Winterlude
winterlude annual winter festival held ottawa ontario gatineau quebec collectively known national capital region winterlude run department canadian heritage started event one ottawa important tourist draw attracting hundred thousand visitor year set new attendance record estimated million visit one four winterlude site record still stand bizbash recognized winterlude one top annual attraction canada united state focal point winterlude rideau canal skateway kilometre approximately mile largest skating rink world another primary site snowflake kingdom located jacquescartier park gatineau site turned massive snow park ice slide snow sculpture also host numerous event activity child confederation park better known crystal garden site ice sculpture competition ice lounge musical concert marion dewar plaza city hall across confederation park site rink dream iceskating rink host skating show dj dance party interactive art display throughout festival dows lake also large skating area host various activity related activity include special exhibit numerous ottawa museum special event byward market spark street variety event throughout city festival feature mascot called ice hog fictional groundhoglike creature legend emerged last ice age magical ice vortex presence brings touch magic winterlude delighting young old appreciate winter season corrida several racing event held conjunction winterlude gatineau loppet inaugurated internationally recognized crosscountry ski race take place gatineau park event also hold snowshoe fatbike race since winterlude triathlon also part festival format location winter triathlon changed frequently year race currently consists km skate across rideau canal km run along colonel drive km ski mooneys bay park race event include bed racing ice dragon boat racing winterlude span three weekend usually february typically concludes family day fall monday first second weekend second third weekend event scheduled monday thursday result less crowded skating rink pristine ice condition around thousand skater sharing compared larger number weekend skate changing shack food catering kiosk along skateway remain open weekday weather ottawa notoriously unpredictable winterlude often hampered warm temperature mild weather bane canal proper ice condition require °c °f proper freezing length skating season often extends past winterlude therefore unpredictable however event usually affected premature melting ice snow sculpture average length canal open skating day varies greatly – season record low day skating next season – canal open nearrecord high day longest skating season – lasting day shortest – lasting day winter festival medium related winterlude wikimedia common official website winterlude