Winterlude Facts

Welcome!

Every February, Canada’s Capital Region is host to Winterlude, North America’s greatest winter celebration. Three fun-filled weekends of excitement and activity await the whole family! From spectacular ice carvings to an amazing playground made of snow, Winterlude is a great way to take in the best of our Canadian winter.

Skate on the world’s largest skating rink — right in the heart of Ottawa! Marvel at majestic snow sculptures and glittering ice sculptures or groove to energetic rhytms at Snowbowl. Our mascots, the Ice Hog Family, are waiting for you in Canada’s Capital Region, from February 3 to February 19, 2006.

In the meantime, keep visiting our website to learn about next year’s event or learn more about Winterlude and the Ice Hog Legend.

Facts:

• In 2005, Canada’s Capital Region celebrated the 27th Winterlude.
  
• Winterlude was founded in 1979 by the NCC as a means of celebrating Canada’s unique northern climate and culture.
  
• Every year, more than 650,000 fun-seekers take part in Winterlude activities. More than a third of our visitors are people from outside the Capital region.
  
• Every year, Winterlude attracts thousands of artists, athletes and visitors from across Canada and around the world.
  
• The success of Winterlude rests on the support — both financial and in donated services — of the private sector, local collaborators, the media and the community.
  
• In a 2004 survey, it was estimated that Winterlude-related spending generated a total of $151.7 million of economic activity in Ontario and Quebec — $82.5 million within Canada’s Capital Region.
  
• Over 800 generous people volunteer for the NCC during Winterlude.
  
• The Ice Hog Family, Winterlude’s loveable mascots, travel to the nation’s Capital every winter to celebrate Winterlude. The members of the family are Mama and Papa Ice Hog and their children, Noumi and Nouma.
  
• The many Winterlude activity venues are accessible every day (except Snowflake Kingdom in Jacques-Cartier Park in Gatineau, which is closed Mondays and Tuesdays); however, special activities take place over all three Winterlude weekends.
  
• Most Winterlude activities are free of charge, but registration and admission fees may apply to certain sporting events and shows.

Related Links

• Volunteer with the NCC

Presented by the American Express Philanthropic Program.