Calendar of events - Winterlude 2018

Location: Marion Dewar Plaza, Ottawa City Hall

Sunday, February 4, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The Ice Hog Family will be your hosts for the very first Winterlude Mascot Challenge! In this all-out competition, professional sports mascots face off against the CECCE’s school mascots. They will have to successfully pass three tests along the track in order to go to the next round. Who will be the winner? Who will reign over the Ottawa Mascot Kingdom?

Presented by the Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est.

Saturday, February 3, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Canadian Ski Patrol Day is an annual event to celebrate the role that the Canadian Ski Patrol plays at ski areas across the country—not to mention our work at events off the snow throughout the year. Canadian Ski Patrol Day is also an opportunity to celebrate our role, and to reinforce safety on the snow.

For this year’s Canadian Ski Patrol Day we hope to break the Guinness World Record (15,581) for “most people making snow angels” at multiple venues. This builds on the theme of Canadian Ski Patrol members as guardians on the snow.

Presented by the Canadian Ski Patrol in partnership with the Canadian Museum of History.

Location: Rideau Canal Skateway, Dow’s Lake

Friday, February 9, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. (practices), 6 p.m. (opening ceremony at the Lago Bar and Grill) and Saturday, February 10, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (competition)

The world’s largest ice dragon boat event is back on the world’s largest skating rink, in Canada’s Capital! Come cheer on the competitors and live a unique experience!

Presented by Ottawa Ice Dragon Boat Festival in collaboration with the International Ice Dragon Boat Federation.

Location: Confederation Park

Saturdays, February 3, 10 and 17, 12 pm. to 1 p.m.

Discover ladies and gentlemen of Bytown from the early 1900s strolling through Confederation Park! Interact with these characters and discover what they think of Ottawa now!

Presented in collaboration with the Bytown Museum.

Location: Jacques-Cartier Park North

Saturday and Sunday, February 17 and 18, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Royal Canadian Sea Cadets will be attending the Snowflake Kingdom this year. It will be a weekend filled with hands-on activities, exciting challenges, and opportunities to develop your leadership skills.

Come learn about life in the navy and at sea with the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets.

Presented by theRoyal Canadian Sea Cadets.

Location: In Downtown Rideau at Ogilvy Square (Nicholas Street between Rideau and Besserer Streets)

Saturday, February 3, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

As part of Chill Factor, artists create a Lounge Settee Sculpture at this “cool” event to launch the opening of the Downtown Rideau Chill Lounge during Winterlude.

Presented by the Downtown Rideau Business Improvement Area (B.I.A.).

Location: Jacques-Cartier Park North – Cultural Space

Saturday and Sunday, February 10 and 11, at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Come experience a special, memorable and dynamic family and community moment that will leave you with great memories.

No musical experience is required to participate and the activity is designed for the whole family.

Location: Jacques-Cartier Park North, Discovery Space

Saturday, February 17 and Monday, February 19, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

The little chocolate monster

At Papi Choco’s chocolate factory, we have fun like crazy! But don’t eat too much chocolate if you don’t want to wake up the little chocolate monster. Will Timothy be able to control his sweet tooth for chocolate? Despite the warning from his grandfather, he will face this funny monster who has a bit too much of a fondness for chocolate!

Sunday, February 18, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

The talkative joker

Today is a rehearsal day for the Fun Circus. The new show must be rehearsed again and again, because Balthazar, the master of ceremonies, and Cybile, the tiger tamer, are not ready. But the clown joker keeps making jokes and disturbing the rehearsals. He really believes he is the funniest and, above all, that he does not need rehearsals for the show. Is Joker really the funniest on earth? One thing is certain, it is difficult to put on a show without having prepared and rehearsed a number. With Manu’s help, the children will find funny stories to help Joker put together his number for the Cirque premiere.

Presented in French only.

Location: Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Boulevard, Ottawa

Saturday, February 3, 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Don’t fight the frost — fête the frost! Join us for a morning full of family fun, celebrating the 40th Winterlude! Enjoy complimentary musical entertainment, a $5 pancake breakfast, face-painting, art-making, storytelling, dancing and outdoor fun in the snow! Admission and activities are free!

Location: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa

Monday, February 19, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Celebrate Family Day in the beautiful new spaces of the National Arts Centre, featuring stunning winter views of downtown Ottawa. Join us for a fun-filled afternoon of stories, songs, games, interactive displays, special workshops and hands on activities for children and adults.

All Family Day events are free.

Presented by the National Arts Centre.

Location: Bank of Canada Museum, 30 Bank Street, Ottawa

Saturday and Sunday, February 10 and 11, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Come for a demonstration of how our polymer currency tolerates the punishing demands of the Canadian wallet—and the Canadian winter. Test your own money for counterfeits and learn everything you ever wanted to know about our bank notes.

Presented by the Bank of Canada Museum.

Location: Confederation Park

Friday, February 2 to Sunday, February 18, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Monday, February 19, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Be amazed by an impressive ice sculpture depicting the mascots of the PyeongChang Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Soohorang, the white tiger and Korea’s guardian animal, and Bandabi, the Asiatic black bear, symbolize determination and courage.

Presented by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Canada.

Location: Jacques-Cartier Park North, Discovery Space

Friday, February 2, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, February 3 and 4, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

47 national parks, 171 national historic sites and 4 national marine conservation areas: each with a story to tell!

Parks Canada works hard to protect Canada’s natural and cultural treasures. Come visit our team at the Discovery Space and learn about some of the exciting work that we do! You’ll have a chance to go behind the scenes with a Parks Canada archeologist, learn about park wardens, and much more!

Don’t leave without meeting our mascot Parka! She will love having her picture taken with you and will have lots of fun activities for you to discover.

Presented byParks Canada.

Location: Jacques-Cartier Park North

Saturday and Sunday, February 17 and 18, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Boys and girls, you want some adventure? Come and challenge yourself with our obstacle course at the Snowflake Kingdom! Move with the Royal Canadian Army Cadets.

Presented by the Royal Canadian Army Cadets (Web site in French only).

Location: Confederation Park

February 2 to 19, daily, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and on Monday, February 19, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Long before Canada was a nation and the first game of hockey was played, Trotting on Ice had to be Canada’s national sport, and Ottawa was the ice racing capital of North America. Huge crowds gathered on the frozen Ottawa River against the backdrop of Parliament Hill to watch the trotters strut their stuff, and when the Rideau Canal was completed in 1832 its near perfect racing surface attracted the best U.S. owned trotters to its annual meets that offered large purses for the victors.

The crystalline ice sculpture of the horse, sulky and driver is a memento marking the return of ice racing on the Rideau Canal at the very first edition of Winterlude in 1979. The overwhelming reception of an estimated crowd of 40,000 spectators, including the appearance of Prime Minister Pierre-Elliott Trudeau and sons Michel, Alexandre and Justin, who braved frosty, sub-zero weather to enjoy this iconic day in Canadian ice racing history and the magic of Winterlude, which now attracts over 700,000 visitors annually to celebrate our Canadian winter.

