The Ottawa area has about 20 cm of fresh snow on the ground as of Friday morning. Think of it as a fresh, white welcome mat for winter revellers.
The second weekend of Canada’s premier winter festival is full of family-friendly options. A full rundown can be found here. But here are our top picks of things to see and do outdoors this weekend:
- Gatineau’s Jacques Cartier Park has been transformed into a Snowflake Kingdom featuring a series of Super Slides, which are sure to thrill kids and the young at heart.
- The World Ice Dragon Boat Championships take over Dow’s Lake. If you’ve never seen teams of propelling big boats on blades, it’s well worth it. Races are scheduled Friday evening and all day Saturday, and there are a number of concerts planned as well.
- And speaking of spectacle on blades…what could be better than Drag on Ice? Some of Ottawa favourite drag performers will lace up and twirl their way around a temporary ice rink that’s been built in the middle of downtown’s Bank Street.
If being indoors is more your thing, there’s a succulent plant pub night Saturday where you can make your very own terrarium and learn how to care for it when you get it home.
Animal lovers can get a jump on Valentine’s Day festivities at the Ottawa Humane Society’s My Furry Valentine, with a photo booth for you and your fur baby.
For even more amped-up cat cuteness, drop by the Merivale Mall for Kitty Con 2.