Your ultimate guide to a wonderful winter in the National Capital Region

As the city embraces the colder months, Ottawa becomes a hub of winter activities that showcase the true beauty of our nation’s capital under a blanket of snow. From skating on the historic Rideau Canal, to wandering through the enchanting Winterlude festival with its intricate ice sculptures and vibrant cultural displays, there's no shortage of ways to immerse yourself in the chilly comforts of the city’s winter wonderland. Here are our top five picks for an exciting season in the Ottawa area.

Winterlude l Feb 2-9: Experience the best the Canadian winter has to offer at the free Winterlude festival that takes place in the Ottawa region during the first three weekends of February each year! There is something for everyone to enjoy, from family-friendly activities to group adventures and date nights!

BeaverTails Ottawa Ice Dragon Boat Festival l Feb 2-19: Since 2017, the nation's capital has played host to the world’s largest ice dragon boat festival, and the first in North America! Spectators will be treated to the sights of over a hundred 10-person crews, along with their drummers and steerpersons, as they use ice picks to propel down the Rideau Canal on dragon boats equipped with skate-like blades. The event also features sports demonstrations, non-stop racing, cultural programming, and free indoor concerts.

Gatineau Beerfest l Feb 29-Mar 2: Here's your chance to find your favourite among some 350 craft beers created by more than 30 Québec and Ontario Brewers, along with tasty treats from more than a dozen food truck vendors, live music, a kids zone, and many activities for the young ones and the young at heart. For beer lovers in the Ottawa area, Festibière de Gatineau is not to be missed.

International Film Festival of Ottawa l Mar 13-24: Ottawa’s International Film Festival brings international cinema to the city, in a live-action film festival that coincides with the Ottawa International Animation Festival, offering cinephiles a true feast of features to choose from. This year’s event will showcase an eclectic mix of award-winning films that have made waves in the international film circuit over the past year, including 20 feature films from Canada and around the globe, along with Canadian short films to accompany each feature screening.

Crackup Comedy Festival l Late March: Beat the winter blahs with a good belly laugh at the Crackup Comedy Festival! Held across the Valley in Cornwall, Ottawa, Pembroke and Smiths Falls, this annual comedy festival features a range of hilarious shows and events in support of mental health organizations and initiatives across Canada's national capital region.