This sculpture could not have been created without the immense contribution of Bill Galvin and Dr. Roly Armitage.

Location: Jacques-Cartier Park North, Discovery Space

Saturday and Sunday, February 10 and 11

L’homme castelet Show: 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Unusual, amazing, the homme castelet puts on a puppet show under a tree, in the street, and even while walking. Here is the story of Arthur, a quibbling king living in a castle with legs and whose dreams roam corridors and attics. Everything is there: sounds, voices, music, lilliputian characters, animated objects and the continual attention of children attending the show.

I Make My Puppet Workshop: 11:15 a.m.

What a pleasure and source of pride to be able to make it yourself! Using a simple and creative method, this workshop is within reach of small, skilled hands. In less than an hour and with some salvaged materials, the children make a solid and reusable puppet with a permanent sheath. Then, our happy builders attach eyes, nose and ears, then add the other accessories necessary to personify it.

At the end of the workshop, the children know the basics for bringing their little characters to life and putting them on stage . . . and that is how the puppets are born!

Shadow Puppets Workshop: 2:45 p.m.

In this workshop, the magic of shapes and colours in motion comes close to cinematography. First, the puppeteer presents two brief sketches from behind an illuminated screen with the help of a few participants acting as sound technicians and manipulators. Then, all the children get to work learning shadow puppetry.

Presented in French only.

Location: Marion Dewar Plaza, Ottawa City Hall

Saturday, February 3, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays, February 10 and 17, Sundays, February 4, 11 and 18 and Monday, February 19, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The CECCE Pavilion welcomes you to various interactive activities celebrating creativity, discovery, teamwork and learning through play. Join your new teammates in our mini-stick hockey rink and mini basketball and create your own button commemorating the 40th edition of Winterlude. Join our team in the family area to have fun, take part in discovery activities and celebrate the winter season.

Presented by the Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est (CECCE).

Location: Confederation Park, Brrr Stage

Saturday, February 17, 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Under the amused gaze of the spectators, the Blues and Oranges will face each other in animated exchanges during a jousting of improv friendly dance. Inspiring themes are launched by the host and choreographer Julie Pilon, a caucus takes place between the players, the improvisation comes to life to Pierre-Alexandre Saint-Yves’ live music and the public is called to vote after each improvisation. No dance experience is required to participate, but fun is guaranteed!

On-site registration. First come, first serve basis.

Maximum of 6 players per team. Children 12 years old and over, can participate.

Location: Canadian Museum of History, Grand Hall, Children’s Museum Studio, Children’s Museum Theatre, 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau

Monday, February 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Storytelling: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. (in English) and 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. (in French)

Craft workshop: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This Family Day, visit the exhibition Picturing Arctic Modernity: North Baffin Drawings from 1964, then learn more about Inuit society in a day of family activities. Create a take-home craft in a traditional Inuit style. Enjoy a performance by an Inuit storyteller, as Michael Arvaarluk Kusugak spins tales that weave together traditional knowledge and modern ideas (in English only) or listen to a reading of Kusugak’s popular children’s books (in French only).

Presented by the Canadian Museum of History.

Location: Jacques-Cartier Park North, Cultural Space

Sunday, February 18, 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

It's the birthday of Noumi and Nouma! Come celebrate and dance with the twins of the Ice Hog family!

Location: Rideau Canal Skateway, Dow’s Lake

Saturday, February 3, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Come join hundreds of winter enthusiasts and participate in a truly unique event.

This great event is one of the oldest Winterlude activities and exemplifies what winter in the Canada’s Capital is all about-skating on the Rideau Canal, coupled with cross-country skiing and running. For more information, visit www.winterludetriathlon.ca.

Presented by Zone3sports.

Location: Lansdowne Park, 450 Queen Elizabeth Drive (Outside the Horticulture Building)

Thursday, February 1 to Sunday, February 4, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Asinabka Film & Media Arts Festival presents Unikkaaqtuarniq: Stories from the North, an outdoor screening highlighting Indigenous filmmaking from the Arctic. Experience a 1 hour continuous looping program of short films by Inuit and Sámi filmmakers projected in a theatre made of snow. A welcoming reception will be held indoors at the Horticultural building with performances, snacks, and Hot beverages.

Presented by Asinabka Film and Media Arts Festival.

Location: Canadian Museum of History, 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau

Friday and Saturday, February 2 and 3, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.

The Gatineau Winter Beerfest is now a winter tradition in the National Capital Region. During this seventh edition, you are invited to discover even more Quebec and Ontario beers. A new component this year is that our neighbours from Vermont will be showcasing their delicious beers in a variety of styles. At different bar stations, including the very popular sour beer and oyster station, you can create even more beer and food pairings. Warm up your winter on February 2 and 3 in the Grand Hall of the Canadian Museum of History. Ages 18+. Tickets now on sale.

Location: Sparks Street, Ottawa

Monday, February 19, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Three weekends of frozen interactive fun! Try your mitts at classic carnival games with a chilly twist. Enjoy a warm beverage as you toss, throw, or shuffle.

Presented by Sparks Street Business Improvement Area (BIA) and Mall Authority.

Location: Rink of Dreams, Marion Dewar Plaza, Ottawa City Hall

Saturday, February 3, 11:30 a.m. to 11:50 a.m., 1:30 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 3:50 p.m.

German ice dancers Ria Schwendinger and Valentin Wunderlich become magical and supernatural on the Rink of Dreams in their much acclaimed show set to the music of the beloved motion pictures Miss Peregrin’s Home for Peculiar Children and The Addams Family. Ria and Valentin, who began dancing together in 2012, ranked among the top ten in the 2017 World Junior Championships. They are one of the most promising young ice dancing couples in Germany.

Presented by the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Location: Jacques-Cartier Park North

February 2 to 19

Mondays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sundays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)

⚠ Snowflake Kingdom has moved to 350 Laurier Street, Gatineau, Quebec.

Multimedia lighting and illuminated snow sculptures on Fridays and Saturdays until 9 p.m.

Come have fun in the new Snowflake Kingdom in this winter wonderland and meet our favourite mascots, the Ice Hog Family! Get moving and test your skills in a huge winter playground. Enjoy Canada’s winter pleasures with activities inspired by our history and winter traditions!

Co-produced by the Ville de Gatineau and Canadian Heritage.

Location: Confederation Park, Circle K Stage

Saturday, February 17, 7:30 p.m.

To close off the Subzero Concert Series in style, come dance to the music of a young artist who has more than 400 million views on YouTube with his participation in the mega hit “Sugar”, Francesco Yates.

The evening will continue with a DJ SET by the incredible DJ Vito V.

