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By: Serge Guenette

Winterlude: What to see and do

TAGS: WINTERLUDE, FAMILY

It’s back! From Jan. 31 to Family Day on Feb. 17, Ottawa celebrates the season with another year of Winterlude festivities. Ice skating, ice sculptures, live music, cultural performances, a full snow kingdom for the family to enjoy and so much more — this year’s Winterlude will be sure to cure the winter blues.

There are several events to see and do across Ottawa and we have highlighted some of the top spots to check out during your day(s) out. Check out the list below, find your favourite events to see and do, and get ready to celebrate winter in Ottawa!

WHAT TO DO:

  1. Winterlude Kick-Off Party: Sparks Street is hosting the Kick-Off Party, which will feature performances by Sarahmée, DJ NDN, and Virginia to Vegas. A special number to highlight the importance of the Métis Nation will also be featured throughout the evening.
    Schedule: Jan. 31 (7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.)
    Location: Sparks Street, between Bank & Elgin

  2. Lights & Interactivity Path: Explore the largest interactive light path to ever be seen at Winterlude. This pathway will have fairy-tale flipbooks, shadows that come alive, futuristic lights and sound waves, which are all bound to spark your curiosity and leave you with a memorable experience.
    Schedule: Various dates & times
    Location: Sparks Street

  3. Fire & Ice Winter Festival: Presented by the Bank Street BIA, experience an event of acrobatic performances, art, exhibitions and so much more at the Fire & Ice Winter Festival. Bring your skates to this event and be sure to skate down the road on the street skating rink that’s openfor all ages to enjoy.
    Schedule: Feb. 8 & 9 (10 a.m. to midnight)
    Location: Bank Street

  4. Rideau Canal Skateway: Grab your skates and head down to the world’s largest skating rink for a day in the outdoors. The Skateway stretches for 7.8 km from the Château Laurier to the Hartwell Locks with different access points along the river. While how much of the canal is open depends on our fickle weather, we can only hope for more cold temperatures to bring the rest of the Skateway up to par. Before heading out for a skate, be sure to check this interactive map that displays the ice conditions.

  5. Snowflake Kingdom for the Kids: A variety of events are taking place for the kids visiting Winterlude, including an introduction to downhill skiing and snowboarding, treasure hunts, challenge courses, giant games, super slides, tug-of-war, zip lining, ice digging, face painting and so much more!
    Schedule: Various dates & times
    Location: Jacques-Cartier Park

WHAT TO SEE:

  1. International Ice Carving Challenge: This attraction brings together some of the best ice carvers, who promote their artistic expression through detailed ice art for everyone to enjoy. If you can’t make it for the first weekend of Winterlude, don’t worry! While the sculptures are carved during the start of the festival, you can still view these masterpieces until Family Day.
    Schedule: carving Jan. 31 to Feb. 1 (9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.) and Feb. 2 (9 a.m. to noon)
    Location: Sparks Street

  2. The Hockey Circus Show: PAZ, an award-winning acrobat who has performed around the world, is sure to keep your family entertained with this hockey-themed circus act. And don’t worry, you don’t have to be a fan of hockey to enjoy this fun, family-friendly performance!
    Schedule: Various dates & times
    Location: Sparks Street

  3. Snowmania in the Glebe: If you’re looking at heading towards the Glebe for the winter festivities, don’t miss Snowmania. With large snow carvings of Canadian wildlife scattered throughout the neighbourhood and a chance to build your own snow sculpture, Snowmania has fun for the whole family to enjoy.
    Schedule: Various dates & times
    Location: Bank Street

  4. Giant Snow Sculptures: During the opening weekend of Winterlude, snow sculptors will be hard at work creating giant characters placed throughout the park. Take a walk through Snowflake Kingdom to view these large snow art pieces.
    Schedule: Various dates & times
    Location: Jacques-Cartier Park

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Want to know more about Winterlude 2020? Check the full calendar of activities, locations and times. And enjoy!