Activities and Shows

Urban Art

Rideau Canal Skateway (Dows Lake)
Daily, from February 1 until the end of the skateway season

Young local artists share their vision of the Rideau Canal Skateway through the medium of graffiti art. This activity is to mark the 40th season of skating on the Rideau Canal.

Skate for Haiti

on the Rideau Canal Skateway,
February 5 to 7

An event to raise funds and celebrate community — “Giving a little means a lot!”

Donation boxes

All money put into the 17 NCC donation boxes along the Skateway on February 5, 6, and 7 will go to the Canadian Red Cross in aid of Haiti.

Creating a sense of shared community

Skateway users will be entertained by performers from the Haitian community at various rest areas along the Skateway, on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm.

At Fifth Avenue
Joujou Turenne (Storytelling),  Saturday, February 6 at 1 pm
Oni (Slam/Songs), Saturday, February 6 at 11 am, 12:40 pm and 2 pm
Neema (Songs), Sunday, February 7 at 12 pm

At Concorde
Rodrigue (Percussion), Saturday, February 6 at 11 am
Cobra du mandingue (Percussion), Saturday, February 6 at 1pm
Fritz (Songs and Guitare), Saturday, February 6 at 12 pm
Louis M Bani (Percussion and Storytelling), Saturday, February 6 at 2 pm
Chorale (Percussion), Saturday, February 6 at 2 pm
Rem (Songs), Sunday, February 7 at 12 pm
Chris (Songs), Sunday, February 7 at 2 pm

Human Chain

What’s more, at 3 pm on Saturday, February 6, in a show of solidarity for Haiti, skaters will be assembled in a human chain along the canal.

Skate for Haiti pledges

Visitors who wish to skate for pledges to help Haiti are encouraged to do so by visiting the Canadian Red Cross website at www.redcross.ca/helpnow, or by calling toll-free 1-800-418-1111.

Rogers One-Block Challenge

Confederation Park (Rogers Crystal Garden)
Friday, February 5, 8 am to 10 am
Awards Ceremony: February 5, 5 pm

One-block sculptures on the theme of “Myths and Legends” offer a glimpse of what professional and amateur ice carvers will create over the weekend.

Organized in collaboration with the Canadian Ice Carvers’ Society.

Introduction to Fishing

Introduction to Ice Fishing
Jacques-Cartier Park (Sun Life Snowflake Kingdom)

Friday, Saturday and Sunday, February 5, 6 and 7, 10 am, noon and 2 pm

This introduction to sport fishing is for children aged 8 to 12. After the session, children will receive a certificate and a fishing rod. Teachers and parents can register children in advance by calling 819-772-4925. Please be advised that spaces are limited, and that registration will end at noon on February 4.

Organized by the Conseil régional de l’environnement et du développement durable de l’Outaouais  and its partners.
 

Sun Life Snowflake Kingdom Activities Launch

Jacques-Cartier Park (Sun Life Snowflake Kingdom)
Onstage, at the Sun Life Stage
Friday, February 5, 10:30 am

Come and meet the Ice Hog family and friends, as they welcome everyone for a fun-filled winter extravaganza.

Rogers 23rd International Ice-Carving Competition

Confederation Park (Rogers Crystal Garden)
Friday, February 5, 11:30 am to 11 pm; Saturday, February 6, 8 am to 11 pm; Sunday, February 7, 8 am to noon

Professional carvers from around the world come and put their talent to the test.

In collaboration with the Canadian Ice Carvers’ Society.

Tethered Hot Air Balloon

Jacques-Cartier Park (Sun Life Snowflake Kingdom)
Friday, February 5, 4 pm to 7 pm
Saturday and Sunday, February 6 and 7, 2 pm to 5 pm

An amazing hot air balloon that lights up! A few lucky people will even get the chance to hop in for a flight! (Subject to favourable weather conditions.)

Presented by the Ville de Gatineau.

Canadian Museum of Civilization

Friday, February 5, 5 pm to 11 pm

Get an early start to your evening! As part of the American Express Winterlude Opening, all exhibitions at the Canadian Museum of Civilization will be open with free admission, from 5 pm to 11 pm. Families can participate in a hands-on take-home craft, as well as interactive performances and activities at the Canadian Children’s Museum.