Location: Ingenium Museums - Canada Science and Technology Museum, 1867 St. Laurent Blvd., Ottawa

Saturday, February 17, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Chilling science activities for the whole family!

Ingenium Museums - Canada Science and Technology Museum along with its partners invites you to take part in one of the most chilling science adventures of the season! During this special day, scientists from various organizations will come together to offer amusing and fascinating activities, experiments and demonstrations.

Family fun awaits you at Cool Science Saturday!

Presented by Ingenium Museums - Canada Science and Technology Museum.

Location: Jacques-Cartier Park North, Cultural Space

Saturday, February 17, 3 p.m., Sunday, February 18 and Monday, February 19, 1:30 p.m.

The craziest boarding experience awaits passengers for the Round-the World flight. Atlas GeoCircus returns with its new show: THE WORLD IS SMALL! which is bigger and more off-the-wall.

A comeback with new memories of trips to distant lands, and spectacular new circus numbers. Funny anecdotes and amusing adventures will take you on a trip, without your having to leave your seat. Bring your passports and pack your suitcases for a daring takeoff with Atlas GeoCircus.

Location: Confederation Park

Fridays, February 2, 9 and 16, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturdays, February 3, 10 and 17, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sundays, February 4, 11 and 18, and Monday, February 19, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Join CBC/Radio-Canada and celebrate the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games in the Go Canada Zone.

Interactive games, meet & greets, PyeongChang 2018 broadcasts and much more!

Join in the PyeongChang 2018 excitement and stay up to date on the latest Olympic Winter Games information and programming.

Canada, are you up for it?

Location: Confederation Park

Friday, February 2, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday, February 3, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday, February 4, 8 a.m. to noon

Awards ceremony: Sunday, February 4, 5 p.m.

Come see ice-carvers while they create spectacular masterpieces during the 31st edition of the Crystal Garden International Ice-Carving Competition, under the theme of Winter Fun! Timeless Memories!

Located in the heart of Canada’s Capital, the competition is one of the main attractions of Winterlude. Over the years, it has won a very special place on the international scene by bringing together some of the biggest names in ice carving.

Presented in collaboration with the Canadian Ice Carvers’ Society.

Location: Confederation Park, Circle K Stage

Friday, February 9, 7:30 p.m.

Bring your winter cowboy boots and hat and get ready to sing and dance with country artist Aaron Pritchett, 2017 Juno nominee for Country Album of the Year and nominee for multiple Canadian Country Music Awards.

The evening will continue with a dynamic DJ set by DJ LTP.

Location: SJAM Winter Trail, between the Canadian War Museum and Westboro Beach

Saturday, February 3, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Bring your friends, your headlamps, skis, snowshoes or fat bikes and go for a trek or simply walk along the trails under the city-lit sky to enjoy a unique outdoor recreational experience. The Sir John A. Macdonald Trail (known locally as the SJAM Winter Trail) with 30 kilometres of groomed trails is located near downtown Ottawa, and can be accessed anywhere between the Canadian War Museum and Westboro Beach.

The assembly point will be at the Canadian War Museum (1 Vimy Place).

Presented by the Dovercourt Recreation Association.

Location: Jacques-Cartier Park North

Saturday and Sunday, February 3 and 4, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Enjoy some winter fun with friends and meet Indigenous role models.

Motivate Canada will host healthy lifestyle activities for the entire family, and you can meet some young Indigenous role models who promote active, healthy lifestyles in communities across Canada.

Young people are the leaders of today; come and meet them, and break into a sweat!

Presented by Motivate Canada.

Location: Confederation Park

From Friday, February 2 to Sunday, February 18, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Monday, February 19, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Face is a monumental interactive work—a veritable light show where projections play with portraits, and mix them with bold animation, making use of the facets of the sculpture, which is a perfect medium for catching light. This art installation is an amusing reflection on identity and ego in the digital and social media era. The sculpture becomes the face of everyone.

Face was created by artists Thomas Voillaume and Florian Girardot in collaboration with Guillaume Étienne and co-produced with Illuminart.

Location: Jacques-Cartier Park North

February 2 to 19

Daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Children aged 5 to 8 can get a free introduction to downhill skiing and to snowboarding with dynamic instructors.

Presented by the Quebec Ski Areas Association, the Canadian Ski Council and the Ontario Snow Resorts Association. 

Location: Lansdowne Park, Civic Garden, Ottawa

Open daily, February 2 to 19, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Join us as we transform the Civic Garden into a glowing winter garden of sculpted snow and lanterns.

Presented by the City of Ottawa, Lansdowne Park.

Location: Throughout downtown Rideau

Saturdays, February 10 and 17, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

As part of Chill Factor during Winterlude, Undercurrents Indigenous Walks is an outdoor winter walking tour through Downtown Rideau and parts of ByWard Market that presents familiar spaces from an Indigenous perspective.

Presented by the Downtown Rideau Business Improvement Area (B.I.A.), in partnership with the Undercurrents.

Location: Confederation Park, Circle K Stage

Saturday, February 10, 7:30 p.m.

The Boogie Wonder Band puts on an extraordinary show that will have you reliving the crazy years of disco. The incomparable BWB will have you dancing to all of the biggest disco hits for an unforgettable evening. We’ll bring out the disco ball. All you need to do is immerse yourself in the revelry, glitz and glamour of the 70s! Let the show begin!

The evening will continue with an electrifying DJ set by one of Canada’s most prominent DJs, DJ Abeille.

Location: Jacques-Cartier Park North

Saturdays, February 3, 10 and 17, Sundays, February 4, 11 and 18, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Monday, February 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Discover the lifestyle and culture of Indigenous people of yesterday and today through stories, songs and games.

Presented in collaboration with Aboriginal Experiences and the National Capital Commission.

Location: Confederation Park

Friday, February 16, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

All In A Day is coming to you live from Winterlude! Join us at the CBC/Radio-Canada tent in the Go Canada Zone.

Whether it's guiding you through the traffic, keeping you up to date on the latest news or exploring Ottawa's art and culture scene, we have you covered.

All in a Day is presented weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., on CBC Radio One, 91.5.

Location: Bank of Canada Museum, 30 Bank Street, Ottawa

Saturday and Sunday, February 3 and 4, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Solve the riddles to find the money. Discover some of the most unusual artifacts in our collection in this winter-themed scavenger hunt that your whole family will enjoy. Delicious prizes for the winners and hot cocoa for all!

Presented by the Bank of Canada Museum.

Location: Confederation Park

Saturday, February 17 to Monday, February 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Listen to Shorty, Tiny, Tubby, Curly and Slimmer tell tall tales, make maple syrup using iron kettles over an open fire, and demonstrate “olde tyme" fun toys and games from bygone days. Of course, exaggeration is always at its best with these amusing fellows.

Presented by the Kettle Boys.

