Ice-Sculptures & BeaverTails – Welcome to Ottawa’s Winterlude

Posted on: February 10, 2016
Posted by: Sue Riggs

This is why they love Winter!!!

 I was fortunate enough to be invited to Ottawa for the 37^th opening ceremony of Winterlude festival.  This is Ottawa’s celebration of winter and all the activities and events on offer between January 30^th and February 16^th 2015.

 It started on Friday January 30th with open air performances and music in Confederation Park-Crystal Garden. This was also the beginning of the Ice-Carving competition. The carvers had until 12noon on Sunday to complete their master pieces and wow they were all amazing.  How they can create these magnificent sculptures out of blocks of ice is unbelievable. Ice sculptures could also be found outside all of the official Winterlude hotels.

 The world’s largest skating rink, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is here in Ottawa.  The Rideau Canal Skate way is open from January to late February (weather permitting). Hire skates or a sled from one of the huts on the canal or take your own.  Access to the canal is free for anyone to use so don’t miss out; just wrap up warm as it was -25 when we visited. To help warm up try one of Ottawa’s famous BeaverTails (a pastry in the shape of a Beaver tail.), my favourite had to be the Maple Syrup topping.

 Visit Jacques Cartier Park-Snowflake Kingdom with its super slides and magnificent snow sculptures. Race your friends down the slides or visit the Extreme Zone with its Zip line, maze, go-karts and adventure course.  In the evenings it lights up with special effects and DJ rhythms. Look out for the Ice-Hog family as they are known to hang out here.

 Along with all of the outdoor activities on offer there are events happening in many of Ottawa’s fascinating museums, and a good opportunity to grab a hot drink and defrost.

 For further details please call us on 01323 446550 or Email to info@experienceholidays.co.uk

Courtesy of Sue Riggs