Winter Celebration
- 1. Governor General’s Foot Guards
- Obstacle Course and Winter Camp: Learn how a military camp is set up for winter and take part in military-style training exercises through a fun obstacle course. Don’t miss the military vehicles! – presented by the Governor General’s Foot Guards.
- 2. Canadian Ice Carvers Society
- See an ice carver at work on carvings inspired by the Governor General’s coat of arms.
- 3. Trans Canada Trail
- Need a little inspiration for enjoying the trails this winter? Spin the winter activity wheel to discover a fun outdoor activity to try during Winter Celebration.
- 4. Ringette Canada
- Take your best shot at ringette, a uniquely Canadian winter sport!
- 5. Scouts Canada
- Warm up by the fire pit and enjoy a marshmallow after challenging yourself on the snowshoe obstacle course.
- 6. Canada Agriculture and Food Museum
- Both wild animals and farm animals have the ability to adapt to their environment during the winter. Discover how these animals acclimate to colder temperatures, as well as some special ways Canadian farmers care for their livestock during the winter months. Plus! Make your own bird feeder out of real bird seed in a fun hands-on activity.
- 7. Department of Canadian Heritage
- Every February 15, we celebrate National Flag of Canada Day! This year, show off your Canadian pride, celebrate Canadian values, and play a trivia game to learn about the history of our national symbol and the athletes who represent it on the international stage!
- 8. Spirit North
- Feel the connection between sport, play, the outdoors and the land – try cross-country skiing and lacrosse.
- 9. Sauvetage Bénévole Outaouais - Ottawa Volunteer Search and Rescue
- Are you ready for outdoor adventures? Discover the AdventureSmart program and learn practical skills to enjoy the outdoors safely. Then go behind the scenes with Search and Rescue to meet the team, explore real gear, and see how searches help bring people home.
- The Nordic embassies have grouped together to form a Nordic Village!
- Experience Nordic culture, warm up at the fire pit, listen to live music and enjoy traditional winter food.
- 10. Embassy of Denmark
- Take a whack at a fastelavnstønde, a wooden barrel filled with candy, like a piñata, that is a beloved part of Danish Fastelavn celebrations – find it in the Nordic Village.
- 11. Embassy of Finland
- Try kicksledding – a traditional means of Nordic transportation, which features a chair-mounted sled – find them in the Nordic Village.
- 12. Royal Norwegian Embassy
- It’s all about the skis in Norway – try a toy version of ski jumping, a classic Nordic winter sport – find them in the Nordic Village.
- 13. Embassy of Sweden
- Test your skills with big and small hockey games– find them in the Nordic Village.
- 14. Embassy of Iceland
- Meet an Icelandic pony! These beauties will be demonstrating their gentle natures, fluffy winter coats, and unique gait, the tölt – find them in the Nordic Village.
- 15. National Capital Commission and Rideau Hall
- Giant games are all around in the Family Fun Zone.
- 16. Royal Canadian Geographical Society
- See the North up close with a giant map of the Arctic and learn about traditional winter pastimes in the Arctic, the Aurora Borealis and Arctic animals.
- 17. Rideau Hall Pantry
- Warm up and indulge in some traditional Rideau Hall cookies and hot chocolate with marshmallows at Chocolate Stand no. 1.
- 18. German Embassy
- Sip and savour hot apple cider, sample meat and vegan wurst or sausages, and try a German trivia quiz.
- 19. Delegation of the European Union in Canada
- Tumble the hat off the EU Bear, and expand your knowledge of European geography with fun quizzes and games.
- 20. Nunavut Sivuniksavut
- Inuit students from Nunavut Sivuniksavut will share their culture and language through drumming, throat singing and other winter activities. Try the high kick and see the Qamutiik or traditional Inuit sled upclose!
- 21. Rideau Hall
- Enjoy Métis Jigging with Brad Lafortune, singing and dancing with students from Nunavut Sivuniksavut, hoopdancing with Makhena Rankin Guérin or a musical performance by local bilingual band Highway Sunrise on the main stage.
- 22. Rideau Hall and the Canadian Heraldic Authority
- Tour the State rooms where the governor general fulfils official duties, welcomes dignitaries and honours Canadians. Hear the Canadian Armed Forces Band in the ballroom and learn about the Canadian Honours System in the Tent Room.
- 23. Embassy of Korea
- Beat the winter blues—Korean style—with traditional Korean tea and snacks.
- 24. Rideau Hall
- Skate and bag check-in – leave your heavy skates behind as you tour the grounds or the residence.
- 25. Curling Canada
- Hurry hard! Learn the ins and outs of the historic sport of curling.
- 26. St. John Ambulance
- Check in for safety or learn about their programs.
- 27. Rideau Hall Pantry
- Warm up and indulge in some traditional Rideau Hall cookies and hot chocolate with marshmallows – at Chocolate Stand no. 2.
- 28. Rideau Hall
- Glide into history! Dating back to 1872, the Rideau Hall Rink has hosted generations of skaters and shaped the culture of winter sports in Canada.
- 29. Rideau Skating Club
- 29. See figure skating up close, and learn to skate with CanSkate: open to all ages! Come learn the basic skills to practise one of Canada’s beloved winter activities.
- 30. Austrian Embassy
- 30. Don’t miss the knock-out fun of Eisstockschießen, a traditional winter sport from Austria similar to curling.
Warm Hugs: Winterlude’s official mascots, the Ice Hog family—Papa, Mama, Noumi and Nouma—will be strolling the grounds to offer warm hugs to children and adults alike – presented by Winterlude.