Location: Lansdowne Park, Aberdeen Pavilion, Ottawa

Saturday, February 10, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Warm up with a retro roller disco in the Aberdeen Pavilion! A family-friendly activity with quad skate rentals available in advance from the Ottawa Quad Rollerskating Club.

Presented by the City of Ottawa, Lansdowne Park in partnership with the Ottawa Quad Rollerskating Club and Neon Skates.

Location: Confederation Park, Brrr Stage

Saturday and Sunday, February 3 and 4, at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Tim Burr is a crazy Canuck—an all-around Canadian "Bud" who would rather show off his circus skills than do hard work, eh? Climb out of the woodwork to root for him as he takes a whack at juggling running chainsaws, balancing axes on his face or performing a "graceful" log-rolling stunt high in the air, while juggling hatchets. You simply can't help but fall for this all-Canadian funny feller; let's just hope he doesn't fall . . . TimBurr!

Location: Jacques-Cartier Park North

Saturdays and Sundays, February 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Monday, February 19, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Enjoy the pleasures of winter on a kicksled, either by yourself or with a child sitting up front. You’ll love the outdoor activity that millions of Europeans have already taken to.

Location: Confederation Park, Circle K Stage

Friday, February 16, 7:30 p.m.

Who else but mister ICI-Musique himself, Philippe Fehmiu to host this evening with hip hop artists Dramatik, Koriass, and Radio Canada’s 2017 musical revelation in the world music category, King Abid. Philippe Fehmiu will later perform a DJ set to close off this sensational, high-energy evening.

Presented by ICI Musique Radio-Canada.

Location: Marion Dewar Plaza, Ottawa City Hall

Saturday, February 3, 10 a.m.

Start off your Winterlude weekend with a yummy free pancakes and hot chocolate. Sweet! (While supplies last.)

Presented by Enbridge Gas Distribution.

Location: Clarence Street between William and Dalhousie (street closures)

Sunday, February 11, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Teams from various ByWard Market restaurants, bars and cafés compete for the title of server champions! Teams compete head to head in various server skills challenges with a Winterlude twist! Visitors are invited to watch the hilarity unfold as servers race around tables balancing full trays while wearing oversized ski-doo suits and snowshoes, bus-boys test their skills wearing oversized mittens. Cheer on your favourites from Winter patios and seating areas along Clarence Street.

Presented by the ByWard Market Business Improvement Area (B.I.A.).

Location: Confederation Park

Friday, February 2, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Awards Ceremony: Sunday, February 4, 5 p.m.

One-block sculptures on the theme of Winter fun! Timeless memories! offer a glimpse of what professional and amateur ice carvers will create over the weekend.

Winners announced during the Winterlude Kick Off Celebration.

Presented in collaboration with the Canadian Ice Carvers’ Society.

Location: ByWard Market, York Street

Friday, February 9, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Join us on York Street for the 27th Annual ByWard Market Winterlude Stew Cook-off. For only $10 get all the stew you can eat from over 20 ByWard Market restaurants. Vote for your favourite in the Forty Creek Whisky People’s Choice Awards. Celebrity judges will pick the C.A. Paradis/Ron Eade Chef’s Choice Award.

All proceeds will go to the Lowertown Community Resource Centre.

Presented by the ByWard Market Business Improvement Area (B.I.A.).

Location: Confederation Park

Fridays, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sundays and Monday, February 19, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Immerge yourself in the competitive winter sports world!

Play a hockey game with larger than life hockey players, throw a rock on an actual curling surface, take a photo in an ice bobsleigh, step on the medalists’ podium and much more.

In the CBC/Radio-Canada tent, you can also write a good luck message to Canadian athletes in PyeongChang and fully experience the Games.

Location: Bytown Museum, 1 Canal Lane, Ottawa

Saturday, February 3, 10 and 17, Sundays, February 3, 11 and 18 and Monday, February 19, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Join one of our special tours of the Bytown Museum to explore Ottawa’s history in 15 minutes! Tour guides, including our Youth Council, will highlight the unique stories and people who make up our evolving city, from its first inhabitants and the early days of Bytown to present day Ottawa! Each tour will last 15 minutes, each and every one highlighting a different aspect of our history.

Presented by the Bytown Museum in partnership with the Department of Canadian Heritage, the City of Ottawa and Downtown Rideau BIA.

Location: ByWard Garage, 70 Clarence Street, Loading Bays (east side and west side)

Saturdays, February 3, 10 and 17, Sundays, February 4, 11 and 18, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

A new experience in an old urban space. Lights and sounds will transform these cold corners into lively music filled public spaces. Shake off the cold and get into the groove with local DJ’s.

Presented by the ByWard Market Business Improvement Area (B.I.A.).

Location: Grand Hall and Haida Gwaii Mezzanine of the Canadian Museum of History, as well as the Children’s Museum Studio and Theatre, 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau

Sunday, February 18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Craft workshop: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Inuit games: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• Storytelling: 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. (in English) and 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. (in French)

Immerse yourself in Inuit culture, while enjoying an awesome Arctic experience! Visit the Picturing Arctic Modernity – North Baffin Drawings from 1964 exhibition, then learn more about Inuit culture in a craft workshop led by an Inuit artist. Test your skills at traditional Inuit games, such as the One Foot High Kick or the Kneel Jump. End your afternoon with mesmerizing tales told by Michael Arvaarluk Kusugak (in English only) or a reading of Kusugak’s children’s books (in French only).

Presented by the Canadian Museum of History.

Location: Jacques-Cartier Park North

Fridays and Saturdays, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Mixmediarts’ artistic installation is inspired by the inunnguaq and is a reflection of our northern culture in a digital era. During the day, natural light highlights a gigantic stone trompe-l’œil, a tridimensional optical illusion. At night, the artwork transforms itself into a true living and interactive narrative thanks to the magic of sound, light and image.

Produced by Mixmédiarts in collaboration with Videogirl and Creative Lab.

Location: Lansdowne Park, TD Place, Ottawa

Saturday, February 3, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Help break last year's record by building over 3,000 snowmen at Lansdowne Park and support mental health in our community!

Presented by the Alterna Savings Crackup Comedy Festival.

Location: Jacques-Cartier Park North

Saturday and Sunday, February 17 and 18, and Monday, February 19, at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Barbershop Therapy is a group of four students studying at the University of Ottawa. With several years of quartet singing between them, they've managed to give new life to this classic and unique style of music. Their repertoire reaches back to the roots of barbershop with old tunes from the 1920s all the way to some of the well-known songs of today. Their fun and resonant sound is bound to be like nothing you've ever heard before.

Location: Jean Pigott Plaza, Ottawa City Hall

Sundays, February 4, 11 and 18, and Monday, February 19, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a pilot? Come and visit the Canada Aviation and Space Museum booth during Winterlude and find out. Try on some pilot gear, sit in an ejection seat, “fly” around on little aircraft models, and test your piloting skills in a mini obstacle course. The Museum is also pleased to introduce their partners in aviation and space, who will be at the booth to explain the wonders and thrills of piloting an aircraft!

