The Capital Region’s winter festival is back for the first time in three years, with a full lineup of events including ice sculptures on Sparks Street and Snowflake Kingdom at Jacques-Cartier Park.
Canadian Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez announced Thursday that the Winter Carnival will return to the scene from Feb. 3-20, with a full list of events in Ottawa and Gatineau.
“Winter Carnival is another opportunity to celebrate winter and showcase our arts and culture,” said Rodriguez. “For 45 years, the event has brought excitement to the Canadian Capital Territory, bringing Canadians near and far with family and friends. get together.”
In-person Winterlude events have been canceled for 2021 and 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and public health measures.
“In honor of this winter, all Winterlude visitors are invited to celebrate Canada’s diverse winter, artistic and cultural traditions through a diverse program of events,” Canadian Heritage announced in a statement.
45 opening weekendday Winterlude will include the Minsoshkite Show in the Great Hall of the Canadian Museum of History, the Ice Dragon Boat Festival at the Rideau Canal Slide and the Winterlude National Ice Sculpture Championships on Sparks Street.
The second weekend of Winterlude will include Winter Pride and a number of events that “highlight our nation’s cultural diversity and inclusion,” according to Canadian Heritage.
Events in Ottawa and Gatineau over the three weekends of the festival include:
- Gatineau-Jacques – The Kingdom of Snowflakes at the Parc Cartier
- Interactive lights, ice sculptures and performing arts district on Sparks Street.
- Byward Market to Host Sleigh Tours, Food Experiences, Interactive Art Installations and Other Events That Will Transform the Public Space
- Events will be held at the Canadian Museum of History and the National Arts Center
- Ice skating on the Rideau Canal Slide