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Winterlude Begins This Weekend

January 29, 2015

Canada’s Capital Region is ready to welcome residents and visitors to the 37th Winterlude, which will begin on Friday, January 30, 2015. Over three weekends, until February 16, Ottawa–Gatineau will be the ideal destination to discover Canadian winter traditions through numerous cultural, sport, culinary, scientific and family activities.

 

Here is a snapshot of the activities taking place during the first weekend of Winterlude.

Friday, January 30 - Roaming buskers 7 p.m.; Opening Ceremony 7:30 p.m.; DJ Dance Party 8 p.m.

The celebration officially kicks off on January 30 with an electrifying evening at the Crystal Garden’s main stage in Confederation Park.

Crystal Garden in Confederation Park: “The Art of Play” carved in ice

This weekend, there are plenty of chances to watch ice carvers from around the world create their crystalline masterpieces in Confederation Park. These include the One-Block Challenge on Friday, January 30 (8 to 10 a.m.) and the 28th Crystal Garden International Ice-Carving Competition.

 

 

The Winterlude fun continues across the street at Ottawa City Hall’s Marion Dewar Plaza all weekend with:

· the 11th annual Enbridge FREE Pancake Breakfast on Saturday at 10 a.m.;

· Enbridge “Energy on Ice” skating performances on the Rink of Dreams.

 

Snowflake Kingdom in Jacques-Cartier Park: Winter sports and games—with the Ice Hog Family!

Both the young and the young at heart will enjoy playing in this frosty paradise of giant snow slides, presented by Canadian Heritage and the Ville de Gatineau. The fun begins on Friday, January 30, at 10:30 a.m., when Mama and Papa Ice Hog, along with twins Noumi and Nouma, join the crowd for the official launch of the Snowflake Kingdom—North America’s biggest snow playground!

 

The Rideau Canal Skateway: Celebrating 45 seasons of skating

Each winter, the Rideau Canal is transformed into the world’s largest skating rink and becomes centre stage for many activities during Winterlude. For opening weekend, this world-famous ice surface will host:

Visitors to the Skateway will also have the opportunity to join a learn-to-skate program, test their skills at the Giant Tiger Interactive Hockey Zone, discover the Yukon, or warm up with hot apple cider and winter games at the OLG Sno-Bus Station, all FREE at Fifth Avenue!

 

For more info visit www.winterlude.gc.ca.