Ottawa Start - News and events in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Arts & Entertainment

Business

Community

Kids & Families

Homes & Living

News

Shopping & Services

Sports & Healthy Living

Tourism & Attractions

Partner Links

Winterlude Fireworks from 2011. This year's fireworks are on Friday, February 3. Photo by Chuck Clark.

Ottawa Winterlude Guide - February 3-20, 2012

Put on your hats, scarves and mitts, and come out to celebrate the joys of winter in Canada’s Capital Region from February 3 to 20, 2012. The festival features ice sculptures, a playground made of snow, performers and best of all, the Rideau Canal — the world's longest skating rink.

The latest Winterlude 2012 headlines

About this year's Winterlude

American Express® Winterlude Opening
Canadian Museum of Civilization, February 3
The celebration begins. Outdoors and indoors, visitors will experience warmth and revelry as Winterlude presents Fire and Lights from 1812 to 2012: Forging the Canadian Spirit. More info...
Official Winterlude Sites
Winterlude activities will take place on the Rideau Canal Skateway, at Snowflake Kingdom in Jacques-Cartier Park, and at Rogers Crystal Garden in Confederation Park.
Rideau Canal Skateway
This winter marks the 42nd season of skating on the Rideau Canal Skateway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The world's largest skating rink will host many Winterlude activities, so sharpen your skates for a unique outdoor experience. More info...
Rogers Crystal Garden in Confederation Park
Visitors to Rogers Crystal Garden will be able to admire masterpieces and witness a fusion of art and ice. At night, special lighting will turn the ice-carving masterpieces into a breathtaking sight. More info...
Snowflake Kingdom in Jacques-Cartier Park
On this official site, the NCC and the Ville de Gatineau create the biggest snow playground on the continent. Jacques-Cartier Park is a place to celebrate the pleasures of a Canadian winter with activities inspired by Canada’s past and our winter traditions. More info...
Ontario Family Day
Winterlude celebrations continue on main sites for Ontario Family Day, Monday, February 20th.
Taste of Winterlude
Earlier this month, the NCC and American Express announced the menu for the seventh edition of Taste of Winterlude. This signature program will offer more unique culinary “experiences” than ever before. The popular food events highlight Canadian products and celebrate the creativity and talent of some of Canada’s top chefs, sommeliers, and winemakers. More info...
Environmental protection
For the first time ever, both Winterlude 2012 and the Rideau Canal Skateway will be carbon neutral. In 2012, the carbon footprint will be calculated for both programs by collecting fuel, energy and waste data from NCC staff, contractors and program artists. The carbon footprint will then be offset through the purchase of high quality, reliable carbon credits. Other carbon neutral NCC signature programs include Canada Day and Christmas Lights Across Canada.

Transportation / Parking / Public Transit (from 2011)

Several roads will be closed during the three weekends of Winterlude, including parts of Laurier Avenue and Queen Elizabeth Drive in Ottawa, and several streets in Gatineau near Jacques Cartier Park. Full list of Winterlude road closures...
The Sno-Bus is a shuttle that servers official Winterlude sites. It's free. Here's a PDF map of bus stop locations. More info about the Sno-Bus...
Parking is at a premium, but some popular places to leave your car for skating on the canal include Carleton University near Dow's Lake, side streets along both sides of the Canal in Centretown, the Glebe and Ottawa South, and parking garages at the Rideau Centre and Byward Market. Good luck!
A better bet for parking is to find a lot near an O-Train station, then take the O-Train to Carling. You'll be right across the street from Dow's Lake, and in range of the Sno-Bus shuttle to get to any other Winterlude site.

Essential Links

Official Winterlude Web site
Skating on the Rideau Canal
Rideau Canal skating conditions
(alternate link: Rideau Canal Conditions)
Frugal Fun Ottawa's Winterlude picks
OttawaStart Blog: Winterlude
OttawaStart Events
Our twitter feed of upcoming events and happenings in Ottawa -- covering arts, entertainment, food, business, family events and more.

Ottawa Hotels Guide
Make your reservation at one of dozens of hotels in the Ottawa area. Hotels in Downtown, Gatineau, Kanata and the surrounding area.

Winterlude Facts

Winterlude was created in 1979 by the NCC as a means of celebrating Canada’s unique northern climate and culture.
Every year, more than 650,000 fun-seekers take part in Winterlude activities. More than a third of the visitors are from outside the Capital region.
In a 2004 survey, it was estimated that Winterlude-related spending generated a total of $151.7 million of economic activity in Ontario and Quebec — $82.5 million within Canada’s Capital Region.
Over 800 generous people volunteer for the NCC during Winterlude.
The Ice Hog Family, Winterlude’s loveable mascots, travel to Canada’s Capital Region every winter to celebrate Winterlude. The members of the family are Mama and Papa Ice Hog and their children, Noumi and Nouma.
Most Winterlude activities are free of charge, but registration and admission fees may apply to certain sporting events and shows.
Source: Winterlude web site