Backgrounder –  40^th Edition of Winterlude

February 2 to 19, 2018

Winterlude transforms Canada’s Capital Region into the ideal destination to celebrate Canadian traditions in wintertime. Activities for everyone are taking place at the Snowflake Kingdom in Jacques-Cartier Park North in Gatineau, at the Crystal Garden in Confederation Park (including Marion Dewar Plaza at Ottawa City Hall), and on the Rideau Canal Skateway in Ottawa, as well as at various partner sites across the region.

Crystal Garden in Confederation Park, Ottawa

“Winter Fun! Timeless Memories!” carved in ice.

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-carved masterpieces into a breathtaking and magical sight. Some of the Park’s highlights include:

• the Winterlude Kick-off Celebration, featuring André-Philippe Gagnon
• the Sub-Zero Concerts
• majestic ice sculptures, including a 40^th Winterlude ice sculpture, a Trotting on the Canal ice sculpture, a PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games ice sculpture, a Canadian Museum of Nature “Butterfly in Flight” ice sculpture and a Delegation of the European Union ice sculpture
• a special ice exhibit marking the last 40 years of Winterlude
• Inuit experiences with Nunavut Sivuniksavut

Snowflake Kingdom in Jacques-Cartier Park North, Gatineau – New location, same fun!

Take part in “Winter Pleasures”—with the Ice Hog family!

Snowflake Kingdom in Jacques-Cartier Park North, co-produced by Canadian Heritage and the Ville de Gatineau, is a huge winter playground and the home-away-from-home of Winterlude’s furry mascots, the Ice Hog family. Outfitted with larger-than-life snow slides and magnificent snow sculptures, Snowflake Kingdom provides enjoyment for people of all ages. A few of the highlights are:

• Super Slides on tubes
• Digital Art Projection
• Explore the Unexpected with Parks Canada
• Dog Sledding
• Meet the Canadian Rangers
• Extreme Aerial Acrobatic and Trampo-Wall Show
• Aboriginal Experiences – Indigenous Village
• Challenge yourself in the Gatineau Cadet Corps Obstacle Course

Rideau Canal Skateway

Celebrating 48 seasons of skating!

Set in a UNESCO world heritage site, the world’s largest skating rink will host a variety of activities—so sharpen your blades for a unique Canadian outdoor winter experience! During Winterlude, the Rideau Canal Skateway will be centre stage for several events, including:

• special performances at the OLG Sno-Bus Station
• Nokia Skating Lessons
• the 2^nd Ottawa Ice Dragon Boat Festival
• the 35^th annual Winterlude Triathlon
• the 38^th annual Accora Village Bed Race
• Waiters’ and Waitresses’ Race on Ice

The National Capital Commission is the custodian of the Rideau Canal Skateway and steward of the official sites.

Programming Partners

More partners, more diversity, more fun!

For the 40^th edition of Winterlude, nearly 50 programming partners have come together to offer a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities, including:

• Embassy of Germany to Canada Skating Show
• 40^th Gatineau Loppet
• Gatineau Winter Beerfest and Ottawa Winter Brewfest
• Winterman Marathon and Marathon Relays
• ByWard Market’s Annual Winterlude Stew Cook-Off
• Downtown Rideau Chill Factor’s Chill Lounge
• Cool Science Saturday at the Canada Science and Technology Museum
• Fête et frissons at the Shenkman Arts Centre
• Mosaïvernales
• Canadian Ski Patrol Day, Guinness World Record Snow Angels Attempt
• and much, much more!

Canadian Heritage is proud to present Winterlude with the support of the following official sponsors and site partners: Ville de Gatineau, City of Ottawa, National Capital Commission, OLG – Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, Enbridge, Tim Hortons, Nokia, Fairmont Château Laurier, The Westin Ottawa, Lord Elgin, Parks Canada, Delegation of the European Union to Canada, Canadian Museum of Nature, Ottawa Art Gallery, Aboriginal Experiences, Motivate Canada, Historica Canada, Association des stations de ski du Québec, Société de transport de l’Outaouais, OC Transpo, and many others, including the region’s hospitality industry. Special thanks to the hundreds of volunteers who contribute their time, talent and energy during the Capital’s winter celebration.

Follow Winterlude on Twitter (#Winterlude), Facebook and Instagram.

Canadians can find out more about Winterlude at 1-844-878-8333 (toll free) or canada.ca/winterlude.