Winterlude - Ottawa's
Winter Festival

The dates for Winterlude 2011 have not been confirmed yet.

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
• Casino du Lac-Leamy
• Capital Infocentre

For more details on the events taking place this year, please check out our Winterlude 2011 Activities page.

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

• Councillors Cup – Ottawa's Mayor & Toronto's Mayor and their city councillors play shinny hockey

• Byward Market Mardi Gras

• 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

• Winter Fanfest – ski and snowboard demonstrations, interactive sports opportunities

• Capital Loggers – displays and special activities

• Ice Café – a café made entirely of ice (located at Dow's Lake) – warm yourself up with a nice hot beverage

• horse drawn sleigh rides – bring out the entire family to enjoy a traditional winter activity

• skating demonstrations – see some of your favourite ice skaters

• Casino du Lac-Leamy Crystal Garden – fascinating ice sculptures

• Snowflake Kingdom

• Snow Sculpture Competition

• 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 Infocentre (located on Wellington across from Parliament Hill) or from one of many other locations across the city.

While you are here, don't forget to try Ottawa's famous beaver tails.

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!