Presented by the Canada Aviation and Space Museum in partnership with the Stetson Flyers and the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.

Location: Confederation Park

Sunday, February 4, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Roving Historica Canada quizmasters will be on site to test your knowledge of Canada. Show us how much you know about our country’s history, geography, politics and culture. Win prizes and the admiration of your friends and family.

Presented by Historica Canada.

Location: Ottawa City Hall, indoor

Saturday, February 10, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

This will be a concert of light music by the Regimental Band of the Governor General’s Foot Guards, open to the public, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Presented by the Governor General's Foot Guards.

Location: Jacques-Cartier Park North

Friday, February 2, 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Saturdays, Sundays and Monday, February 19, 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

With their aerial acrobatics, incredible balance and trampoline wall, Haut-Vol Productions will amaze you with their circus-style performance.

A special edition to celebrate the 40th Winterlude.

Presented by Haut-Vol Productions.

Location: Confederation Park

Saturday, February 10, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Joined by Chantal Lamarre and chef Daniel Vézina, Francis Reddy welcomes, live from Winterlude, a lineup of guests from the Ottawa area to promote the region’s producers, artisans and culinary tradition to listeners across the country.

Join us at the CBC/Radio-Canada tent in the Go Canada Zone.

In French.

Location: École secondaire Mont-Bleu, 389 de la Cité des jeunes Boulevard, Gatineau

Friday, February 16, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, February 17, 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, February 18, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Come and take part in the Gatineau Loppet, your family winter sport event and the biggest international cross-country ski event in Canada. The 40th edition of the event will feature eight classic style and freestyle races, as well as two 51-km snowshoe and fatbike straight races (classic and free style). Be there!

Presented by the Ville de Gatineau.

Location: Confederation Park

Friday, February 9, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Marie-Lou St-Onge and her whole team get set, live from Winterlude, to deliver a lively look at the day’s events.

Join us at the CBC/Radio-Canada tent in the Go Canada Zone.

Tune in each weekday, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., to keep in touch with what’s happening here and now. Sur le vif is essential listening to end your day on a high note on Ici Radio-Canada Première, 90.7.

In French.

Location: Jacques-Cartier Park North

February 2 to 19

Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Winterlude’s lovable mascots, the Ice Hog family, provide a warm welcome—a sheer delight for the little ones!

Location: Rideau Canal Skateway, Dow’s Lake

Saturday, February 17, 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Which bed will be the fastest? Fifty teams race modified beds in heats down a 50-metre course. There is also a competition for the best fundraiser, best costumes and best decorated bed. This is a fun event for teams of all ages, so come out, have fun, and help support the community.

Presented by the Kiwanis Club of Ottawa, sponsored by Accora Village.

Location: Confederation Park

Saturday, February 17, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Judging: 2:30 p.m.

Awards ceremony: 3:30 p.m.

Calling all amateur carvers! Now’s your chance to transform a block of ice into a work of art! (Minimum age: 18)

Visit the Winterlude website for registration details.

Presented in collaboration with the Canadian Ice Carvers’ Society.

Location: Rink of Dreams, Marion Dewar Plaza, Ottawa City Hall

Saturday, February 3, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Dance the waltz on ice under the stars! Everybody is invited to put on their ice skates and glide through the cold winter night to the music of Strauss, Lanner and Lehár. The two young professional German ice dancers, Ria Schwendinger and Valentin Wunderlich, who ranked among the top ten in the 2017 World Junior Championships, will be there to guide you through your first steps in this most romantic of all classical dances.

Presented by the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Location: Jacques Cartier Park South, 164 Laurier Street, Gatineau

January 26 to March 4, 2018

Presented by Mosaïcultures Internationales de Montréal, Mosaïvernales Gatineau 2018 – Winter Magic will showcase more than 30 gigantic illuminated snow sculptures. A stroll through an imaginary world where snow and light will awaken the gods and goddesses who are firmly rooted in nature and bring together all peoples. Twenty master sculptors from Harbin, China, will work for three weeks to create these giant snow frescos. Let the magic of winter show the way!

Presented by Les Mosaïcultures internationales de Montréal in partnership with the Ville de Gatineau.

Location: Jacques-Cartier Park North

Saturdays and Sundays, February 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Monday, February 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Come and enjoy an epic dog sledding experience in a magical winter wonderland.

Location: Confederation Park

Monday, February 19, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Come enjoy the great return of the Polar Express train for young carvers! Learn the basic techniques of ice carving with professional carvers by adding your creation to the railway wagon in this unique collective artwork. Choo Choo!

Tools, ice, and safety goggles will be provided. (ages 8 to 17)

Registration for these workshops will begin 30 minutes prior to the start of the event in the central section at the Colonel By Fountain in Confederation Park.

Presented in collaboration with the Canadian Ice Carvers’ Society.

Location: Jean Pigott Plaza, Ottawa City Hall (Inside)

Sundays, February 4, 11 and 18, and Monday, February 19, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Celebrate Winterlude and participate in activities where you can handle the tools of yesterday’s dairy farmers: pails, stool, milker, churn, and butter paddles. Help grind wheat into flour and transform cream into fresh butter for a tasty treat!

Presented by the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum.

Location: ByWard Market – Various outdoor locations

February 2 to 19, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Come to Ottawa’s historical landmark, food and entertainment district to experience ByWard Blizzard Snow-Art snow sculpture exhibition. Walk through the area to discover the charm of what was once called ByTown and one of Canada’s oldest public markets, while admiring fantastic artworks made of snow! Visitors are invited to watch as artists carve giant blocks of snow to bring them to life. Sculptures will be on display in various locations throughout the Market all throughout Winterlude.

Presented by the ByWard Market Business Improvement Area (B.I.A.).

Location: Jacques-Cartier Park North

Saturdays, February 3, 10 and 17, Sundays, February 4, 11 and 18, and Monday, February 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Watch out: these characters have a few tricks up their sleeves!

Location: Marion Dewar Plaza at Ottawa City Hall (across from Confederation Park), 110 Laurier Avenue West

Monday, February 19, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Mayor Jim Watson is inviting the public to join him at the Family Day Skating Party where everyone can enjoy winter activities. Come on down to Ottawa City Hall to skate with your favourite mascots. There will be free hot chocolate compliments of BeaverTailsTM pastries (while quantities last).

For more information, visit ottawa.ca.

Location: Confederation Park, Circle K Stage

Saturday, February 3, 7:30 p.m.

Two live DJs battle in a completely silent match up…now you’re curious, right? It’s pretty simple. Just put your headphones on and choose if you want to party with the blue DJ or the red one. See what your friends are listening to by looking at the blue light or the red light on each headset. At the end of the night, the DJ who managed to pump the crowd the most will be declared the winner of the battle. Come party with us in a unique sound and light atmosphere.

