p h o t o s : r i d e a u c a n a l ( d e s t i n at i o n c a n a d a ); i c e s c u l p t i n g ( n c c ) ice escapades
Ottawa keeps its cool with a flurry of frosty festivals and multi-season icy attractions .
The iconic Winterlude festival includes mustvisits like the Snowflake Kingdom ( ice slides , snow sculptures , mazes and more ) and the magical ice sculptures of Crystal Garden , and activities ranging from sleigh rides to a bed race on the Rideau Canal Skateway . Speaking of the world ’ s largest outdoor ice skating rink , you can glide 7.8km ( nearly 5mi ) between the National Arts Centre downtown and Dows Lake Pavilion , which is home to several restaurants , as well as skate and sleigh rentals .
The Canal isn ’ t the only reason to sharpen your blades . Rideau Hall ’ s iconic rink dates back to 19th-century skating parties organized by Canada ’ s governor general , while the Sens Rink of Dreams at Ottawa City Hall is one of the largest outdoor rinks in the capital . Work up an on-ice appetite for a BeaverTail — a local snack of whole-wheat pastry topped with cinnamon and sugar — available in winter at City Hall , Dows Lake , and even huts on the frozen Canal .
For ice-loving spectators , check out a home game of the National Hockey League ’ s Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre or the Ontario Hockey League ’ s Ottawa 67 ’ s , who play at the arena at TD Place at Lansdowne . For the more hands-on hobbyist , try ice fishing on the Ottawa River or dogsledding in the Outaouais Region with Escapade Eskimo .
You can travel to the Arctic year-round at the new Canada Goose Arctic Gallery ( opening June 21 , 2017 ) at the Canadian Museum of Nature .
Ottawa ’ s Greenbelt is home to 150km of cross-country ski trails , and Québec ’ s Gatineau Park offers a winter wonderland . You can hike cleared winter paths , but the park is best explored via trails designed for snowshoes , cross-country skis — and even snow bikes . Stop at a day-use shelter equipped with wood-burning stoves , picnic tables , and outhouses , or book ahead to stay in one of the four-season tents , yurts , or cabins . If you ’ re looking to elevate your ski poles , Camp Fortune in Chelsea , Québec is the nearest ski hill with 24 runs . Other day trip options include Wakefield , Québec ’ s two hills , Edelweiss and Ski Vorlage , and Ontario ’ s Calabogie Peaks Resort — only 75 minutes away , with 24 runs , snowshoeing , and cross-country skiing trails .
below , left : Rideau Canal Skateway
below , right : Cross-country skiing in Gatineau Park inset : Winterlude ’ s Crystal Garden
www . ottawatourism . ca 27