You can not deny this: Ottawa is known as one of the coldest capitals in the world (only in terms of temperature). But does this mean that you stay at home during the winter and flour? Absolutely not! Ottawa has turned potential liability into a key asset and is really showing us how to celebrate winter.
First, the Winterlude Winter Festival, Ottawa, which is held this year from February 3 to February 19, 2006. Winterlade appears to attend more than 650,000 winter revelers and covers many events: concerts, special events, cooking demonstrations, restaurant festivals and the list goes on. Rideau Skateway Skateboarding, nearly 8 km of the world's largest ice sheet. There was our main reason to come to Ottawa. Indeed, we traveled to Ottawa about 3 years ago, and because of the warm weather, Wintermed was for us to be completely washed out this year (I think the appropriate term for this event would be “Waterlude”).
But our early experience did not deter us, so this year Teresa and I decided to go back and pray for better weather so that we could really check out this phenomenal place for skiing and entertainment.
By the way, Rideau Canal Skateway was recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the world's largest frozen ice rink. The bike is 7.8 kilometers long and takes you to the Rideau Bridge to Lake Dow.
We set off early around 10 am on an absolutely perfect winter day, but even at that time the skates were packed, and the trek on frozen ice from Confederation Park to the skateboard entrance on the other side of the river was completely filled with people in a long line.
We tied our skates and put our boots in our hind legs, which would give us the flexibility to get off the ice at any time and continue our explorations on foot. Or, if we’re too tired, we could even jump onto Sno-Bus, which links Lake Dow to Confederation’s park during the entire Winterlude festival for a small fee of $ 2.50 (additional information on the OC Transpo website)
But, apparently, we didn’t need a “Sleep-bus”, we went on this beautiful natural ice surface to the lake itself and didn’t even need a rest. On this magnificent day with crystal blue skies and beautiful winter weather and surprisingly no wind, riding a ridon was a phenomenal experience. We could really choose the best day to explore the Rideau Canal ice skating.
At various times along the way there were various recreation areas, food concessions and special entertainment or information zones. Well-presented, of course, the famous Ottawa trademark: Beavertails concession offices, which sell freshly made warm cookies sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon. The perfect snack and energy source in the cold winter.
In the rest area of the Via Rail Concord station, the exposition shed light on the history of the Ottawa railway. Almost many years ago, trains went to the center of Ottawa near the channel Rideau. On Fifth Avenue, young sports fans enjoyed the Canadian activity center JUMPStart Tire, where they jumped on the air on a trampoline and gave their skills to hockey.
On the island of Pigs was created a special area with tips to enjoy the traditions of the aborigines, culture and cuisine. In addition, registrars were present in this area. an exhibit, a snowshoes workshop, as well as aboriginal songs and drum plays.
Once arriving at Lake Dow, I continued to study the 26th annual race for beds, fundraising events that turned out to be an absolutely fun experience, for a good reason, no less. The Bed Race is organized by the Ottawa Kiwanis Club, and revenues close to $ 50,000 will be directed to Kids-Th-Thon for children.
But I had more opportunities to cover, so I started skating towards the city center, and by that time the skate had filled up quite a bit. He seemed young and old, the whole family was absent. Parents pulled out their children in small sleds or even pushed them in cross-country baby strollers. Everyone had a lot of fun.
On the way back, one person caught my attention: a young lady on red skates with red gloves and a red scarf was rolling along the canal, juggling, apparently, just having a ball of time. I approached her to learn a little about her. She introduced herself as Sylvia and shared with me that she is part of a juggling family and that juggling is in her blood. She said that juggling is her life, and although she does not drive the most bizarre car, she is happy because she does what she loves.
After all this skate, I was really hungry, so I took off my skates and just headed for the Rideau Center, one of the largest shopping centers in Ottawa. It is located right next to the canal and was positively packed that day. The Rideau Center offered a welcome opportunity to warm up and catch a good meal at the food court.
Obviously, I like to engage in fresh air, as well as explore urban landscapes, and riding on the Rideau Canal through downtown Ottawa perfectly combines both activities. I got a brief taste of this special winter activity, and one thing is for sure: I will be back !!!
