OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Dec. 10, 2015) - The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, today unveiled the official program for Winterlude 2016, which runs from January 29 to February 15. She was joined by Randy Boissonnault, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage; His Worship Jim Watson, Mayor of Ottawa; and Cédric Tessier, Limbour district Councillor for the Ville de Gatineau.
An array of exciting activities-reflecting both the Capital Region and Canada as a whole-have been planned for Winterlude's three official sites. The Snowflake Kingdom in Gatineau's Jacques-Cartier Park will let visitors experience the Great Canadian North through fun winter activities, including snow sculptures, super slides, lighting effects, Inuit culture and sports. Be sure not to miss the Snowtime! 3D animation experience on Family Day weekend.
The Crystal Garden in Ottawa's Confederation Park is where the stage is set for an exciting start to Winterlude's 38th edition. Canadian superstar Gregory Charles will lead this year's Kick-Off Celebration, starting at 7 p.m. on January 29. A new Sub-Zero Concert Series will liven up the park on Friday and Saturday nights. Visitors can admire the ice sculptures and the art installations showcasing our country's flora and fauna.
We are pleased to announce CIBC as an official sponsor of Winterlude and the presenting sponsor of the Rideau Canal Skateway. The Skateway will once again host some of Winterlude's classic activities, including the Winterlude Triathlon and the annual Bed Race. There will also be a wide range of activities presented by Winterlude's partners at other venues around the region.
Visitors are encouraged to make their way to the Winterlude official sites with the free OLG Sno-bus service.
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Program for the 38th edition of @Winterlude (Jan. 29-Feb. 15) unveiled today!
Quick Facts
Quotes
"For the 38th edition of Winterlude, we can look forward to a wonderful celebration of our country's nature, climate and culture. I invite residents and visitors in Canada's Capital Region to join in the excitement! Skate, slide, embrace the beauty of the ice and snow sculptures-and don't forget to come meet the Ice Hog family!"
-The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage
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Backgrounder
The 38th Edition of Winterlude
January 29 to February 15, 2016
Winterlude transforms Canada's Capital Region into the ideal destination to celebrate Canadian traditions in wintertime. Activities for everyone are taking place at the Snowflake Kingdom in Jacques-Cartier Park in Gatineau, at the Crystal Garden in Confederation Park and on the Rideau Canal Skateway in Ottawa, and at various partner sites across the region.
Crystal Garden in Confederation Park, Ottawa
"Discover Canada's Flora and Fauna"
Witness a fusion of art and ice at the Crystal Garden and discover a world of memories. Located in Confederation Park, this spectacular display of ice sculptures will take your breath away. Come admire this icy world of wonder at night and discover a vibrant outdoor space filled with electrifying music from Canadian artists. Some of the highlights include:
Snowflake Kingdom in Jacques-Cartier Park, Gatineau
"Discover the Great Canadian North"-with the Ice Hog Family!
The Snowflake Kingdom in Jacques-Cartier Park, presented by Canadian Heritage and the Ville de Gatineau, is the biggest snow playground on the continent and the home-away-from-home of Winterlude's furry mascots, the Ice Hog family. Outfitted with larger-than-life snow slides and snow sculptures, the Snowflake Kingdom provides enjoyment for the young and the young at heart. A few of the highlights are:
Rideau Canal Skateway
Celebrating 46 seasons of skating!
Set in a UNESCO world heritage site, the world's largest skating rink will host a variety of activities-so sharpen your blades for a unique Canadian outdoor winter experience! During Winterlude, the Rideau Canal Skateway will be centre stage for several events, including:
The National Capital Commission is custodian of the Rideau Canal Skateway and steward of the official sites.
Volunteers
There's still time to be part of the biggest winter party of the year! The Department of Canadian Heritage invites you to volunteer at Winterlude. Metro Ontario is proud to be the exclusive sponsor of the Volunteer Program.
Programming Partners
More partners, more diversity, more fun!
For the 38th Winterlude, more than 50 programming partners have come together to offer a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities, including:
Canadian Heritage is proud to present Winterlude with the support of the following official sponsors and site partners: Ville de Gatineau, City of Ottawa, National Capital Commission, CIBC, OLG - Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, Enbridge, Metro Ontario, Giant Tiger, Fairmont Château Laurier, The Westin Ottawa, Lord Elgin, National Research Council Canada, Parks Canada, Delegation of the European Union to Canada, Canadian Museum of Nature, Ottawa Art Gallery, Ottawa Redblacks Cheerleading and Dance Team, TakingITGlobal, Aboriginal Experiences, Historica Canada, Snowtime! 3D, Association des stations de ski du Québec, Société de transport de l'Outaouais, OC Transpo, and many others, including the support of the region's hospitality industry. Special thanks to the hundreds of volunteers who contribute their time, talent and energy during the Capital's winter celebration.
Follow Winterlude on Twitter @Winterlude (#Winterlude), Facebook and Instagram.
To find out more about Winterlude, call 819-997-0055, 1-866-811-0055 (toll free) or 1-888-997-3123 (TTY toll free). You can also visit www.winterlude.gc.ca.
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