Sun Life Movie Night on a Giant Snow Screen

Jacques-Cartier Park (Sun Life Stage)
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, starting at 6:30 pm

A presentation of winter-inspired, short animated films. A memorable experience under the stars!

Winter Rendezvous Under the Stars

Jacques-Cartier Park (Sun Life Snowflake Kingdom)
Friday, February 5

Sun Life Snowflake Kingdom offers an excellent vantage point for viewing Winterlude’s opening night fireworks (launched from Nepean Point). The slides will remain open for your enjoyment until 10 pm.

American Express Winterlude Opening

Canadian Museum of Civilization
Friday, February 5, 7 pm to 11 pm

In 2010, the National Capital Commission (NCC) is introducing the American Express^® Winterlude Opening. This artistic, multi-sensory evening will feature exciting musical talent and innovative programming to tantalize the senses. The evening performances are enhanced with special lighting effects and video projections — including a dazzling 20-minute musical fireworks extravaganza — which promises spectators an extraordinary experience. Evoking the Canadian winter experience, the event takes place indoors and outdoors at the Canadian Museum of Civilization.

The event will also be celebrated in Major’s Hill Park, where extreme sports demonstrations and interactive art installations warm up the night. Both sites, as well as Sun Life Snowflake Kingdom in Jacques-Cartier Park, are perfect vantage points to enjoy the evening’s fireworks. From either side of the Ottawa River, the American Express^® Winterlude Opening will be an unforgettable extreme arts, sports and dance experience in the heart of winter in Canada’s Capital Region.

The National Parcs

Canadian Museum of Civilization (Grand Hall)
Friday, February 5, 7 pm to 8 pm

A must see at the American Express Winterlude Opening, this group will perform their latest show, entitled “Timbervision,” which features musical content that mixes traditional with contemporary — dubbed “new lumberjack swing.” The band, composed of three musicians and a VJ, use strong lyrics and visuals to promote positive environmental messages.

Mythical Creatures on Stilts

Canadian Museum of Civilazation
Friday, February 5, between 7 pm and 11 pm

Catch a glimpse of these creatures at the American Express Winterlude Opening. Trapped for thousands of years in the polar ice, a mammoth and a strange bird magically come back to life. These fantastic, larger-than-life characters on stilts, presented by IN VIVO, will enthrall with their grace and beauty.

Nite-Lite

Canadian Museum of Civilization
Friday, February 5 , 7 pm to 11 pm

As part of the American Express Winterlude Opening, this playful large-scale installation by artist Alexandra (Alita) González-Vucina borrows from the concept of Lite-Brite, the popular toy from the 1960s and ’70s. Nite-Lite connects us to the naïveté of our childhood through light and discovery, while conveying messages about environmental issues surrounding plastics and BPA (bisphenol A). Nite-Lite is an interactive piece whose images evolve continuously throughout the night, with viewer participation.

Glacialis

Canadian Museum of Civilization
Friday, February 5
Demonstrations, 7 pm to 11 pm, and performance at 7:30 pm

An original performance at the American Express Winterlude Opening! Composer/percussionist Jesse Stewart has a remarkable ability to coax magical sounds from unlikely sources. In Glacialis, a project commissioned jointly by Toronto WinterCity and Winterlude, Stewart will create original music for instruments designed and built out of ice.

H2Orchestra

Canadian Museum of Civilization
Friday, February 5
Demonstrations, 7 pm to 11 pm and performance at 7:50 pm

The hydraulophone, the world’s first and only water-based musical instrument, invented by Canadian artist Steve Mann, will be presented in an outdoor bathtub concert, featuring H₂O in all three states: ice, water
and steam.

The Flying Canucks

At Major's Hill Park
Friday, February 5, 7:15 pm, 8:30 pm and 9:10 pm

Gravity-defying professional athletes, the Flying Canucks will showcase their freestyle ski and snowboard skills with extreme sports demonstrations. Visitors will also be able to meet the athletes at 7:35 pm and 9:35 pm.

