The Winterlude, a winter activity not to be missed in Gatineau!

Until February 20 we strongly suggest that you put on your winter clothes to go out and enjoy Winterlude with a few friends or your family. The event is part of the Ottawa 2017 celebrations. There are so many activities and most of them are free. Winterlude is located at a few key locations in the heart of Gatineau/Ottawa, at Confederation Park and Marion Dewar Plaza, among others.

The Winterlude will make you move!

Quebec winter is made to move! We must embrace our Nordicity. When the flakes fall, it’s time to remember Gilles Vigneault’s famous song: “Mon pays ce n’est pas un pays, c’est l’hiver” (My country is not a country, it’s Winter). What better way to enjoy the winter than with activities that will warm up both your body and your heart? Winterlude is part of the celebrations for the 150th anniversary of the Confederation of Canada. Therefore, the Ottawa-Gatineau region is full of energy this month.

The Winterlude is unbeatable. It’s THE biggest winter party in North America. The headquarters of the event is located at Jacques-Cartier Park – renamed the Snowflake Kingdom for the occasion. The place becomes a huge playground for adults and children. There are slides, ice sculptures, shows, a zipline and even a labyrinth! Guaranteed fun for hours.

Free games and obstacles

Also at Jacques-Cartier Park, children aged 5 to 8 can be introduced to skiing. Courses are free and given from Thursday to Monday under the supervision of qualified instructors. Otherwise, go to the giant Tic Tac Toe or the obstacle course that will determine if you are a true winter Robin Hood, ready for anything!

At Lansdowne Park, adjacent to the Rideau Canal, Aberdeen Square will be transformed into a winter garden. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays the space will be illuminated with lanterns and snow sculptures. Otherwise, at Marion-Dewar Plaza, you can also skate where the professional hockey players from the Ottawa Senators do! And if you enjoy the circus arts, there’s an Extreme Aerial Acrobatic and Trampo-wall Show every weekend at Jacques-Cartier Park.

Fulfilling for couples

Couples will not be left aside at the Winterlude. Indeed, several very interesting activities are on the menu of the event this year. First, you can go to the Grand Outdoor ice bar, at the ByWard Market, for a drink. Then, if the budget allows you, you can taste the flavors of the market as part of the Chocolate Lovers Tour, in the afternoons on weekends. Another great romantic rendez-vous option is “Snowshoe Under the Stars” at Gatineau Park. While snowshoeing, you will learn how animals and plants survive the winter thanks to your guide.

The ByWard Market also features a ton of activities and dance evenings with DJs and bands. Concerts at Winterlude include Karim Ouellet, DJ Daniel Desnoyers, Jean-François Breau, David Usher and Alex Nevsky.

Fast on ice

In addition to the Winterlude, a major international event is coming to Ottawa as part of the 150th anniversary of the Confederation of Canada. The Red Bull Crashed Ice will take place on the iconic Ottawa Locks and the Rideau Canal on March 3 and 4. During the races, you’ll be able to see the best extreme skaters. They will fly down the tracks at more than 50 km/h!

If you’re a hockey fan, Ottawa 2017 will mark the 125th of the Stanley Cup. From March 15 to 18, the trophy will be in the Capital Region of Canada. On March 17, you will be able to meet hockey legends in the Aberdeen Pavilion.

In short, everything is in place these coming weeks to make you enjoy the winter in Ottawa-Gatineau.

To make sure you don’t miss any of these winter pleasures, book at the Ramada Plaza Gatineau, located a few minutes away from the activities of the 2017 Winterlude!

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