Winterlude is returning to Ottawa February 2nd – 19th, and that can only mean one thing: we’re headed for our nations capital!
Winterlude is three weeks of fun-filled activities in and around Ottawa celebrating everything that makes a Canadian winter great. Most festival activities are free and take place during the first three weekends of February. This year will mark the 40th edition of this long celebrated festival.
The first thing you need to know is that the bulk of activities take place along the world�s largest skating rink, the Rideau Canal Skateway. So you best be bringing your skates with you! It’s the best way to work up an appetite (which you’ll need!)
The next thing you need to know is that there are some pretty unique things you just gotta try while you’re in the area, namely: The Beavertail.
If you haven’t heard of this iconic Ottawa treat, you’re in for a delicious surprise. It’s a deep fried, whole wheat pastries loaded with cinnamon sugar, nutella and other confections.
There’s nothing better than munching a fresh Beavertail, loaded with your favorite toppings, rink-side, cuppa hot chocolate in hand. It’s a real memory maker. You can find Beavertails along the Rideau Canal Skateway, at the Sens Rink of Dreams and in Byward Market. Besides Beavertails, there’s also a number of activities for you and your foodie friends to enjoy being planned for 2018.
As part of Chill Factor, the Chill Lounge is a ?cool? space to ?chillax? during Winterlude. This winter oasis of evergreen trees, muskoka-style chairs and snow art is a great public space to kick-back to catch some rays, snowflakes and a hot cup of tea. We suggest popping into one of the many coffee shops along Rideau Street for one.
For the beer lovers among us,The Ottawa Winter Brewfest is going down at the tail end of Winterlude, on February 16 – 18 at Lansdowne Park. There will be plenty of brewers pouring their latest creations, plus eats from Craft Beer Market and Loon Kombucha.
The Gatineau Winter Beerfest is also happening during Winterlude — and it’s in it’s seventh year! A new component this year has Vermont breweries joining in on the fun. Sample beers from many Ontario craft producers alongside new favorites. There’s even a sour beer and oyster station in the works. It all happens February 2nd and 3rd in the Grand Hall of the Canadian Museum of History.
Love stew? Byward Market has it in spades during Winterlude. The 27th Annual Stew Cook-Off is happening February 9th. For only $10 get all the stew you can eat from over 20 ByWard Market restaurants. Vote for your favourite in the Forty Creek Whisky People�s Choice Awards.
Besides that, loads of Ottawa restaurants are curating special menus and tasting during the annual event. It’s a great reason to get out and explore all the delicious things the area has to offer!
Looking for more ways to explore Ottawa this season? Head on over to Ottawa Tourism’s website for the latest and greatest!
