Embrace the winter wonderland vibes as we dive into a lineup of frosty festivities and hot happenings in Ottawa! From thrilling bed races to enchanting ice carving demonstrations, our capital city is bursting with cool and captivating events to make your winter weekends sizzle with excitement. Whether you're a sports enthusiast, a culture connoisseur, or just someone looking to spice up their weekends, join us as we unwrap the coolest experiences and hottest happenings in Ottawa this season. Bundle up, grab a hot beverage, and let's embark on a chilly adventure filled with unforgettable moments and winter magic
Winterlude Over the Past Weekend
Explore the Snowflake Kingdom, a vast winter playground featuring snow slides, a zipline (with paid options), snowboarding and downhill skiing introductions for kids, and an array of other engaging activities – all for free!
When: Thursdays to Sundays, including Monday, Feb 19. From 9 am.Where: Parc Jacques Cartier, 350 Laurier St, Gatineau.
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The Great Canadian Kilt Skate
Participate in the 10th Annual Great Canadian Kilt Skate in Ottawa. No need to be Scottish or wear a kilt! A similar event will take place in Pembroke on Feb 17, 1-4 pm - free of charge.When: Sunday, Feb 18, from 1 pm to 3 pm.
Where: Lansdowne Park skating court.
Pibon Winter Festival (Winterlude Edition)
Celebrate the Family Day Weekend with an Indigenous Makers Market, workshops (some paid), cultural performances, indigenous comfort foods, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and visits to the farm animals, including the Ojibwe Spirit horses.
When: Saturday, Feb 17, to Monday, Feb 19, from 10 am to 5 pm.
Where: Madahoki Farm, 4420 West Hunt Club Road.
Accora Village Bed Race
Enjoy a lively event for teams of all ages where participants decorate their beds and compete in a race. Prizes awarded for the best decorated bed, the fastest bed, and the best fundraisers.
When: Saturday, Feb 17.
Where: Dallhousie and York St. Byward Market.
Maple Tree Tapping
Museoparc Vanier invites families to learn about maple syrup production, offering short training sessions on tapping and forest orientation every hour (9 am, 10 am, and 11 am). Bring your snowshoes (optional) - free of charge.
When: Saturday, Feb 17, from 9 am to 12 pm.
Where: 320 des Pères Blancs Avenue.
Big Bang Festival
Experience a unique festival of musical adventures for children and families, with most shows being free and some requiring a nominal fee starting from $5.
When: Feb 17, 11 am-5:30 pm; Feb 18, 10:30 am-5 pm.
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St.
PWHL Ottawa vs Minnesota
Cheer on Ottawa’s professional women's hockey team against Minnesota.
When: Saturday, Feb 17, at 2 pm.
Where: TD Place, 1015 Bank St.
Ottawa Chinese New Year Fair
Celebrate the Chinese New Year with dragon dances, traditional handicraft exhibitions, artistic performances, interactive games, and Chinese cuisine - all free of charge.
When: Sunday, Feb 18, 10 am-4 pm.
Where: Horticulture Building, Lansdowne Park, Princess Patricia Way.
7th Annual Harbour Harvest
Join a family ice fishing derby to raise funds for local charities. Enjoy two rounds of trophies and cash prizes at 11:30 am and 3:30 pm, along with a Pancake breakfast. Tickets: $13, $18, or $47 (family of 4). $20 (at the door).
When: Saturday, Feb 17, 8 am-3:30 pm.
Where: Nepean Sailing Club, 3259 Carling Ave, Nepean.
As we wrap up this frosty journey through Ottawa's winter wonderland, we wish you a Family Day long weekend filled with warmth, joy, and cherished moments with your loved ones. May the laughter echo, the smiles linger, and the winter magic continue to weave its spell on your family time. From thrilling adventures to heartwarming experiences, may this long weekend be a delightful chapter in your winter tale. Happy Family Day, and here's to creating memories that melt away the winter chill and leave you with nothing but warmth and love. Until our next adventure, stay cozy and enjoy every moment!
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