Activities and Shows

New Brunswick Ice Commemoration

Confederation Park (Rogers Crystal Garden)
Starting Friday, February 6

Ice-carved sculptures will showcase the Shediac lobster to commemorate the 225th anniversary of the founding of the colony of New Brunswick. Don’t miss this unique photo opportunity!

In collaboration with the Government of New Brunswick.

One-Block Challenge

Confederation Park (Rogers Crystal Garden)
Friday, February 6, 8 am to 10 am
Awards Ceremony: February 6, 5 pm

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

Rogers Crystal Lounge

Confederation Park (Rogers Crystal Garden)
Open Fridays and Saturdays, 8 am to 11 pm, and Sundays, 8 am to 6 pm

Enter this crystalline environment, and enjoy workshops with young explorers, artists and an astronaut, or evening celebrations to the sounds of resident DJs, as well as variety acts, multimedia projections, unique photo opportunities — and more. Freeze the moment.

Introduction to fishing

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

Friday, Saturday and Sunday, February 6, 7 and 8, 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 819-772-3434, ext. 292. Please be advised that spaces are limited, and that registration will end at noon on February 5.

Presented by the Fondation de la faune du québec and Québec's Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune with the participation of the NCC conservation officers.

The Febreze Winter Fresh Home

Jacques-Cartier Park (Sun Life Snowflake Kingdom)
Thursdays 12 pm to 5 pm
Fridays and Saturdays 10 am to 6 pm
Sundays 10 am to 5 pm

Come down to the Febreze Winter Fresh Home: Ideas to freshen your home in the cold winter months.

Sponsored by par Febreze.

Rogers 22nd International Ice-Carving Competition

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

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

Organized in collaboration with the Canadian Ice Carvers’ Society and sponsored by Rogers.

18th Annual ByWard Market Stew Cook-Off ($)

ByWard Market (George at William Street, outside)
Friday, February 6, noon

Kick off Winterlude in the ByWard Market! For only $10, taste stew from several ByWard Market restaurants, and vote for your favourite! All proceeds will be donated to a local charity.

613-562-3325

Organized by the ByWard Market BIA.

WestJet Zone — WestJet Fun ’n Festival Zone

Sponsored by WestJet.

Rideau Canal Skateway (Fifth Avenue)
Saturdays and Sundays, 10 am to 5 pm
Fire performances: Fridays and Saturdays, 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm

An interactive fun zone, hosted by the owners of WestJet. A photo experience and a chance to scratch ’n win free WestJet flights are just some of the great offers you can expect to find. WestJet will be handing out LED glow sticks prior to and during the fire performances.

Winterlude Kick-Off With Colin James

American Express^® Snowbowl (Rideau Canal Skateway, Rideau Street)
Friday, February 6, 7 pm

Our opening night features Ukiuk, a brand new Sound and Light show that celebrates Canada’s most distinguished season: WINTER!
Six-time Juno award winner Colin James and his band kick off Winterlude with a bang. A night guaranteed to heat things up, with lighting and pyrotechnic effects!

Program change!

NEW Sound and Light Show: Ukiuk

American Express^® Snowbowl (Rideau Canal Skateway, Rideau Street)

Thursday, February 19 : The shows are cancelled

Upcoming shows : Last chance to see the show
Friday, February 20 and Saturday, February 21at 7 pm, at approximately 8:30 pm, following the headline performer and at 9:30 pm.

Ukiuk — which means “winter” in Inuktitut — is the title and the theme of a brand new sound and light show. Giant images, dazzling lighting, pyrotechnic effects and a captivating soundtrack will take you through an impressionistic world on an emotion-packed journey from shadow into light.

Funded in part by the Government of Ontario.

26th Annual Winterlude Triathlon ($)

Rideau Canal Skateway (Dows Lake)
Saturday, February 7, 9 am to 11 am

Skate! Ski! Run! What could be more fun? Enjoy an 8-km skate, a 5-km ski and a 5-km run.
613-290-3238

Organized by Zone3sports.

TELETOON Retro Play Zone

Jacques-Cartier Park (Sun Life Snowflake Kingdom)
Saturdays and Sundays, 10 am to 4:30 pm

Sun Life Snowflake Kingdom gets the TELETOON retro treatment with a snow slide, a larger-than-life Scooby Doo snow sculpture and an appearance from the crime solving canine himself on the opening weekend.

Presented by TELETOON.

Fifth Annual Enbridge FREE Pancake Breakfast

Festival Plaza at Ottawa City Hall (across from Confederation Park)
Saturday, February 7, 10 am

Start off your Winterlude weekend with a yummy free pancake and hot chocolate. Sweet! (While supplies last.)

Snow Sculpture in the Making

Rideau Canal Skateway (Dows Lake)
Saturdays and Sundays, 10 am to 4 pm

It’s action and art combined! Watch professional sculptors at work.

