All across the National Capital Region, there's a blizzard of excitement and anticipation as wintry weather helped to welcome the 30th edition of Winterlude on Friday.
Workers are busy preparing the ice sculptures and revellers are already enjoying the Rideau Canal, snow slides and food that make Winterlude a world-class event.
Thankfully, the recent cold weather has frozen the canal just in time for the opening. National Capital Commission officials opened up a large section of the skateway between Dow's Lake and Somerset Street Thursday.
"It is really a national icon, it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site ... and it's just a magical experience. When there's a few snowflakes falling and you're skating along the skateway, it really just can't be beat," said Kathryn Keyes of the National Capital Commission.
Jacques Cartier Park in Gatineau, now the Snowflake Kingdom, also offers fun for the family, according to the Barretts.
"The ice slides and stuff are all made for you and it's safe and you can have so much fun. The one over there is pretty fast though," said Scott Barrett, who was at the park with his family on Friday.
There will also be live performances at the Snowbowl stage featuring diverse acts ranging from Canadian hip-hop star K-OS to traditional Quebecois folk group La Bottine Souriante.
There will also be a tribute to Quebec City's 400th anniversary featuring giant puppets and break dancers which will replay every Friday and Saturday night until Winterlude wraps up on Feb. 17.
With a report from CTV's Jonathan Rotondo
