With great emotion (and huge pride!), our favorite mascot is officially announcing its arrival in Ottawa this winter.

It’s confirmed: BARBEGAZI is joining forces with the ByWard Market in the official Winterlude programming from February 6 to 8, 2026, right in the heart of downtown.
The festival, already famous for its monumental ice sculptures, will turn up the adrenaline this year with our legendary freestyle snowmobile stunts, best enjoyed nice and warm, steaming drink in hand.

The event is made possible by Ottawa Tourism and the ByWard Market District Authority (BMDA).

 

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Une publication partagée par Winterlude (@canadacapitalregion)

The talented Chris Coosemans has assembled a crew of some of the best freestyle snowmobilers in the world, delivering a breathtaking show with athletes soaring up to forty feet in the air.
And of course, our mascot will be there too: hugs, dance moves, spontaneous challenges… get ready to fall in LOVE.
Now we’ll see if he manages to snag THE selfie with the Prime Minister 👀📸

BARBEGAZI Ottawa 2026 x ByWard Market: basically a promise to fall in love with winter all over again, with friends or family.
And the best part? It’s free and open to everyone!

Winterlude: Three weekends of pure magic

From January 30 to February 16, 2026, Winterlude transforms Ottawa into a true winter kingdom for its 48th edition: ice sculptures, cultural exhibits, shows, family activities… in short, three weekends that make you forget winter can be cold.

While you’re in Ottawa…

BARBEGAZI doesn’t pick its winter playgrounds at random (trust our experience). Ottawa is a paradise for enjoying winter the way it’s meant to be lived:

For history lovers and scenic views, start at Parliament Hill, the symbolic heart of the country. It’s the iconic view you don’t want to miss.
For a more local vibe, head to the ByWard Market:

• by day: delicious smells, cozy cafés, local shops;
• by night: restaurants, bars, and an atmosphere that keeps you out late.

For outdoor winter lovers (like us), the must-try experience is the famous Rideau Canal, which transforms in the cold season into the largest natural skating rink in the world.
And that’s not all: the 16 km Kichi Sibi Winter Trail offers walking, snowshoeing, and fat biking, perfect for breathing in the winter air in the heart of nature, just steps from the city.

So, what are you waiting for?

Whether you’re coming especially for the BARBEGAZI weekend or extending your trip to soak in the magical Winterlude atmosphere, Ottawa offers the kind of experience that makes you say: okay, winter… is pretty magical.

Mark your calendar and come experience the capital in its winter best. ❄️✨