In the greater Ottawa-Gatineau region, we're having a SNOW PARTY thanks to Winterlude with activities taking place in both cities. During three weekends, from the end of January to mid-February, many locations on each side of the Ottawa River will adopt a festive setting and offer a happy bunch of fun outdoor activities for everyone.

On the Outaouais side, across from the National Arts Museum on the Ottawa River and next to the Museum of History, Winterlude welcomes the Snowflake Kingdom in Jacques-Cartier Park, the ideal place to go for families and young-at-heart adults. You can enjoy ongoing activities such as live snow sculptures by professionals as well as giant snow sculptures, tube sliding, ziplining, the Chinook Alcove (public area sculpted in snow where you can take a break) as well as a food zone where you can warm up and eat.

Winterlude, Snowflake Kingdom, Jacques-Cartier Park, snow sculptures

Winterlude is also known for delicious culinary discoveries thanks to tasty culinary events that are taking place in several locations on both sides of the river. You can take part in the ByWard Market Winter Warm-Up Food Tour, culinary experiences at the Fire & Ice Winter Festival on Bank Street, free pancake medallions at Marion Dewar Plaza's Enbridge Cabin, Women & Whisky Masterclass at Kildare House on Chapel Street, Winter Indigenous Culinary Event at the Canadian Museum of History, and Gilmour Street's Smore & Candy Bar at the Fire & Ice Winter Festival.

Winterlude, Byward Market, Food Fest and Tour

One of Winterlude's most popular events are the three ice carving challenges on Sparks Street. You will love to wander on this animated pedestrian street right in the middle of downtown Ottawa while admiring the ice sculptures and enjoying a hot chocolate or a beaver tail.

Winterlude, Ice Sculpture Competition, Sparks Street, Ottawa

Winterlude is all about skating on the Rideau Canal. Rideau Canal is a 7.8 km long outdoor skating rink with five stations located around 1.5 km from one another and set-up to make outdoor skating fun and comfortable. The first station is located at NAC, in Ottawa centre-town, right next to Rideau Centre and Confederation Park, and is served by OLG Sno-Bus free shuttle and pay public parkings. The NAC Station marks the start -or the end- of the rink and offers heated cabins, concession stands, as well as skate and sleigh rentals.

Winterlude, Skating on the Rideau Canal, National Arts Center Station

The second station is at Ottawa University at Main Street. In addition to heated cabins and concession stands, you will find an outdoor picnic area with fire pits. During the entire Winterlude, this station is served by the OLG Sno-Bus shuttle. One must plan their trip adequately because there is no public parking close by and finding a parking space in the streets of that neighborhood is not easy.

Winterlude, Skating on the Rideau Canal, University of Ottawa Station

The next station is at Fifth Street and also offers heated cabins, concession stands and outdoors picnic tables and fire pits, and is served by the OLG Sno-Bus shuttle. This station is the largest and offers skate and sleigh rentals, washrooms, Red Cross and other public services. Many activities are scheduled there throughout Winterlude. It's location is right next to the Glebe and Landsdown Park where you can find pay parking. You can also find free parking spaces on the streets, but the limit is often for 60 minutes.

Winterlude, Skating on the Rideau Canal, Fifth Street Station

The two following stations are located at the beginning and end of Dow's Lake. Dow's Lake is another well animated area during Winterlude with the Ice Dragon Boat Festival and other theme-related activities.

To conclude on Winterlude, watch this quite good Winterlude 2020 Promotional Video which should entice you in participating in our big Snow Party event!

Winterlude, Dows Lake, dragon boat race on ice

So, are you ready to play outside? Winterlude is the best way to fall in love with winter and make February your new favorite month! :-)

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