Crystal Garden
Confederation Park
Discover the return of an iconic Winterlude site!
Located in Confederation Park, in the heart of downtown Ottawa, Crystal Garden is one of the Winterlude’s official sites. It features a free outdoor ice sculpture exhibition, animation and many seasonal events in an enchanting winter setting. Located near Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal Skateway, it offers a walkable winter festival experience for visitors of all ages.
This page provides practical information, including hours, accessibility, services, and details to help you plan your visit.
Getting here
Explore the site
Special events
Spin and Win with the Museum
- Date
- Saturday, February 7, 2026
- Time
- 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
The Ryan Hill Ice-Carving Public Challenge
- Date
- Saturday, February 7, 2026
- Time
- 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Watch Milano-Cortina on the big screen
- Date
- Saturday, February 7, 2026
- Time
- 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Wapikoni Short Films
- Date
- Saturday, February 7, 2026
- Time
- 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
DJ on screen
- Date
- Saturday, February 7, 2026
- Time
- 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Cold Yoga
- Date
- Friday, February 13, 2026
- Time
- 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Giant Karaoke in Confederation Park
- Date
- Friday, February 13, 2026
- Time
- 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
National Flag of Canada Day Trivia
- Date
- Saturday, February 14, 2026
- Time
- 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Drawn together
- Date
- Saturday, February 7, 2026
- Time
- Open during Winterlude operating hours
The Ice Hogs’ Walkabout
- Date
- Saturday, February 7, 2026
- Time
- Open during Winterlude operating hours
Know before you go
- Admission to the sites is free. Many events are free, while others require a fee. Paid events are marked with a "Paid event" notification before the event title in the calendar of events.
- Pets are not permitted (service dogs are welcome).
- Food and beverages concessions nearby (fees apply).
- Washrooms are available on site.
- Dress warmly, as most events take place outdoors.
- Hotels and restaurants: Visit the hotels and restaurants page for nearby options.
Hours of operation
| Weekend | Date | Friday | Saturday | Sunday | Monday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weekend 1 | January 30 to February 1 | 4 pm to 9 pm | 10 am to 9 pm | 10 am to 6 pm | - |
| Weekend 2 | February 6 to 9 | 4 pm to 10 pm | 10 am to 9 pm | 10 am to 6 pm | - |
| Weekend 3 | February 13 to 16 | 4 pm to 9 pm | 10 am to 9 pm | 10 am to 6 pm | 10 am to 6 pm |
Hours may change due to weather.
Winterlude takes place on the traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabeg.
More information
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