If you are looking for a great winter festival, then you should head to Ottawa. The Winterlude is an annual winter festival that is held in February every year in Ottawa. This event started in 1979 and still continues today. This festival draws lots of tourists every year. It is estimated that more than a million people attend the event. Here are some of the things you can do at the festival.
Skating
The Rideau Canal Skateway is about 7.8 kilometers and it is the largest rink in the entire world. There is another smaller rink, the Canada 150 Rink, that you can try as well. So, you should practice skating before coming to the festival so that you can participate in the skating event as well.
Snowflake Kingdom
It is a snow park with snow sculptures, ice slides and other interesting and fun activities for the children. At night, the snow sculptures are illuminated and the sight is breathtaking. You can make your own snowman. You can slip and slide on the snow and have great fun!
Sculpture competition
If you want to participate in sculpture competition, you should go to the Confederation Park, also known as Crystal Garden. You can go to the ice lounge and enjoy musical concerts as well. You can watch skating show, art displays and enjoy DJ dance parties. Workshops are organized for kids. They can learn how to make ice sculpture as well.
Museum exhibits
You will be able to see special exhibits in the Ottawa museums because of this festival. You must visit the Ottawa National Gallery. Other special events are also held in various streets in the city.
Skiing
You can participate in the cross-country skiing competition or watch the racers get ready for the awesome race. Thousands of spectators gather at the competition.
Besides these activities, you will enjoy the food there. You will find lots of restaurants and food stalls set up just for the event. You can simply walk around the city and enjoy the beautiful view. You will get Sno-Bus shuttle during the event, so you can easily take a ride. Most of the activities at the festival are free. So, you can participate. You can take lots of beautiful photographs and take the memory with you. Make sure you bring your best camera and other accessories with you. If you love winter activities, then you should visit Ottawa in February every year for the Winterlude festival. You will have a great time with your family.