Ottawa Tourism is introducing two new experiences ahead of Winterlude 2026, expanding how visitors and residents engage with the city during the winter season. The additions include The Lantern Grove, a light and sound installation in Confederation Park, and Capital City Bites, a city-wide restaurant week presented by Taste Ottawa.
The Lantern Grove is an immersive installation created by Immersive International, a global creative studio that recently opened their North American headquarters in Ottawa. The project will transform Confederation Park into a story-based environment made up of illuminated sculptural installations, dynamic lighting, and animated visuals. Visitors will be able to walk through the space while experiencing sound and visual elements designed to unfold as they move through the park.
A short film will be screened in both French and English on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, while the lighting installation will operate daily from 5 pm to 10 pm throughout Winterlude. The experience is designed to encourage evening visits and extended time spent in the downtown core during the festival period.
On the culinary side, Capital City Bites introduces a new restaurant week running from January 31 to February 6, 2026. The program offers exclusive prix fixe menus and special offers at more than 35 participating Ottawa restaurants. Diners can access the offerings through a free digital pass, allowing guests to explore restaurants across multiple neighbourhoods during Winterlude.
Capital City Bites is presented by Taste Ottawa and aims to highlight the city’s food scene at a time when winter travel and dining often slow down. The initiative positions food as a central part of the Winterlude experience, encouraging both locals and visitors to plan meals alongside outdoor programming.
Together, The Lantern Grove and Capital City Bites reflect a broader approach to winter tourism in Ottawa, bringing together evening programming, public spaces, and dining experiences that extend beyond daytime activities. Both initiatives are designed to complement Winterlude while offering new ways to experience the city during the colder months.