Winterlude festival 2016 kicks off in Ottawa-Gatineau

The 38th edition of Winterlude began Friday and continues until Feb. 15 at three main festival sites: Confederation Park and the Rideau Canal Skateway in Ottawa, as well as Gatineau's Jacques-Cartier Park.

Confederation Park features the international ice sculpture competition, other artworksand concerts byCanadian artists on Friday and Saturday evenings.

• Check out the calendar of 2016 Winterlude events here

Jacques-Cartier Park features winter games and sports, and thefamily of Winterlude mascots known as the ice hogs.

And at the Rideau Canal Skateway, in addition to skating, the annual Winterlude triathlon and bed race will be held.