Winterlude will provide the headphones.

Location: Resource Centre and Haida Gwaii Mezzanine of the Canadian Museum of History, 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau

Saturdays, February 3, 10 and 17, and Sundays, February 4, 11 and 18, 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Inuktitut lessons: Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Traditional Inuit games: Sundays, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Celebrate Winterlude with Arctic-themed activities highlighting Inuit culture and knowledge. Each Saturday, we will be offering family workshops on the basics of the Inuktitut language (for adults and children ages 8 and up, workshop limited to 30 participants). On Sunday afternoons, children and adolescents can try traditional Inuit games such as the One Foot High Kick or the Kneel Jump to test their physical and mental strength, endurance and agility.

Presented by the Canadian Museum of History.

Location: Bytown Museum, 1 Canal Lane, Ottawa

Saturdays, February 3, 10 and 17, Sundays, February 4, 11 and 18 and Family Day, Monday, February 19, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Stop in and celebrate Ottawa’s history during the weekends of Winterlude. Bring your creativity indoors, enter a winter wonderland, and create your own snowflakes for our Bytown blizzard!

Presented by the Bytown Museum in partnership with the City of Ottawa and the Downtown Rideau BIA.

Location: Various locations throughout Ottawa's great downtown neighbourhood - the Glebe

February 2 to February 19, 2018

Legend has it that snowmen ruled the world during the last ice age. Each year in the heart of winter, they plot their return. Ottawa's Glebe neighbourhood thwarts these plans by building a brigade of friendly snowpeople to save all of humanity. Snowmania is a show of snow for the whole family. Come down to the Glebe and see why it's fast becoming the snowman capital of planet earth!

Location: Confederation Park, Brrr Stage

Saturday, February 3, 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.

Enter the fantastic world of storyteller Benoît Davidson(Website in French only) who sculpts words as people carve wood. Listen carefully as he tells you a tale that he specially prepared for the 40th Winterlude drawing on anecdotes and memories with a vitality that merges the melody of words with interactions with the audience.

Presented in French only.

Location: Jacques-Cartier Park North, Cultural Space

Saturday, February 17, 1 p.m., Sunday, February 18 and Monday, February 19, 10:30 a.m.

The ready, not ready, show! A funny, fast-moving musical show!

Once again Atchoum has big plans! After unexpectedly receiving a message from her adventurous grandpa, Atchoum decides to join him.

She rushes to pack, but is not sure about the mode of transportation she will use to get to her grandfather. There is so much variety; it's a heartbreaking choice, but also a lot of fun! One thing is certain, she cannot leave without her Mozus Machine, her dad’s magical invention.

But the Mozus Machine seems to have some technical problems. With her perseverance and imagination, Atchoum will find solutions for her machines’s malfunctions and finally be ready for the big trip!

Presented in French only.

Location: Confederation Park

From Friday, February 2 to Sunday, February 18, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Monday, February 19, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Delegation of the European Union to Canada is proud to join Winterlude – the National Capital Region’s signature winter festival – for a third consecutive year in 2018. This year, we will present an ice installation comprised of a photo frame, camera and bench, dedicated to the long-standing EU-Canada friendship. 2018 is a significant year for climate action as we are stepping up the Paris Agreement implementation. Canada and the EU will continue to lead and rally the global community in the fight against climate change – no doubt one of the major challenges of our generation. Canada and the EU have much to celebrate in 2018 as we are about to see the benefits of our new generation agreements - the Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA).

Share your photos with friends around the world and make sure to tag us too @EUinCanada & Facebook.com/EUinCanada!

Presented by the Delegation of the European Union to Canada.

Location: Jacques-Cartier Park North

Saturday and Sunday, February 10 and 11, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Discover and Play Kin-ball, Tug-of-war and other sports, or learn about ice fishing with Drop in Sports.

People of all ages are welcome to have fun in the snow. Get into the game and test out moves that you never knew you could do. Form a team with your family, friends, or people you just met. Learn about other sports and physical activities in which you can participate in 2018.

We believe that healthy communities are active communities.

Presented by Drop in Sports.

Tuesday, February 6, 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Wednesday, February 7, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Many snowmen are waiting for you on the University of Ottawa campus, where a Snow Festival is taking place at the same time as Winterlude. You will be amazed by the creativity of our students, who will have 24 hours to build the most imaginative snowmen. Come cheer them on, take pictures, and be there when we announce the winners on Wednesday, February 7 at 12:30 p.m. Note: team of two students.

Presented by the University of Ottawa.

Location: Confederation Park, Circle K Stage

Friday, February 2, starting at 7 p.m.

Celebrate winter in Canada and take part in the launch of the 40th edition of Winterlude.

Arrive early and jump into the parade that will lead you to the Circle K Stage for this year’s opening show.

The one and only André-Philippe Gagnon will kick off the party at 7:30 p.m. with a show specially designed to celebrate the 40 years of Winterlude.

Afterwards, the party continues with DJ 4Korners of the Toronto Raptors who is going to make you bounce.

Location: Jacques-Cartier Park North

Saturday and Sunday, February 3 and 4, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Canadian Rangers are part of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Reserves and work in remote regions. They consist of lightly equipped, self-sufficient mobile forces that provide support for CAF national security and public safety operations within Canada. They regularly train alongside other CAF members to be in a state of preparedness.

Their motto is ‘Vigilans,’ meaning ‘The Watchers.’

Some of the ways they protect Canada include the following:

• Conducting patrols;
• Reporting unusual activities or sightings;
• Collecting local data for the CAF;
• Performing sovereignty or national security duties;
• Assisting in search and rescue efforts;
• Assisting with natural disasters, such as forest fires and floods.

Presented by the Canadian Rangers.

Location: Confederation Park, Brrr Stage

Sundays, February 4, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., February 11, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Monday, February 19, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Inuit youth from across Canada’s Arctic will be on hand to share their unique culture with the public. Their cultural performances will include throat singing, traditional and modern songs and drum dances, as well as demonstrations of Arctic sports. The youth are in Ottawa attending Nunavut Sivuniksavut, a unique college program affiliated with Algonquin College.

Presented by Nunavut Sivuniksavut.

Location: National Gallery of Canada, 380 Sussex Drive, Ottawa

Saturdays, February 10 and 17, Sundays, February 11 and 18 and Monday, February 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Explore the 2017 Canadian Biennial and see the artworks of international contemporary artists. Be inspired by their use of eye-catching glitter and sparkle. Afterwards, at the Artissimo booth, create a jeweled “Model Magic” snow coaster. This activity is included with Gallery admission.

Presented by the National Gallery of Canada.

February 2 to 19

Open daily, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. and on February 19, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Check out Crystal Garden!

Winter Fun! Timeless Memories! Come admire dazzling masterpieces in this enchanted garden and witness a fusion of art, ice and light. Ice carvers from around the world turn blocks of ice into stunning works of art. At night, special lighting turns ice-carving masterpieces into a breathtaking and mystical sight. Renowned Canadian artists will energize your Friday and Saturday evenings!

