Winterlude, Ottawa

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The official opening, the Ice scultures at work, photos of the Kids enjoying Jacques Cartier PArk, Unesco Rideau Skateway, lots and lots of Photos for that unsual one, but my Flu Shot did not work, a lingering Cold, coughing and spluttering, below -@)C windchills and freezing winds kept me manily indoors, until forced to accompany the little one a a brief walk and a few momentos.

but next year 2014, i will try to make a special travelogue

Winterlude is truly the time to visit Ottawa, from a Winter perspective. Well we do have a really long winter, Ottawa being the second coldest capital city in the world. But there is a lot to do especially at the time of Winterlude.

This ice sculpture competition, normally sponsored by the Casino du Lac Leamy (formerly Casino du Hull), is a MUST SEE. Professional sculptors from all over the world (Japanese sculptors are my personal favourite), along with amateurs take part in this event. This event is normally runs from the first to third week of February, but it may vary depending upon the weather. Next year its from Feb 6 to Feb 22, 2004.

The sculptures look like made from crystal rather than ice. They are awe-inspiring and marvellous.

This buggy sculptor is by no means the best one(it was the US entry), there are a lot better ones. But unfortunately I dont have good photos of them.

The Winterlude website (link below) has all the necessary information, plus photos and information on last years winners.

The Snow Sculptures are bigger than the ice ones. They look very good too. The snow ones are basically a competition among Canadian Provinces and Territories. This photo was the entry of British Columbia in 2003. It was immaculate. Such fine carving with snow is a tough job. It didn't get the judges appraisal, but it got the People's choice award.

Again more info can be found on the website. Last year the sculptures were in Major's Hill Park. But it varies. For upto date information, plz check the website.

Lastly, its a must see!

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Ottawa has a long winter. When I first moved here I was told. "Welcome to Ottawa, where we have 9 months of winter and 3 months of bad sledding". That might be a bit of an exaggeration, but Ottawa is the second coldest capital city in the world, after Ulan Bator.

This being said, you may as well take advantage of the winter conditions and celebrate winter with Winterlude. North America's largest annualwinter festival that runs through three weekends in February, with events in various places around Ottawa and extending into Gatineau, Quebec.

"Winterlude"... is essentialy a Winter Carnival with many activities relating to yess.....Winter....Ice Carvings....Competitions in skiing and skatiing...both serious and silly in nature..and many other "activities"....all intended to provide a bit of fun and light entertainment.

Every Winter since 1979 Ottawa plays host to a Winter Carnival like event that spans three consecutive weekends...

In 2008, Canada’s Capital Region celebrated the 30th edition of Winterlude...and most Winterlude activities are free of charge, but registration and admission fees may apply to certain sporting events and shows.

Whilst destinations in sunnier climes promote their sun, sea and sand, here in Ottawa and the National Capital Region they promote cold, ice and snow!! At least for the for the first 3 weeks of February anyway when the area hosts its annual Winterlude festival (Bal de Niege for the Francophones). Winterlude is an activity-packed 3 weeks when pretty much everything imaginable to do with ice or snow happens and usually coincides with the opening of the Rideau Canal as the world's largest ice rink.

As well as the usual winter sports such a skating, sledging & etc other events include ice-carving, snow-sculpture, live music and theatre performances including many childrens activities. Most of the events are centred around the 3 weekends but there is always something happening somewhere and as a little plus many of the local restaurants participate in a "Taste of Winterlude" promotion with set-price menus featuring, where possible seasonal local produce.

Website below has all the info.

been around since 1979 this festival is one of the best winter festivals in North America. It is quite interesting to see especially if you dont live in freezing temperatures. You get a chance to sculpt some snow/ice with the help of professionals,
check the waiters and waitresses race where skaters must carry a serving tray between tables without dropping the bottle of water.(DOWS LAKE) or vote for the best stew offered for $10 by Byward Market restaurants. This is the time of the year to enjoy it all in Ottawa!
have fun and some Hot Chocolate and Beavertail while on the ice.

Every February Ottawa hosts Winterlude. Winterlude is a 2 week winter event exposing what great fun the winter could bring! Heheh. The main attractions are of course the Ice Sculptures. Sculptures from around the world come and display there skills in the annual festivities.

Most of the action takes place on Dow's Lake, but Ice Scultupters can be found infront of City Hall as well. Canadian love for ice hockey is also celebrated. There are friendly tournaments that take place on the Canal and even professional teams hold public practices in the open air! This year, both the Ottawa Senators and the Mighty Ducks Of Anaheim held practices on the Canal during Winterlude.

Check it out and dress warm!

Don't think there's nothing to do in the icecold Canadian winters.

Yes, there are days temperatures will dropped and with the strong winds you won't survive for half an hour outside. On the other hand use every bit of sunshine and go out into the fresh air with low humidity.

Winterlude is a real Canadian activity, just celebrating winter with ice- and snow art, skating on the Rideau canal and much, much more.

Because Ottawa can be cold, snowy and, especially, icy during the winter, a good thing to do is to visit during Winterlude - our annual winter festival.

You could skate on the Rideau Canal, look at ice and snow sculptures, and/or have hot chocolate and a "Beavertail"!