Winterlude is on in Ottawa and Gatineau, and there’s lots to do for kids and families, including one of my new favourite events: Snowflake Kingdom at Jacques-Cartier Park.
On until February 16, there’s tube sliding, ice sculptures, a Ferris wheel, snacks and treats to buy, and lots to do for kids and families. Best of all though, the event is free!
Here’s everything you need to know about the event, how to get there, and what to check out.
Snow tubing and the main attractions
Snow tubing is definitely the main attraction at Snowflake Kingdom. The hill is one big pile of snow that’s been shaped into lanes for sliding. When you arrive you can head to either side of the hill–you may have to lineup depending on how busy it is–and then you’ll be given a snow tube.
You’ll walk up the hill and then staff will tell you when it’s time to slide down. On a quiet day it can be as quick as five minutes from getting your tube to when you slide down, and on busier days it could be 15 minutes or more, but it’s worth the wait.
The staff will guide you to sit down on the tube, with your legs out, and parents can have a small child in their lap, if they’re too small to ride on their own. Two or three people can also tube down together, which can be a lot of fun, and the staff can try spinning you when you slide, for those riding on their own.
It’s a blast for kids and adults, because it’s so fast, and it’s also very safe. But there is more to Snowflake Kingdom than just the sliding.
Walking around you’ll see snow and ice sculptures, there are snow shapes you can pose in along the snow hill, there’s a warming station, snacks and food for purchase–including BeaverTails–and even snow and ice tables you can sit at.
For activities, the Ferris wheel and a number of other things are open on the weekends, including: children aged 5 to 8 can learn how to downhill ski; Winterlude’s mascots, the Ice Hogs, walk around to meet with families; plus there’s a maze, an introduction to lacrosse, an obstacle course, performances, and more.
And if you want a classic Canadian treat, you can get maple taffy, too! For all the details on what’s happening, check the Snowflake Kingdom website.
Getting to Snowflake Kingdom and what to know
There is a small amount of parking near Snowflake Kingdom, however it’s easier to either use ride sharing, or take the free Sno-Bus that’s running for Winterlude. The address of the event is 350 Rue Laurier, Gatineau, QC.
Keep in mind that pets are not permitted at the event. Washrooms are available on site, and plan to dress warmly for the weather, but the warming tent is also a great way to get out of the cold and have a seat.
Event hours are below.
| Date | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday | Monday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 5 to 9 | 9 am to 2 pm | 9 am to 10 pm | 9 am to 10 pm | 9 am to 6 pm | 9 am to 6 pm |
| February 12 to 16 | 9 am to 2 pm | 9 am to 9 pm | 9 am to 9 pm | 9 am to 6 pm | 9 am to 6 pm |
More happening at Winterlude in Ottawa
Winterlude is on in the Capital Region from January 30 to February 16, 2026 and features a lot of fun events, outdoor activities, dining options, the Crystal Garden at Confederation Park, and on top of that, there’s so much to do in Ottawa.
There’s an interactive activation called Lumitri on Sparks Street, all winter long you can skate for 7.8 km along the Rideau Canal Skateway, visit Qikiqtait: Where Inuit Knowledge and Innovation Come Together at the Canadian Museum of Nature, there’s an Ice-Carving Exhibition, and if you want to explore the dining scene, the city has an impressive array of restaurants.
For a taste of the city, especially the Byward Market, I highly recommend checking out C’est Bon’s food tours. My family and I had a wonderful experience trying three restaurants in the area, with one stop for a cocktail and appetizers, one stop for our main course, and another for dessert. Everything was absolutely delicious.
Watch my video on Snowflake Kingdom
All photos by W. Andrew Powell/The GATE.
