Ottawa, ON – The 36th edition of Winterlude runs from January 31 to February 17, 2014. Winterlude is an annual festival in Ottawa, Ontario and Gatineau, Quebec that celebrates winter. Winterlude is run by the National Capital Commission and was started in 1979. The event is one of Ottawa’s most important tourist draws, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. In 2007, it set a new attendance record of an estimated 1.6 million.
The Winterlude festivities are focused in three main locations:
- The Crystal Garden, in Confederation Park, is home to amazing ice sculptures.
- The Snowflake Kingdom, in Jacques-Cartier Park, is a kid’s paradise with snow slides and no shortage of outdoor fun.
- The Rideau Canal Skateway, which winds its way through downtown Ottawa, is the world’s largest skating rink.
On Tuesday, January 28, 2014, the 27th Crystal Garden International Ice-Carving Competition began with professional ice-carvers from around the world setting to work in the Crystal Garden (Confederation Park) transforming blocks of ice into works of art. Sunday, February 2, 2014 honours were presented for the best works of art.
For more information on Winterlude visit Canadian Heritage website.
