Winterlude: The Better Way

We love Winterlude, and we look forward to it every year. This year marks the 30th anniversary of our wonderful winter festival, so we’re going to bundle up the kids and really do it right.

This year we’re leaving the car at home. OC Transpo is running the Sno-Bus on Winterlude weekends. It’s only $2.50 for the day and kids 11 and under ride free. The bus travels between downtown and Dows Lake and it really is a smart way to see the sites. We’ll transfer to STO’s Bal de Neige bus because we don’t want to miss the larger-than-humanly-possible snow slides at the Sun Life Snowflake Kingdom at Jacques-Cartier Park in Gatineau. The best time to visit is from 6–8 pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays (it’s closed Mondays and Tuesdays). Street parking is also free during the week, and usually not too difficult to find.

If dragging your stroller, a diaper bag and a backpack full of snacks on the bus seems too daunting, you might want to park your minivan at the World Exchange Plaza (111 Albert Street). It’s free on weekends, and is only a couple blocks away from Confederation Park (which backs on to the Rideau Canal). And remember, the early bird gets the best spot in the lot.

The Rideau Canal Skateway is the big draw here, of course. It wouldn’t be Winterlude without it. If the weather has been erratic we check canal conditions online before we go.

Strollers are great on the ice (especially if they have big rubber tires, this is off-roading at its best), but it can be tough bringing them up and down busy (not to mention limited) access points on the canal. It helps to have a second pair of hands to help you hoist your stroller up or down.

If your kids aren’t yet conditioned to cover the distance, rent a sleigh at the Dows Lake Pavilion. They’re large enough to accommodate two adults, or three children, or one tired mother and two little ones. Daddy can push! While he’s working up a sweat, we are going to pick up some maple syrup taffy at one of the food stands, because what’s more “Ottawa” than sugar and snow? Be forewarned! Lineups for food and drink can be long (especially around lunchtime), so avoid potential meltdowns and come prepared. If you don’t want to wait in line for a maple treat, promise to make it at home instead. (Here’s an easy recipe we tested.)

You can also use your own sled to transport that stash of extra mittens or your thermos of coffee. Tired kids can come along for the ride as well.

Confederation Park is one of the best stops along the Winterlude route. It does get busy, but if you get there before ten o’clock on Saturday morning you will beat the crowds and catch the ice carvers as they transform blocks of ice into amazing sculptures. There are plenty of kid-friendly activities here. We are eagerly anticipating the Arctic Ice Dig (Saturday and Sunday, February 16 and 17, 10:30 am to 5:00 pm). Kids age seven and up chisel through a block of ice and dig out a special prize.

Sledding is one of our favourite unofficial parts of Winterlude. Although it’s not an official Winterlude site, the Arboretum (the part that overlooks the Rideau Canal right near Carleton) is a great place to bring a toboggan. Watch for trees, and wear a helmet. Little ones should ride with a parent. And here’s a tip: those inflatable two-seaters are great for those of us who find this activity hard on the posterior. When you’re done, it’s a short walk to the Beaver Tail stand on Dows Lake.

The perfect end to a perfect day, n’est-ce pas?

Official Winterlude Website (includes maps)
www.canadascapital.gc.ca

Skate and Sleigh Rentals
NAC: (613) 232-8049 (boot check available)
Fifth Avenue: (613) 232-8049 (weekends only)
Dows Lake Pavilion

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