Winterlude festival, which takes place during the first three weekends of February every year in the Ottawa region, is one of the best ways to enjoy the Canadian winter!

 Winterlude Festival: Ottawa 

Lots of events in Canada can make you fall in love with the country. Exciting stuff to discover in Canada, includes International film festivals to Edmonton folk festivals, from light festivals to well-known food festivals. There is also a large bouquet of winter festivals that should not be missed while visiting Canada like Winterlude, the most famous and attractive winter festival. 

For first-time visitors,  Ottawa is one place that must be on the itinerary. Even if you dislike winter and are wary of the cold, dry weather, you may well be impressed by Canada's festive atmosphere that will make you fall in love with the season.

Winterlude Festival Activities

The great Winterlude Festival: In Ottawa, the Winterlude festival is a celebration of Canadian culture, a truly mesmerising experience for outsiders. You can participate in various events along with friends and family.  Activities like skating, ice and snow sculpture competitions, and many other types of concerts draw huge crowds to the fun-destination.

Started as a fun event in 1979, it is now organised by the Canadian Heritage Department. Winterlude brings the best out of every participant and encourages you to enjoy the magical wonderland of Ottawa. Unlike others, the Winterlude festival is completely free. The festival starts in February and continue for three weekends.

The sites of Winterlude include Confederation Park, Jacques-Cartier-Park,  and the Rideau Canal skateway, the focal point of the Winterlude festival.

Among other activities, ice sculpture making is extremely popular. The ice sculptures fitted with gleaming lights creates an aura of blissfulness. Enthusiastic participants showcase their talent using multiple shades of light. The festival is unique and acts as a magnet to attract tourist, who get to enjoy the enchanting season of ice and snow. A live music concert, an outdoor dance party, ice-carving competitions and workshops are some other features on display beside the opportunity to enjoy road trips in winter.

Fun Festival Winterlude

Canada is replete with many entertaining festivals giving you an experience of a lifetime.  There are also lots of interesting events and fun-loving activities designed for children. Giant games, kiddie zone, the Snowflake Kingdom at Jacques Cartier Park are some places that become a playground in freezing temperatures. 

People spend hours with children who are taking free lessons for snowboarding. If you love skating and ice sliding, the Rideau Canal Stateway is your ideal location. You might get lucky to experience adventurous skating there, however, it would be best to inquire about the place as the canal is in poor shape. Besides skating, the Ice dragon boat race also adds charm to the festival. Where else you can enjoy a boat-race competition in the middle of winter?

For youngsters, the nightlife in Ottawa presents exciting opportunities. Relishing with friends in an outdoor dance party, enjoying live band music and if you like Jazz, Winterlude is the place to be. Apart from this, Spark street offers Kickoff party, various live events and other light festivals. 

Beyond that, The Byward Market is a foodie's paradise. Your family can join you on this adventurous food trip. From free Wagon rides to Winter food tour, the place is brimming with energy.

Winterlude Packing Guide

 In February, the weather in Ottawa is unpredictable.  It is advisable to pack with caution as harsh winter may greet you. You can enjoy the Winterlude festival only if you are properly prepared with an extra pair of warm clothes, gloves, woollen socks and other basic necessities. If you enjoy skating, good quality boots should be packed. Different other accessories like scarf, hat,  sunglasses, cream and lip balm are some other items of need.

Extraordinary events organised at Winterlude turns it into a magical wonderland. It is a place to make your memories for a lifetime.  You also get to experience and participate in other unique Canadian cultural events fire festival. This festival offers the best in Canada,  its culture, lifestyle, and a marvellous opportunity to experience all of it for some days.

Photo courtesy: Google