Let's be real for a second - Ottawa, the capital of this beautiful country, legitimately has it all. Unforgettable culinary experiences, exquisite natural beauty, incredibly fun experiences to immerse yourself in... you can't blame people for flocking to Ottawa for the perfect weekend getaway!
Just because it's wintertime and the entire country is freezing cold, doesn't mean there's a freeze on how awesome Ottawa is. Case in point? Winterlude! Taking over the city on the weekend from February 1 - 18, Winterlude has always been the winter celebration to check out. But this year, there's one extra reason why you absolutely have to get yourself to this wonderful winter fest!
What sets Winterlude 2019 apart from previous ones? For the first time in its 41-year (!) run, Ottawa's iconic winter festival will also be celebrating Canada's FIRST-EVER WinterPride!
From February 6 - 10, WinterPride will highlight the LGBTQ2+ outdoor drag shows and artistic performances, the first Capital Pride Awards Gala, a speaker series on the the trans communities and tons of outdoor family-oriented activities as part of the Come OUT and Play initiative.
But Winterlude's WinterPride celebration doesn't end there! Think ice cabaret and burlesque shows - outside! - with insane beats from Montreal's very own drag extraordinaire, Mado Lamotte. Plus, WinterPride will go out with a huge celebratory bang on February 10 with an important march to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the partial decriminalization of homosexuality in Canada.Aside from this brand new (and proud) addition, Winterlude will be hosting all of its classic staples this year. There'll be Winterlude treats and delights aplenty (like drool-worthy and quintessentially Canadian BeaverTails right along the Rideau Canal). Plus, you can also enjoy the festival's jaw-dropping ice sculptures in the ByWard Market - as well as exhilarating winter activities like the Ottawa Ice Dragon Boat Festival and Accora Village Bed Race!
And, OF COURSE, skating on the world's largest naturally frozen ice rink, Ottawa's famous Rideau Canal Skateway!
This year, our nation's bustling capital is not only transforming into a crazy fun, magical winter destination - but also celebrating the LGBTQ2+ community in a fitting, fun, and totally unique way. Let's be honest for a minute... what more of an epic winter adventure could you possibly ask for?!
