Its going to be a busy Family day weekend in Ottawa. It’s the final weekend of Winterlude and the celebration of the lunar new year continues so there will be several events to help families enjoy the cold Ottawa winter.
Here’s a list of some of the events you can enjoy throughout the weekend.
Winterlude
Winterlude in Ottawa is winding up this weekend but there is still a plethora of activities for the whole family to enjoy including:
Skating on the Rideau Canal, the world’s longest skateway, is always an option. The route takes skaters from Dow’s Lake all the way down to the Mackenzie King Bridge in downtown Ottawa. Along the way are food and beverage vendors and many places to sit and rest and enjoy some well-deserved hot chocolate.
In Jacques Cartier Park is a winter playground built entirely out of snow for families to enjoy if they take the trip into Gatineau. This event is free of charge.
WATCH: Ice carving competition in Ottawa
The 39th Accora Village Bed Race for Kiwanis sees groups from all across the city race beds fitted with wheels across Dow’s Lake. Fifty teams of four runners and one rider compete with modified and decorated beds for honours and prizes as the fastest bed as well as the best-decorated bed. Funds raised through the event go to the Kiwanis Club of Ottawa.
Other events include:
- SubZero Electro DJ Nights in the ByWard market
- Sparks Street Ice-cade
- Big Bang Festival at the NAC
- Snowmania in the Glebe
- Winter Brewfest at the Aberdeen Pavilion
- The Crystal Garden on York Street (formerly Confederation Park)
- Canadian Ice Carvers’ Society Ice-Carving Championship in the Byward Market – on Saturday
Entertainment
- Tree tapping at the Vanier Museopark – Saturday
- Lunar New Year Celebration in Chinatown – Saturday
- Free no-license fishing between Saturday-Monday
Getting around
While OC Transpo will be operating on a Sunday schedule for Monday, there is a free Sno-bus service that provides transportation between Winterlude events throughout the city.