Winterlude - Canada's Capital Region Winter Celebration - Weekends - February 6 to 22, 2004, Ottawa, Ontario and Hull Quebec

WINTERLUDE – CANADA’S CAPITAL REGION WINTER CELEBRATION

Winterlude is a unique winter celebration. It will be presented on the Rideau Canal Skateway and at various other locations within Ottawa and Hull. It is more than a festival – it's a celebration of Canada's distinctive northern identity.

Ice sculptures, snow carvings, special events and sports competitions are part of the magic of this winter celebration. Crowds turn out by the thousands to skate on the picturesque Rideau Canal Skateway.

Sleigh and Skate Rentals are available.

Come with the kids for a sleigh ride, meet the Ice Hogs (the friendly Winterlude mascots) at Jacques Cartier Park in Hull, romp through the largest winter playground in North America. And if you get cold, warm up in one of the rest areas with a cup of hot chocolate and a delicious Beavertail.

LOCATION

Rideau Canal Skateway, Confederation Park, Ottawa City Hall Festival Plaza (to be confirmed), Dows Lake, Parliament Hill, Jacques Cartier Park in Hull and other sites

DATES

Three Weekends - February 6 to 22, 2004

TIMES Throughout the day

COST Admission is free for most activities and events.

SERVICES

Food stands, skate sharpening and rentals, boot check-in, washrooms, information booths, free shuttle bus service between certain sites on Saturdays and Sundays. Note: dogs are not allowed on the canal.

CONTACT (613) 239-5000 or 1 800 465-1867 (toll-free from Canada and US only)

Web site: www.canadascapital.gc.ca

The Ice Hog Family: P.O. Box 200, Station B, Ottawa ON K1P 6C4

SPECIAL EVENTS

Snowflake Kingdom, Jacques-Cartier Park, Gatineau
Ice Hog Adventure

You're invited to the continent's largest snow playground to experience the extraordinary Ice Hog Adventure. As they travel from Canada's Far North to Canada's Capital Region, the official Winterlude mascots always have great fun! Snow slides, outdoor games, craft workshops and many other activities are waiting for you at Snowflake Kingdom! Presented by the NCC and the City of Gatineau.

Casino du Lac-Leamy Crystal Garden, Confederation Park, Ottawa

The ice extravaganza at Confederation Park will showcase talent and workmanship on all three Winterlude weekends. On the first weekend, our ever-popular Casino du Lac-Leamy Crystal Garden International Ice-Carving Competition will take place. A special treat follows on the second weekend, with some of the world's very best ice carvers. We invite you to try ice carving for yourself on the final weekend, with the help of some of our experts, and to enjoy music and dance all weekend long. Be sure to stop by in the evening on all three weekends to see the illuminated sculptures and on the last two weekends to enjoy our evening shows.

Canada Snow Sculpture Competition, Major's Hill Park, Ottawa

The ever-popular Canada Snow Sculpture Competition features giant snow masterpieces created by teams of professional snow sculptors. Each team represents one of Canada's provinces or territories.

Rideau Canal Skateway, Ottawa

The famous Rideau Canal Skateway - the longest skating rink in the world - winds 7.8 kilometres through the heart of the Capital from Dows Lake to the National Arts Centre. The Skateway is one of the most popular Winterlude attractions.

Dows Lake, Ottawa

Be sure to visit Dows Lake during this Winterlude. A host of activities for the entire family, including winter sports (broomball, sledge hockey, hockey, ringette, etc.), a unique and magical experience at the Ice Café, the opportunity to experience some of the greatest achievements and attractions of Canada's Capital - and much more!

Take up the challenge of participating in one (or more!) of the Winterlude races, such as the Winterlude Triathlon, the Ottawa Kiwanis Club Bed Race, the Waiters' and Waitresses' Race and the Winterlude Snowshoe Race.

For Hotels and Resorts in the Ottawa Region go to Eastern Ontario Hotels and Resorts and Quebec Hotels and Resorts

For Family Attractions in the Ottawa Region go to Eastern Ontario Family Attractions and Quebec Family Attractions

Information courtesy of the National Capital Commission.

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