Participatory Art Projects

At Major's Hill Park
Friday, February 5, 7 pm to 10 pm

Join Spins & Needles to make art, through funky, hands-on knitting projects with warm and woolly textiles to the beat of DJ Jason Skilz.

Shadows on Snow
Light filters through the shadows and flutters like snow, casting brief images that dance before our eyes on the beautiful white canvast of winter. An art project by visual artist Marie-France Thibault.

Touch the spirit of winter in a unique mixed media sculpture installation, with artist Dinorah Catzalco.

 

 

Ottawa Stilt Union

Canadian Museum of Civilization
February 5, 7 pm to 11 pm 

The Ottawa Stilt Union is a theatre company based on the love of stilt performance. Tall, white beautiful beings will animate the site and perform at the American Express^® Winterlude Opening.

Musical Fireworks

Friday, February 5 at 8:50 pm

At the American Express Winterlude Opening, a spectacular fireworks display will be showcased to an incredible soundtrack. This explosive spectacle can be viewed from the Canadian Museum of Civilization, Major’s Hill Park or Sun Life Snowflake Kingdom in Jacques-Cartier Park.

DJ Misstress Barbara

Canadian Museum of Civilization
Friday, February 5,  9:10 pm to 11 pm

Misstress Barbara is an internationally renowned DJ who has spun at some of the world’s top clubs and worked alongside electronic music legends. This award-winning DJ and producer will perform outdoors in a giant inflatable bubble.

Dance the Night Away

Canadian Museum of Civilization
Friday, February 5,  9:10 pm to 11 pm

Dance the night away at the American Express Winterlude Opening! Cobra du Mandingue, Thomas Clair, Rhonda Dextor, Driven Dance & Culture Shock will improvise dance moves and grooves to the music feed of DJ Misstress Barbara.

Saltarello

Canadian Museum of Civilization (Grand Hall)
Friday, February 5, 10 pm to 11 pm

A three-piece band from Rouyn-Noranda, Saltarello opens a musical world without borders. Performing on instruments from various cultures and from times past and present, they will enchant with their melodies and passion for music and its origins.

Kite Flying Demonstration and Introduction

Jacques-Cartier Park (Sun Life Snowflake Kingdom - Place Gatineau)
Saturday and Sunday, February 6 and 7, 11:30 am to 4:30 pm

Come and have fun filling the sky with colour.

Urban Knitting

Jacques-Cartier Park (Sun Life Snowflake Kingdom)
Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 4 pm

Knitting is back in fashion! Warm up in the Maison Charron and groove to the sounds of the DJ — while helping to create an original work of art!

H2Orchestra

Confederation Park (Rogers Crystal Garden Stage)
Saturday, February 6, 2 pm, 4 pm, 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm
Sunday, February 7, 2 pm and 4 pm

The hydraulophone, the world’s first and only water-based musical instrument, invented by Canadian artist Steve Mann, will be presented in an outdoor bath tub concert, featuring H2O in all three states: ice, water and steam.

Arthur L’aventurier

Jacques-Cartier Park (Sun Life Stage)
Saturday and Sunday, February 6 and 7, 2:30 pm and 4 pm

Discover the unexpected and exceptional adventures of Arthur L’aventurier, as he searches to find some of nature’s greatest treasures. (French only show)

Sun Life Movie Night on a Giant Snow Screen (Special Night!)

Jacques-Cartier Park (Sun Life Stage)
Saturday, February 6, starting at 6:30 pm

La Guerre des tuques

Come celebrate the film’s 25th anniversary. Gather your friends and family for a memorable evening under the stars! For your comfort, bring blankets and chairs!

Glacialis

Confederation Park (Rogers Crystal Garden)
Sunday, February 7, 1 pm and 3 pm

Composer/percussionist Jesse Stewart has a remarkable ability to coax magical sounds from unlikely sources. In Glacialis, a project commissioned jointly by Toronto WinterCity and Winterlude, Stewart will create original music for instruments designed and built out of ice. A frozen garden of delicate sonic beauty!