Message in a Bottle: Make a Wish for the Planet

Confederation Park (Rogers Crystal Garden)
Saturday, February 7 and 14, and Sunday, February 8 and 15, 10 am to 5 pm

Join a group led by University of Ottawa Professor Jennifer Macklem and her students, as they work with recyclable plastic bottles to create a communal artistic expression. Bring your bottles and write a message!

PlayStation® Interactive Zone

Rideau Canal Skateway (Fifth Avenue)
Saturdays 10 am to 8 pm
Sundays, 10 am to 5 pm

Come experience the latest and greatest in high-definition gaming for PLAYSTATION^® 3.

Sponsored by PlayStation.

Aboriginal Spirit

Confederation Park (Rogers Crystal Garden)
Saturdays and Sundays, 10:30 am to 5 pm

A contemporary look at Aboriginal daily life through the eyes of modern artists, and including elements of ceremonies and rituals, family relations, history and Aboriginal culture. Totem interpretation, stone- and wood-carving, storytelling, art exhibit, drumming, and dancing.

In collaboration with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and First Air.

American Express® Lounge

Rideau Canal Skateway (Fifth Avenue)
Saturdays and Sundays, 11 am to 4 pm

Learn to skate with professional coaches!
Stop by and sign up for 45-minute learn-to-skate sessions focused on fun and basic skill development provided by professional coaches from the Nepean, Gloucester and Minto skating clubs. Registration on the hour.

Saturday, February 14, 1 pm to 3 pm
Come and join Brian Orser and Elizabeth Manley, Canada’s Olympic medallists.

Wapikoni Mobile

Confederation Park (Rogers Crystal Lounge)
Saturday and Sunday, February 7 and 8, noon and 2:30 pm

A travelling studio that gives Aboriginal youth an opportunity to express themselves by making a video or music recording. The goal is to encourage discussion and communication among youth and help them become more open to the world around them. Come and meet these young artists.

Entertainment at the Amphitheatre

Jacques-Cartier Park (Sun Life Snowflake Kingdom)
Saturdays and Sundays, 12:30 pm and 3 pm

A flurry of entertainment for the whole family! Come and cheer the dancers, singers and acrobats from Canada’s Far North, New Brunswick and Canada’s Capital Region.

February 7 and 8: Groundwork Session (Yukon)
February 14 and 15: Art Richard (New-Brunswick)
February 21 and 22:  Artcirq (Nunavut)

In collaboration with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, the Government of New Brunswick and the Government of Yukon.

29th Annual Bedzzz Race

Rideau Canal Skateway (Dows Lake)
Saturday, February 7, 1 pm to 3 pm

Always fun and exciting! Money raised supports the Kiwanis Club of Ottawa.

www.bedrace.ottawakiwanis.org, 613-233-1900

Presented by Allstream.

Icewine — Canada’s Magical Winter Gift

Taste of Winterlude
ARC Lounge, ARC THE.HOTEL, 140 Slater Street, Ottawa
Saturday, February 7, 6:30 pm
SOLD OUT!

Celebrate our Canadian winter with one of the great gifts from our cold climate — icewine! Join us for the ultimate indulgence: a tasting of eight late harvest wines and icewines, each paired perfectly with different dishes, from savoury to sweet. With sommelier Stacey Metulynsky as your host, learn about and taste the different styles of our luscious sweet wines, and discover just how versatile they can be with food.
$100 per person*
Registration is required, as space is limited: 613-715-9399 or events@groovygrapes.com.

Be responsible — plan how you will safely get home before starting out on your dining experience.

* Information is subject to change. Unless otherwise noted, prices do not include taxes or gratuities.

Eagle & Hawk With Special Guest Sherry St. Germain

American Express^® Snowbowl (Rideau Canal Skateway, Rideau Street)
Saturday, February 7, 7 pm

A six-piece band from Manitoba, Eagle & Hawk blends modern rock with traditional elements. Their music takes the lead in defining the genre of contemporary Aboriginal music. Eagle & Hawk will be joined on stage by guest performer Sherry St. Germain, a soulful Metis singer who was a popular finalist in the first season of Canadian Idol.

In collaboration with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.

Murray McLauchlan

American Express^® Snowbowl (Rideau Canal Skateway, Rideau Street)
Sunday, February 8, Noon

Enjoy an intimate set from Canadian folk legend Murray McLauchlan, one of Canada’s wittiest and finest songwriters, storytellers and social commentators.

Presented by Organic Meadow.

Spring Action Trampoline Show

American Express^® Snowbowl (Rideau Canal Skateway, Rideau Street)
Sunday, February 8, 12:45 pm, 1:45 pm, 2:45 pm

You’ll have a jumping good time watching this action-packed trampoline show! Over the past 18 years, Ottawa’s own Spring Action Trampoline Show has dazzled audiences across Canada and around the world. This show will feature special guest Olympian Jason Burnett, a recent silver medallist in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Followed by an autograph-signing session with Jason Burnett at 3:15 pm.