It’s the kick-off weekend for Winterlude in Ottawa but there are so many more things on top of the annual festival to do in the nation’s capital.
Winter is in full swing this weekend, with the additional snow, ice and cold making the city turn into a frozen wonderland. Environment Canada is warning that temperatures are dropping overnight and the risk of frostbite is possible.
On Friday it is hovering around -29 C by this evening and will reach -30 C by Saturday morning. Temperatures should rise slightly to -19 C by the afternoon. Sunday there’s a chance of flurries and temperatures could be around -10 C.
Despite the freezing wind chill there’s lots to explore in and out this weekend in Ottawa.
Outdoor activities
Winterlude: The event kicks off on Jan. 31 and runs until Feb. 17. Winter slides, ice sculptures and opportunities for skating are scattered around the National Capital Region.
Rideau Canal: Conditions on the beloved skateway continue to be “very good” as crews continue to floor overnight as temperatures remain low. As of Jan. 28 there have been 441,000 visits to the world’s largest skating rink the National Capital Commission said.
Snowshoeing in Gatineau Park:Set under the starry sky and lit by the moon every Friday night, a tour of the park will showcase the animals at night.
Sugar Fest: Hosted at Parc Omega people can immerse themselves in a Canadian tradition of maple taffy with the sugar shack.
Horse-drawn carriage rides: The ByWard Market is offering people the opportunity for a free ride through the city this weekend. Pick-up is William Street and York Street.
Chinatown celebrating the new year: A parade down Somerset Street West from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. will transform the area into a festival with dancing, drumming and performers as people ring in the Lunar New Year.
Indoor activities
Mini Pow Wow: Not all activities from Winterlude are outside. This experience at the Canadian Museum of History will showcase a mini-opening ceremony with intertribal dances performed by drum groups and various Indigenous dancers.
Epidermis Circus: Dubbed “the weirdest puppet show you’ve ever seen” the “spicy” event is hosted by a sassy grandma who steals the hearts of people in a variety show. At Centrepoint Theatres.
Culinary championship: Ten of Canada’s best chefs are demonstrating their flavours over the weekend in a few different competitions.
Senators: Watch the Sens take on the Minnesota Wild on Saturday at 7:00 p.m.
Artist-in-Residence: Don Kwan’s Hidden Heroes is a mixed-media installation that celebrates workers during a chapter of Canadian history. Hosted at the Diefenbunker.
Lansdowne Farmers’ Market: One of the city’s largest indoor markets continues to offer people opportunities for shopping and snacking.