Winterlude - Ottawa's
Winter Festival

Winterlude 2012 will be held from February 3 - 20, 2012.

People from all over the world come to Ottawa to take part in this amazing event. We have been so many times and we have enjoyed it everytime. If you have ever been then please share your experience with us here!

Every year the National Capital Commission (NCC) adds more activities and variety to improve on the year before. Just when we think it can't get any better, they add another fun event for us to enjoy!

The festival takes place at a few different sites in the city:

• Rideau Canal Skateway;
• Confederation Park;
• Jacques-Cartier Park;
• Museum of Civilization; and
• Ottawa City Hall

For more details on the events taking place this year, please check out our Winterlude 2012 Activities page.

Don't forget to try to make it to the opening of Winterlude:American Express Winterlude Opening
Canadian Museum of Civilization
100 Laurier Street
Gatineau
Friday,February 3, 2012
5 pm: Free admission to the Canadian Museum of Civilization
8:30 pm: Official Winterlude Opening Ceremony
9 pm: Musical Fireworks
9:15 pm: DJ dance party

Here are some of the activities that have taken place in previous years. It gives you an idea of what you can expect the year that you take part in North America's largest winter festival:

• skating on the Rideau Canal
• Triathlon – combining skating, cross-country skiing and running
• Byward Market Winterlude Stew Cook-Off
• Annual Bed Race – this is one hilarious even that has been taking part in the festival for years. You should see some of the unique beds that are made for this event. Money raised by this event supports some of the Kiwanis Club's initiatives
• Ice-Carving Masters Invitational - we are always amazed at the sculptures that are made with 25 blocks of ice in 30 hours!
• Public Ice-Carving Challenge – this is a challenge for amateur ice-carvers. You must register in advance for this challenge.
• Norway/Keskinada Giant Ski Event - trying to set another Guiness world record with the most amount of people on one pair of skis
• Capital Loggers – displays and special activities
• Snowflake Kingdom
• and so much more!

The activities really are endless. You can easily spend the entire 3 weekends here in Ottawa enjoying all the festivities.

If you are interested in renting skates or sleighs, you can rent them at 3 different locations around the city:

• the National Arts Centre (613-233-7980)
• Fifth Avenue (613-233-7980)
• Dow's Lake Pavilion (613-232-1001)

You can pick up your official Winterlude Guide at the Capital Information Kiosk inside the World Exchange Plaza at 111 Albert Street (Ottawa) or from one of many other locations across the city.

Have fun and enjoy this spectacular Winter celebration!

So, now it is your turn! Have you ever been to Winterlude? What was your favourite part? We would love it if told us all about your experience!

What is your Favourite Winterlude Story?

From skating on the Rideau Canal and eating Beaver Tails to viewing spectacular ice sculptures, Winterlude is the best winter festival in the world. Tell us about your Winterlude experience!