Winterlude takes place in in Ottawa, Ontario every weekend between
February 1-17, 2008.
The festival features Ice sculptures, a playground made of snow, buskers,
concerts, and best of all, the Rideau Canal
— the world's longest skating rink.
NCC SET
FOR A FINAL WEEKEND OF ENTICING WINTERLUDE ACTIVITIES: The
National Capital Commission (NCC) is pleased to invite residents and
visitors to take part in the third and final weekend of the 30th edition
of Winterlude, Canada’s winter celebration, which kicked-off
on February 1 and ends on February 17.
NCC
TO OPEN SECTION OF RIDEAU CANAL SKATEWAY BETWEEN DOWS LAKE AND BANK
STREET: The National Capital Commission (NCC) is pleased
to announce to users of the Rideau Canal Skateway that the section
between Dows Lake to Bank Street will open tomorrow, Friday, February
1, 2008. As of 7 am, skaters will have access to 7 kilometres of the
world's largest skating rink in time for the first weekend of Winterlude.
STREET
CLOSURES DURING WINTERLUDE 2008: The National Capital
Commission (NCC) would like to advise residents and visitors of the
street closures that will take place during the 30th edition of Winterlude,
which will be held in Canada’s Capital Region from February
1 to 17, 2008.
Winterlude
Safety Tips for your vehicle: Winterlude festivities
begin this weekend and with it, there will also be the unfortunate
possibility of becoming the victim of a theft from your car or damage
to property.
Taste of
Winterlude: Presented by American Express for a third
consecutive year, the Taste of Winterlude program is an initiative
aimed to entice residents and visitors to dine out and perhaps try
a restaurant that they have yet to experience. This program continues
to grow, 47 restaurants have signed-up for this program this year
and have created special prix fixe menus from January 24 to February
10, 2008.
Winterlude was founded in 1979 by the National Capital Commission
(NCC) as a means of celebrating Canada's unique northern climate and
culture.
Each year, more than 650,000 fun-seekers took part in Winterlude
activities. More than a third of those visits were by people from
outside the Capital Region.
Every year, Winterlude attracts thousands of artists, athletes and
visitors from across Canada and around the world.
The success of Winterlude rests on the support - both financial
and in donated services - of the private sector, local collaborators,
the media and the community.
In a 2000 survey, it was estimated that Winterlude generated over
$70 million of spending in the region and throughout the provinces
of Ontario and Quebec.
Over 800 generous people volunteer for the NCC during Winterlude.
The Ice Hog Family, Winterlude's loveable mascots, travel to the
Nation's Capital every winter to celebrate Winterlude. The members
of the family are Mama and Papa Ice Hog and their children, Noumi
and Nouma.
The many Winterlude activity venues are accessible every day (except
Jacques-Cartier Park in Gatineau (Hull area), which is closed Mondays
and Tuesdays); however, special activities take place over all three
Winterlude weekends.
Most Winterlude activities are free of charge, but registration
and admission fees may apply to certain sporting events and shows.
