Winterlude's outdoor activities resume today after an extremely cold start to the festival
Winterlude's outdoor winter attractions opened to the public on Saturday, one day after the extreme cold weather forced the cancellation of all outdoor activities on the opening day of the winter festival.
Hundreds of people packed Winterlude sites in Ottawa and Gatineau for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I got to do the obstacle courses, snow tubing, paint my face," said Claudia while at Jacques-Cartier Park.
"Maple taffy, got to have it every time we come here," said another person.
The Winterlude National Ice-Carving Championship kicked off on Sparks Street at 10 a.m., while the Snowflake Kingdom and all activities in Jacques-Cartier Park in Gatineau at 12 p.m.
Winterlude returns to Ottawa and Gatineau this weekend for the first time in three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the festival got off to a cold start, with temperatures of -27 C forcing organizers to close the Snowflake Kingdom and postpone all outdoor events on Friday.
Speaking on Newstalk 580 CFRA's CFRA Live with Andrew Pinsent on Saturday morning, Canadian Heritage spokesperson Melanie Brault said cancelling outdoor events on Friday was a difficult decision.
"We had to make some pretty tough decisions yesterday but I think, in the end, it's really about health and safety," Brault said.
The ice-carving will go from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and continue Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
With events resuming Saturday, Brault reminded visitors that there are ways to stay warm.
"We have a huge refuge (at Snowflake Kingdom), like a heated, huge space, so families can take breaks in there throughout the day whenever they come to visit us at Jacques Cartier Park," she said.
Besides the Snowflake Kingdom in Jacques-Cartier Park and the ice sculptures on Sparks Street, you are also invited to the free tours of the RCMP Musical Ride Stables on Saturday, the interactive light features in the ByWard Market, Snowphy Trophy in the Glebe and activities at the Canadian Museum of History and the National Arts Centre.
"We didn't know it was going to be this cold," said a woman on Sparks Street. "It's been fun. We've never been to Ottawa before."
"It's cold for the first half hour, and you get used to it," said another man.
Brault says Canadian Heritage is hoping Mother Nature will co-operate for the opening weekend.
"By Sunday, the weather is going to be so much better. Come on down to Sparks Street, you can see live carving," Brault said. "There will be 13 duos that will be carving for 20 hours, and the theme this year is Creatures of the Sea."
The Rideau Canal Skateway remains closed, and the National Capital Commission has said it will not open for the opening weekend of the Winterlude.
Winterlude runs until Feb. 20.
With files from CTV News Ottawa's Leah Larocque.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.