Winterlude and Skating on the Rideau Canal - Ottawa, Ontario
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Weathervane
N 45° 25.195 W 075° 41.412
18T E 446000 N 5029831
Winterlude, Canada's winter celebration, takes place along the Rideau Canal Skateway and at other sites in the National Capital Region during the first three weekends of February in Ottawa, Ontario and Gatineau, Quebec.
Waymark Code: WMDA6G
Location: Ontario, Canada
Date Posted: 12/12/2011
Views: 54
"Winterlude, Canada's National Capital’s winter celebration, is held in Ottawa–Gatineau each February. It was created in 1979 to celebrate Canada’s unique northern climate and culture. The Winterlude festivities are focused in three main locations described as follows:
The ice sculptures, created at Chrystal Garden at Confederation Park, are a highlight of Winterlude. Ice carvers from around the world turned blocks of ice into stunning works of art. At night, coloured lights reveal the magical beauty of the ice sculptures.
At the Snowflake Kingdom in Jacques Cartier Park, in Gatineau, Quebec, you will experience the fun of winter at the biggest snow playground on the continent! It is the place to be for the young and the young at heart. The playground features snow slides, snow sculptures, obstacle courses, kicksleds, horse-drawn sleigh rides, craft lessons and more.
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.
Winterlude is also very closely associated with the Rideau Canal, which is both a World Heritage Site and recognized by the Guiness Book of World Records as being the largest naturally frozen ice rink in the world.
Equal to 90 Olympic-size skating rinks, the 7.8 km Rideau Canal Skateway winds its way through the heart of the Canadian Capital from Dow Lake to the National Arts Centre. It's open for free, and lined with snack stands, souvenir shops and skate rental booths.
And this year, new and unique shelters have been installed for use by visitors wishing to warm up or put on their skates. The shelters are truly remarkable.
During your visit, you will have the opportuntiy to meet the Ice Hog family, the beloved mascots of Winterlude at all of the sites including the Rideau Canal Skateway."
Text adapted from Capitale: (
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