Winterlude set to return to Ottawa - Action News
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Ottawa

Winterlude set to return to Ottawa

The National Capital Region's flagship winter festivalWinterludeis set to return in February for its 46th edition, after unseasonably warm weather and the COVID-19 pandemic dampened the party in recent years.

Annual winter festival starts Feb. 2, features new attractions

Two people in winter jackets sit on a bench carved out of ice while another person takes their photo.
People take photos in front of an ice sculpture in downtown Ottawa on Feb. 3, 2023. The annual winter festival is set to return in February with some new attractions. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press)

The National Capital Region's flagship winter festivalWinterludeis set to return this February for its 46th edition.

In a media release, Canadian Heritageannouncedthe event will feature programming that"combines winter with rich culture, artistic creativity and a celebration of Canada's diversity."

The festivities are set to run from Feb. 2-19.

This comes after a warm winter last year dampened much of the celebration. Unseasonably high temperatures melted ice sculpturesandprevented the opening of the Rideau Canal Skatewayfor the first time in the popular attraction'sfive-decade history.

It was the festival's first year returning to in-person events after the COVID-19 pandemic forced it to go virtual in 2021 and 2022.

Ice sculptures melt in the setting sun during Winterlude in Ottawa.
Ice sculptures melt in the setting sun during Winterlude in Ottawa on Feb. 8, 2023. (Ben Andrews/CBC News)

At Winterludethis year,visitors can expect to enjoy a variety of indoor and outdoor activitiesincluding performances, street artists, exhibits and interactive art installations.

The Snowflake Kingdom will belocated in the northern part of Jacques-Cartier Park in Gatineau, Que., for snow tubing, obstacle coursesand many more activities.

On Sparks Street,there will be ice sculptures every weekend for the Winterlude Ice-Carving Showcase. New this yearis "Buskerfest Winterlude edition."

Activities such as the first-ever Capital Pride Ice Parade and the Ottawa Ice Dragon Boat Festivalcan also be found on the Rideau Canal Skateway.

A full list of events is available onthe Winterlude website.

people walking on street
Winterlude attendees stroll down a colourfully-lit Sparks Street in 2020. (Ian Black/CBC)