The park is open at all times to allow the public to view the beautiful ice sculptures.

The programming is offered on Fridays from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Sundays and Family Day, Monday, February 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Location: Jacques-Cartier Park North, Cultural Space

Saturday, February 3, 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. and Sunday, February 4, 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Showcasing veteran musicians Sylvain Grenier and Alain Quirion, CréaSon's WasteWorks is more than just a percussion-themed show: it's also a great way to encourage people's creativity and awaken their awareness of the environment. Playful, inventive and entertaining, WasteWorks offers young people aged 5 to 16 an opportunity to transform salvaged items into wind instruments and experiment with them during the show.

Location: Confederation Park

Saturdays, February 3, 10 and 17, Sundays, February 4, 11 and 18 and Monday, February 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Don’t be afraid of the cold and enter the Lil’ Chillers zone to discover the story of the lost mitten. While getting to know the ice animals that hide inside the mitt, you will participate in various activities and watch the famous mitten grow bigger as the animals hide within.

Presented in collaboration with the Ottawa Art Gallery.

Location: Confederation Park, Brrr Stage

Saturday and Sunday, February 17 and 18, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Discover the secrets behind the magnificent ice sculptures exhibited in the park. Watch and listen to a professional ice-carver who will demonstrate a few carving techniques and the use of special tools to create a work of art from a block of ice.

Presented in collaboration with the Canadian Ice Carvers’ Society.

Friday, February 2, 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Come meet the Ice Hog family and their friends as they welcome everyone at the new site of the Snowflake Kingdom.

Location: Bank of Canada Museum, 30 Bank Street, Ottawa

Saturday and Sunday, February 17 and 18, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Can a beaver pelt be used as money? How does fur from the Canadian woods become a hat in fashionable Paris? Ask a Métis fur trapper and handle some of the genuine articles yourself. Join us for a fascinating Q&A session and ward off that cold with some hot cedar tea.

Presented by the Bank of Canada Museum.

Location: Jacques-Cartier Park North, Cultural Space

Saturdays, February 3, 1 p.m. and February 10 and 17, 10 a.m.

Come and see a live Radio Jeunesse broadcast! Meet our hosts and special guests, participate in games and answer our vox pop questions! Radio Jeunesse is the radio station for all young Francophones across Canada, from ages 8 to 21. Our radio programs are broadcast on 1670 AM and produced entirely by young people.

Location: Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod Street, Ottawa

February 2 to 19, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Mondays except Family Day, February 19)

Immerse yourself in beauty and motion — and escape to Ottawa’s only tropical retreat where the butterflies fly free around you.

From now until April 2, visit the Canadian Museum of Nature’s all-new Butterflies in Flight special exhibition. Timed entry; reservations recommended at nature.ca.

To highlight the special exhibition, don’t miss the Canadian Museum of Nature’s impressive ice sculpture, light exhibit and a unique weekend ice dig activity at Confederation Park.

Presented by the Canadian Museum of Nature.

Location: Confederation Park

Sundays, February 4, 11 and 18, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Join Bytown Museum costumed characters at Confederation Park to explore historical winter stories around the campfire!

Presented in collaboration with the Bytown Museum.

Saturday, February 3, 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and Sunday, February 4, 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.

The Silly People are multi-talented, award-winning international performers from Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario. They have made countless appearances around the world, promoting their silly antics and trying to spread laughter and live theatre to one and all. A comedy based, interactive family show with circus skills, yo-yos, balloons and free candy!

Presented in English only.

Location: Confederation Park

Saturdays, February 3, 10 and 17, and Sundays, February 4, 11 and 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Knit with gigantic stitches and see a monumental mitten come to life before your eyes with the Cactus Yarn Studio. This impressive participatory knitting will create a mitten that is so big that you can crawl inside.

The public is also invited to donate mittens which will be donated to local charities.

Location: Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum, 3929 Carp Road, Carp

Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Mondays to Fridays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Try your hand at being a secret agent as you complete a scavenger hunt, search for and solve clues, and determine the identity of a rogue agent in this remarkable 100,000 square foot underground bunker. Once your mission is complete, the entire family is welcome to enjoy hot chocolate and coding activities in the cafeteria.

Presented by the Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum.

Location: Jacques-Cartier Park North, Cultural Space

Saturday, February 10, 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., Sunday, February 11, 10 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Moving to the rhythms of Quebec's traditional music with a cappella arrangements accompanied by podorythmie (a traditional French Canadian method of tapping one’s feet during musical performances), this ensemble of five male voices, Musique à bouches, is the result of 10 years of rehearsing and training.

Location: Confederation Park, Brrr Stage

Saturday, February 10, at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. and Sunday, February 11 at 2 p.m.

Showcasing veteran musicians Sylvain Grenier and Alain Quirion, Déchets-d’œuvres de CréaSon is more than just a percussion-themed concert: it's also a great way to encourage young people to be creative and be more aware of the environment. Playful, inventive and entertaining, Déchets-d'oeuvres offers young people ages 5 to 16 the opportunity to transform salvaged items into wind instruments and experiment with them during the show.

Location: Jacques-Cartier Park North

Mondays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Take a seat in a bobsleigh. Stop by to take a souvenir photo!

Location: Confederation Park

Saturdays, February 3, 10 and 17, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Kids can become junior carvers, grab a chisel and dig in! Chip away through an ice block like an ice sculptor and extract a special butterfly reward from the Canadian Museum of Nature. Who knows? You might free a Blue Morpho or even a Monarch. Plus, you'll discover cool facts and gain a new appreciation for these winged wonders (minimum age: 7).

Presented by the Canadian Museum of Nature.

Location: Marion Dewar Plaza, Ottawa City Hall

February 2 to 19, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Come skate on the Rink of Dreams, the state-of-the-art refrigerated ice rink, and eat a delicious, local favourite: BeaverTails^TM. Take a tour inside the Barbara Ann Scott Gallery and the Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame.

Skate rentals are available on site.

Location: Marion Dewar Plaza, Ottawa City Hall

Sundays, February 4, 11 and 18, and Monday, February 19, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Ottawa Public Library (OPL) Bookmobile service provides a gateway to the library’s collections and services. Come on board to browse our books, movies, music and magazines for children, teens and adults, and enjoy our free public wifi and Chromebooks. Learn about our mobile maker space by watching a demonstration of our 3D printer, or join us every Sunday at 11 a.m. for a bilingual children’s story time. Please note that the bookmobile is wheelchair accessible.

Presented by the Ottawa Public Library.

Sunday, February 18, 8 a.m.

Take part in this official Winterlude event and celebrate Canada in winter by becoming a Winterman finisher.

The War Museum provides a stunning backdrop to this prestigious annual event – Canada's Winter Marathon.

