Winterlude Celebrates Canada’s Diversity

From: Canadian Heritage

News release

OTTAWA, December 13, 2018

Greg Fergus, Member of Parliament (Hull–Aylmer), today unveiled the new vision and programming for Winterlude 2019. Mr. Fergus made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism.

Organized by Canadian Heritage, this flagship event in the winter tourism season will celebrate Canadian diversity in Canada’s Capital Region.

The 41st Winterlude offers a more urban experience with new destinations, including the ByWard Market and Sparks Street, in Ottawa. Through new partnerships, the event better reflects and represents all Canadians.

From February 1 to 18, 2019, Canada’s Capital Region will host a multitude of activities highlighting our country’s cultural, artistic and culinary diversity. Indigenous culture will be in the spotlight during the first weekend of festivities, while LGBTQ2+ culture, history and pride will be the focus of the program for the second.

In addition to such popular Winterlude highlights as the slides at the Snowflake Kingdom, the Rideau Canal Skateway, snow and ice sculptures, the Ice Hog family, and the traditional BeaverTails® pastries, an even richer and more varied program awaits visitors in 2019.

This year’s theme says it all: “THIS is Winterlude!”

Quotes

“From February 1 to 18, 2019, enjoy a bright, urban winter experience! Regardless of your age or interests, whether you’re from Canada’s Capital Region or elsewhere in the country or the world, I invite you to take part in the 41st Winterlude. Come celebrate Canadian diversity with us in the heart of winter!”

—The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism

“This winter, Winterlude is being refreshed so that it will remain a favourite attraction in Canada’s Capital Region. The new destinations will revitalize the visitor experience and offer an even more diverse lineup. I encourage everyone to discover this year’s festival. There will be something for everyone!”

—Greg Fergus, Member of Parliament (Hull–Aylmer)

Quick facts

  • Winterlude will take place on the weekends from February 1 to 18, 2019 in Ottawa–Gatineau. All destinations will remain open Monday, February 18, Family Day in Ontario.

  • While continuing to offer such iconic activities as skating on the Rideau Canal Skateway and the slides at the Snowflake Kingdom, this year’s Winterlude will include new destinations: the ByWard Market, Sparks Street, Downtown Rideau, and the Glebe!

  • The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) is the presenting sponsor of the Rideau Canal Skateway and official sponsor of the Sno-Bus. The Snowflake Kingdom is presented by Tim Hortons. The Rideau Carleton Raceway Casino is the presenting sponsor of the SubZero Electro DJ Nights in the ByWard Market.

  • Winterlude is made possible thanks to the support of around 700 volunteers.

  • Visitors are encouraged to use the free Winterlude OLG Sno-Bus shuttle service.

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Associated links

Contacts

For more information (media only), please contact:

Simon Ross
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism
819-997-7788

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
pch.media-media.pch@canada.ca

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