Winter Carnivals & Activities in Greater Ottawa 2026

In addition to Ottawa’s amazing Winterlude (Jan. 30 – Feb. 16), there are many wonderful local winter carnivals and activities in the greater Ottawa area to enjoy. From snowshoeing to skating to snacking on local treats by the fire, there is something for everyone!

Shiverfest – Feb. 6-7, Manotick – from hockey & skating, curling, chili cookoff, line dancing, horse-drawn sleigh rides, majic show & more!

Go snowshoeing under the stars in Gatineau Park – Jan. 9 to end of March. Friday nights, take an evening snowshoe hike with a Friends of Gatineau Park nature interpreter.

Winterlude at the Diefenbunker – Feb. 14 – 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Delight in winter traditions with snow sculpting, tug of war, and a temporary exhibit on the Diefenbunker’s historic Winter Carnival.

Rideau Hall Skating Rink – until March 29. Dating back to 1872, the skating rink has hosted generations of skaters and shaped the culture of winter sports in Canada.

Kanata-Hazeldean Lions Club winter carnival – Feb. 14, 8:30 am – 2:00 pm. Lion Dick Brule Community Centre. Pancake breakfast, horse and sleigh rides, majic show.

Gatineau Loppet – Feb. 13-15. The Gatineau Loppet is Canada’s largest international cross-country skiing event. As part of the Worldloppet international event series, the Gatineau Loppet welcomes approximately 2,500 skiers from around the world each year.

Frost and Fire Winter Festival – Feb. 14, Perth. A mix of indoor and outdoor activities for people of all ages!

Winterland – Feb. 14 – 10 am to 4 pm –  Back Forty Artisan Cheese in Mississippi Station. Snowshoe trails, farm hill tobogganing, private sauna experiences, firepits, hot food & drinks

Winterfest 2026 – Katimavik-Hazeldean Community Assoc. – Feb. 14 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at the Katimavik rink (64 Chimo Drive, behind Katimavik Elementary School)

Embrace Winter Run – Feb. 15. This winter running event has something for everyone: Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, and 3K, and Kids 1K. Embrace Winter is an official event of Ottawa’s biggest and best winter festival – Winterlude. This scenic run takes you through true Canadian winter landscapes and is a great motivator to stay active this winter.

For more events and activities in greater Ottawa see To Do Canada and Ottawa Tourism

Enjoy these activities and winter events!

If you have any questions about the greater Ottawa neighborhoods and the real estate market, feel free to contact us!