The National Capital Commission has unveiled the lineup of events for the 31st edition of Winterlude and the 39th season of skating on the Rideau Canal Skateway.
This year’s Winterlude, held from Feb. 6 to 22, will also celebrate the 225th anniversary of the founding of the colony of New Brunswick and the premiere of Ukiuk, a free outdoor sound and light show.
“Winterlude, Canada’s winter celebration, exemplifies our work at the National Capital Commission to create a capital region that is a window on our country,” said NCC CEO Marie Lemay.
Winterlude activities take place at four official sites. Gatineau will be home of Jacques-Cartier Park’s Sun Life Snowflake Kingdom, which is equipped with snow slides and a giant labyrinth made of snow, while the Rogers Crystal Garden at Confederation Park will be home to a display of ice sculptures made from more than 1,700 blocks of ice. Other sites in Ottawa are the Rideau Canal Skateway and the American Express Snowbowl on the Skateway near Rideau Street.
Winterlude officially kicks off at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 6, with Ukiuk, followed by six-time Juno award winner Colin James and his band.
Other musicians and bands performing throughout Winterlude include the Jim Cuddy Band, Roch Voisine, Radio Radio, Ariane Moffatt, Jully Black, and the B-boy/B-girl Exhibition Battle.
