Winterlude has wrapped up for another year. It’s a family tradition for many including mine. My grandmother took me there, I took my son and extended family with their little ones, and recently brought my boyfriend to experience this yearly event. It’s been a tradition I watch grow and change over the course of time but unfortunately, I found that this year lacked the luster it used to have.
Ice sculptures were always held in Confederation Park and this year we had to walk all over the place trying to find it; and when we did, there were only a hand full of participants. Just a few years ago there seemed like more than 40+ ice sculptures to capture your heart. The gigantic ice slides I kept talking about to him were gone, no more fireworks, and fewer snow sculptures. It broke my heart to see a tradition I hold so precious in my heart starting to die off. At least, that was the impression it gave. When I asked around, I learned that there was some budget cuts, and well things just weren’t as they used to be. The attendance continues to draw fewer crowds. Another vendor told me that due to it being Canada’s 150 birthday that the funding for other events following the festivities has had an unfortunate ripple effect - although all this is just speculation.
For those who may not know what Winterlude is, let me explain this wonderful event to you. First, we drove 8 hours (that’s right 8 hours) in blizzard conditions to attend. That’s how much I love this festival. Winterlude (Bal De Neige), also… wait for it… FREE! and FAMILY FRIENDLY! I get excited about things like this because free is rare and when you have a family free is AWESOME!
There are so many things you can enjoy such as skating on the world’s largest skating rink the Rideau Canal. Ice conditions were poor the day I took this photo due to the blizzard conditions but we made the best of it ( there is a website that lets you know which sections are clear for skating and which sections may be poor due to weather conditions which can be found here: http://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/rideau-canal-skateway )
The Snow Bus takes you around to the different locations (for free) approx. every 15 minutes as the festivities are spread out between Ottawa and Gatineau. But please don’t let that scare you as most (if not all) who run the event are bilingual so speaking french isn’t a necessity to have a good time.
In Gatineau, you are taken to Jaques Cartier Park where you can find snow sculptures, tubing for all ages, live bands (I seen an awesome Brazilian Drumming Group when I arrived), and more.
Air Miles sponsored a free hot chocolate booth at the park when you showed your rewards card and gave away cute winter hats with each cocoa. Tim Hortons was also giving away free hot chocolate and coffee in downtown Ottawa, The Royal Canadian Mint was giving out a fresh pressed Winterlude coin to each family, another vendor (can’t remember the name) was giving out free hot dogs at lunch, and so much more.
At night you could find free concerts with various performers and DJ’s. The crowd was either dancing or trying to keep warm, but what was awesome was how much everyone was having a great time. The location of the stage was right in the heart of downtown Ottawa so it was a good location for those who were from out of town and staying at hotels.
What was cool to see was that the traditional maple syrup candy was still there. There is nothing aside from eating Beaver Tails (fried dough - not real beaver tails), makes me feel more Canadian than eating these bad boys from Temples.
If by chance the weather turns ugly or gets too cold (you are in Canada remember) you can register for a free tour of Ottawa’s Parliament Buildings. Each tour offers it in French or English, but reservations need to be made online. Once you book your slot, you can show the security your e-ticket to be let in. The link for this tour can be found here: https://visit.parl.ca/sites/Visit/default/en_CA
The only tour that is currently unavailable to the general public is in the main building here (see photo) known as Centre Block as it’s down for renovations. From what I was told, it could be down for reno’s for the next 10 years so don’t hold your breath anytime soon. This was the tour I took a few years back and I really enjoyed it. Our tour guide told us of the Easter Eggs in the building which made me appreciate it in a new light. I won’t reveal what those easter eggs are. You will have to find out yourself.
There is so much to do in downtown Ottawa during Winterlude, don’t let this wonderful event escape you. Family fun, educational, and while cold yes… We are Canadian! Come out and support this amazing festival.