Where Ottawa Magazine Winter Spring 2018 | Page 23

The Ultimate Winter Wonderland:
WinTerlUde
Feb. 2 to 19
Snow, ice and sub-zero temperatures — all great reasons to get outdoors!
For the last 40 years, the annual festival Winterlude has proven
that winter in Ottawa-Gatineau is a season worth celebrating.
Lace up, it’s skating season!
By joseph mathieu
Confederation Park
It all kicks off with a DJ dance party, buskers, and
maple taffy at the official launch on Feb. 2. Then, ice
carvers from around the world will begin their mas-
terpieces carved out of massive ice blocks for the 31st
International Ice-Carving Competition (Feb. 2-4).
Winners are selected and awards handed out on Sun-
day, Feb. 4. The sculptures live in the Crystal Garden,
each one brilliantly lit up. There’s also the friendly
Canadian Ice Carvers’ Society ice-carving challenge
on Feb. 11, and a chance to learn carving secrets
from a professional carver on Feb. 17 and 18.
Throughout the festival, there will be interactive
art displays, roaming entertainers, and the Sub-Zero
concert series, featuring Canadian musical acts and
laser shows on the main stage. Stay warm with hot
apple cider and dancing!
winter/spring 2018
where 23