Winterlude's New Ferris Wheel Delivers Chilly Disappointment
From the main entrance of Jacques-Cartier Park in Gatineau, the inaugural ferris wheel of Winterlude appeared surprisingly small, dwarfed by the towering snow slides that dominate the Snowflake Kingdom landscape. The initial sight left this reporter underwhelmed, though still curious about the promised experience.
A Distant and Cold Location
Positioned in a remote corner of the Snowflake Kingdom, the ferris wheel sits beyond the snow slides and dangerously close to the frigid Ottawa River. This placement subjects riders to the full force of winter's elements, particularly the biting north wind that sweeps across the open space.
The wheel stands at just 15 metres tall, making it significantly smaller than comparable attractions. For perspective, Montreal's La Grand Roue reaches 60 metres in height and operates year-round with enclosed gondolas. The Winterlude version features open benches designed for two passengers, offering minimal protection from the elements.
Memories of Better Rides
This experience stands in stark contrast to previous ferris wheel rides in the region. The Bluesfest wheel, which operated until 2024, provided spectacular summer views of Parliament Hill, sunsets, and festival crowds from a convenient downtown location. That wheel became an integral part of Ottawa's summer entertainment scene before being replaced by a Western-themed attraction.
The Winterlude version promised similar scenic rewards but delivered a completely different, and far less comfortable, experience.
The Reality of Riding in Winter Conditions
During a media tour on January 30, this reporter shared a bench with Papa Ice Hog, Winterlude's mascot patriarch. While the plush costume provided some welcome warmth, it presented practical challenges. The oversized Ice Hog head prevented two mascots from sharing a bench, and the costume's bulk made seatbelt fastening impossible.
The cold proved relentless. Despite multiple clothing layers and toe warmers in boots, the north wind penetrated everything. Noses tingled, body heat dissipated rapidly, and the open bench design offered no wind protection. The experience left riders wishing for additional Ice Hogs to block the wind from both sides.
Spectacular Views Amidst the Discomfort
The ride's saving grace remains the breathtaking view of Parliament Hill from the top. This panorama represents the wheel's primary attraction, offering a unique winter perspective of Ottawa's iconic skyline. However, the combination of extreme cold and the wheel's modest height limits enjoyment of this visual reward.
The motor runs continuously to prevent freezing, and while this ensures operation, it does little to improve passenger comfort during the brief ride.
Final Assessment
Winterlude's new ferris wheel delivers mixed results. The Parliament Hill view justifies the experience for some visitors, particularly those well-prepared for extreme cold. However, the attraction's small size, exposed seating, and brutal wind conditions make it a challenging addition to Ottawa-Gatineau's premier winter festival.
For those seeking Winterlude thrills, the massive snow slides nearby offer more substantial excitement. The ferris wheel serves best as a quick photo opportunity rather than a destination attraction, with riders advised to dress far more warmly than anticipated for the punishing conditions.
