Safe ShoppingMaps of Winterlude – Topo Map of the Week
Winterlude is an integral part of winter in Ottawa. In January and February when Canadians elsewhere are dreaming of warmer winter temperatures – even just a little, people in Ottawa are wishing for it to be just cold enough for good Winterlude ice conditions on the Rideau Canal. After Winterlude, naturally everyone who doesn’t skate or ski wants it to be warm and spring to arrive.
Winterlude Schedule
Winterlude has been going on for 32 years and doesn’t seem to show any signs of disappearing soon. This year, Winterlude starts February 5th and runs until February 21, 2010. The Taste of Winterlude, where restaurants have created fixed price menus for $25 to $65, started January 28th and will continue until the end of Winterlude.
MapSherpa topographical map showing Winterlude locations
Winterlude Events around Ottawa
The Winterlude Opening on Friday night introduces the locals and tourists alike to Winterlude. There will be musical entertainment on and near the Rideau Canal from 7 to 11 pm, as well as at some nearby museums like the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau. One of the more interesting things this year is the Musical Fireworks, that will be set off at 8:50pm to an interesting soundtrack. The NCC recommends viewing the Fireworks from Major’s Hill Park, or the Canadian Museum of Civilization. If you view the topographic map above, you can see the binoculars at the two locations recommended.
Over the weekend, Confederation Park will be home to “Rogers One-Block Challenge” where participants will create ice sculptures from a single, large block of ice. These are best seen the first weekend, because if it warms up, these ice sculptures may take on shapes the artists never intended!
There are a lot of other activities going on in the Ottawa/Gatineau region, so be sure to check out some each weekend of Winterlude!
Skate along the Rideau Canal (blue line) and take in some sites along the way
Custom Maps for Winterlude with MapSherpa
With MapSherpa you can create your own custom map of the Rideau Canal for the entire skateway route or for a particular section where you can enjoy Winterlude fun! Just search for Rideau Canal, and click on the second entry which will take you to the Winterlude celebration area in Ottawa, Ontario.
You can also become a fan of Winterlude and MapSherpa on Facebook and follow MapSherpa on Twitter!
