Seniors Make Plans For Winterlude

Seniors might want make plans very soon to head off to Ottawa for Winterlude, known as “Chilly Fun For Everyone.” So put on your hats, scarves and mittens, and celebrate the joys of winter in Canada’s Capital Region from January 31 to February 17, 2014.

Winterlude helps, because winter time in Ottawa drags slowly, kind of like cold molasses from a bottle. It’s long, it’s often miserably cold, grey skies are frequent, and darkness hogs most of the early morning and late afternoon hours. Yet, every year Ottawa warms up winter and extends the daytime activities by presenting Winterlude.

The festival features ice sculptures, a playground made of snow, a variety of performers and perhaps best of all, the Rideau Canal,  a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s longest skating rink… always full of skaters. Winterlude (Bal de Neige in French) is an annual festival in both Ottawa and Gatineau, Quebec that celebrates winter.

This event is one of Ottawa’s most important tourist attractions bringing in many visitors for the past three decades. From glittering ice carvings and majestic snow sculptures to the gigantic snow playground and explosive shows under the winter sky, Winterlude is a great way for seniors to celebrate and enjoy Canada’s Capital in winter.

Seniors Find Winter Fun

Every year fun-seekers take part in a host of Winterlude activities. More than a third of the visitors are from outside the Capital region. Winterlude was created in 1979 as a means of celebrating Canada’s unique northern climate and culture.

The Ice Hog Family, Winterlude’s lovable mascots, travel to Canada’s Capital Region every winter to celebrate Winterlude. The members of the family are Mama and Papa Ice Hog and their children, Noumi and Nouma. Every winter, Winterlude draws visitors from all over Canada and beyond the capital city to celebrate winter.

Skate the world’s longest ice rink, frolic in a huge snow park (Snowflake Kingdom) or behold the magic of ice sculpting. Canada’s capital city could hardly be lovelier. Perched upon Parliament Hill are Ottawa’s gothic government buildings, set against the slow-moving Ottawa River. Miles of late-Victorian brick houses dot neighborhoods.

Foodies will love unique culinary events created by some of the capital’s best local restaurants – wine and food pairings, chef demonstrations, walkabout winter feasts. It takes more than several feet of snow and sub-zero temperatures to dampen the festivities spirit.

You will want to view the many impressive ice sculptures that are created at Confederation Park that are always a highlight of the event. Ice carvers from around the world turned blocks of ice into stunning works of art and at night, colored lights reveal the magical beauty of the sculptures.

 Plan Ahead For 2014

You will want to get your reservations in soon and make plans to attend the event. Most Winterlude activities are free. And yes, earmuffs are in season in Ottawa for Winterlude.  jeb