All finishers will receive a finishers’ medal, a souvenir shirt, a performance certificate, an official time, and a true National Capital Region Winterlude experience.

Presented by the Somersault Event Series.

Location: In downtown Rideau at Ogilvy Square (Nicholas Street between Rideau and Besserer Streets)

February 2 to 19, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

As part of Chill Factor, the Chill Lounge is a “cool” space to “chillax” during Winterlude. This winter oasis of evergreen trees, muskoka-style chairs and snow art is a great public space to kick-back to catch some rays, snowflakes or take selfies with your bestie. Grab a coffee on Rideau Street and enjoy music piped outdoor. Download the Chill Factor app to use our souvenir RideauCam frames for your selfies and to see our directory of what’s on, and in, Downtown Rideau.

Presented by the Downtown Rideau Business Improvement Area (B.I.A.).

Location: Marion Dewar Plaza, Ottawa City Hall

Saturday, February 3, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays, February 10 and 17, Sundays, February 4, 11 and 18 and Monday, February 19, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Push your limits with the Altitude Gym climbing tower! Four different courses await climbers of all kinds. Equip yourself with a harness, securely fasten up and you are ready to take on the height challenge, grip by grip! Once at the top, let yourself go down slowly, held by our auto-belay system. An exciting activity that could give you ideas of greatness!

Presented by Altitude Gym.

Location: Confederation Park, Brrr Stage

Sunday, February 18, 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Participate in a dance workshop focused on expressive movement, imagination and improvisation. In a fun and interactive setting, participants of all ages discover their creative potential and explore the pleasure of moving on various themes and music. Subsequently, choreographer Julie Pilon invites you to create a group dance inspired by the feast of winter, to experience a unique and intense moment!

Location: Jacques-Cartier Park North

February 2 to 19

Mondays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sundays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Zoom down the tube slides that will give you a rush at top speed! Get ready for an exciting sliding experience on the Tim Hortons Chinook, Iceberg and Glacier.

Fun and laughter guaranteed for the whole family!

Location: Jacques-Cartier Park North

Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, February 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17 and 18, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Come and meet Josh Dagg, a woodcarving artist from the Outaouais region. Have your photo taken with one of the wooden animals he has created before your eyes.

Location: Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Park, 1000 Exhibition Way, Ottawa

Friday, February 16, 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. and Saturday February 17, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.

The Ottawa Winter Brewfest returns to Lansdowne Park for the fourth consecutive year. True to form, the Ottawa Winter Brewfest is the ideal place to discover a wide range of Ontario and Quebec craft beers and sample delicious food prepared by local chefs. This year, for the first time, the event will be held in the bigger and better Aberdeen Pavilion in order to accommodate even more breweries and festival-goers! Reserve your spot today for one of the festival’s three sessions. Ages 19 and older. Tickets now on sale.

Location: Jacques-Cartier Park North

February 2 to 19

Mondays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sundays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Guaranteed fun with giant versions of some of our favourite family games, including Connect Four, Tic Tac Toe and an obstacle course!

Location: Confederation Park, Brrr Stage

Saturday, February 10, 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Dance to the rhythm of folk music and let yourself be guided by the “call” of La Ridaine group. You’ll be invited to sing, to play the spoons or play the jigging-man for a fun time to the traditional sound and lively music of our living musical heritage!

Presented in French only.

Location: Jacques-Cartier Park North

Saturday, February 3, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Roving Historica Canada quizmasters will be on site to test your knowledge. Show us how much you know about our country’s history, geography, politics and culture. Win great prizes and the admiration of your friends and family.

Presented by Historica Canada.

Location: Confederation Park, Brrr Stage

Saturday, February 10, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Ice carvers face off in a friendly ice-carving championship. Come cheer them on, and vote for your favourite sculpture!

Presented in collaboration with the Canadian Ice Carvers’ Society.

Saturday, February 17, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Bytown Museum’s ice sculpture demonstration will honour the 40th edition of Winterlude, as well as the tall ships moored in the historic Rideau Canal. Children can participate in fun-filled activities where they can learn how to work with snow and ice. The Bytown Museum will also host a lecture about the history of tall ships in Ottawa. See them anchored in the canal as you watch the ice sculpture take shape. Enjoy hot chocolate and hot apple cider.

Presented by the Bytown Museum in partnership with the City of Ottawa and the Downtown Rideau BIA.

Location: Confederation Park

February 2 to 19, daily, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and on February 19, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Butterflies are indicators of a thriving ecosystem. More butterfly species mean more plant variety, and so more biodiversity. This beautiful ice-carving will be on display at Confederation Park.

From now until April 2, the Canadian Museum of Nature presents these essential and exquisite creatures in Butterflies in Flight — Ottawa’s only tropical retreat where you can immerse yourself in beauty and motion as the butterflies fly free around you.

Presented by the Canadian Museum of Nature.

Location: Jacques-Cartier Park North

February 2 to 19

Mondays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sundays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Play structures and traditional games for little tykes to enjoy!

Location: Marion Dewar Plaza, Ottawa City Hall

Saturday, February 3, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays, February 10, 17, Sundays, February 4, 11, 18 and Monday, February 19, 11 a.m. to 5 p. m.

A retrospective photography exhibition of the Sirmilik National Park by Parks Canada Northern Outreach Students. Photographs taken in the Arctic during the summer of 2017 are displayed for your enjoyment. On weekends, some of the students will be on hand to tell you about their adventures in the Canadian North.

Presented by Parks Canada.

Location: Rideau Canal Skateway at Fifth Avenue

Sunday, February 18, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

For this 40th Winterlude, we are bringing back an old tradition, the Waiters’ and Waitresses’ Race on Ice. Teams will put their teamwork, agility, patience and precision to the test. The team will be comprised of restaurants, bars and hotels in the National Capital Region that will have registered a team. Registration is presently open and the first 40 teams will be guaranteed a spot.

Location: Sens Rink of Dreams, Marion Dewar Plaza, Ottawa City Hall

Saturday, February 3
First session: 8:30 a.m. to 8:50 a.m.
Second session: 9 a.m. to 9:20 a.m.
Third session: 9:30 a.m. to 9:50 a.m. 

Spend a cold, bright winter morning learning how to dance on ice! The German ice dancers, Ria Schwendinger and Valentin Wunderlich, who ranked among the top ten in the 2017 World Junior Championships, will be on the Sens Rink of Dreams to teach children from ages 4 to 17 how to glide and twirl on the ice. Will you be a future professional ice dancing talent like Ria and Valentin? Bring your skates and go for it!

Presented by the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Location: Confederation Park, Brrr Stage

Sunday, February 11, 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. (Round 1), 11:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Round 2) and 12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. (Finale)

See Canadian ice carvers in action in this friendly challenge and cheer on your favourite sculpture!

Presented in collaboration with the Canadian Ice Carvers’ Society.