings events, activities, and experiences to every corner of the city throughout the festival. Click the logo below to explore the full program across Ottawa!
