Looking for a great escape this winter - and a reason to celebrate the white stuff - check out Winterlude in Ottawa from February 5 to 21: three fun-filled weekends to enjoy with the family.
To give you the inside perspective we chatted with Denise LeBlanc of the National Capital Commission's Winterlude Team. Here's the scoop.
For people unfamiliar with the event what is it and why is it so exciting?
Winter in the Capital is actually my favourite season! There's nothing like it - people here embrace the cold and the snow, and truly revel in it and everything that it has to offer. It's something that unites us as Canadians, and it's something that we, along with residents and visitors to the Capital, celebrate with Winterlude - Canada's Winter Celebration. For the first three weekends in February Canada's Capital Region is transformed into the ideal destination to enjoy Canadian winter traditions.
What are some of the key highlights people can expect to see from this year's Winterlude?
We're very excited about the 32nd edition of Winterlude - we have a wide range of activites planned, with something for everyone!
New this year, we are partnering with the Canadian Museum of Civilization to offer a winter evening like no other: the American Express Winterlude Opening. This multi-sensory event features some truly innovative programming both outside and inside the Museum, with the evening highlight being a dazzling musical fireworks display. The evening is also celebrated in Major's Hill Park with interactive art displays, ski and snowboard shows by the Flying Canucks, and it's a perfect vantage point to watch the fireworks. The giant snowslides in Sun Life Snowflake Kingdom at Jacques-Cartier Park are always super-popular with families, and the incredible ice sculptures in Rogers Crystal Garden at Confederation Park will take your breath away. Of course,
the anchor for Winterlude as always is the Rideau Canal Skateway. This year the Skateway is celebrating its 40th season of skating. And after you've worked up an appetite from skating, we have a host of suggestions for dining. Taste of Winterlude returns for a fifth year with a full serving of dining experiences and prix-fixe menus. Visit our website Winterlude.gc.ca for more details.
Why is winter the ideal time to get out and be active in your own community/in Canada?
Watch kids playing outside after the first snowfall - snow is like a giant toy that falls from the sky. You can do so much with it...skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing, or even something as simple as building a snowman or making a snow angel. Getting out and enjoying winter is an integral part of growing up Canadian, and it's a great way to stay in shape, connected to your community, and young at heart."
To learn more about Winterlude and to plan your trip click here.
