Winterlude officially opens for 2013 season

The Winterlude Opening Ceremony, held this evening at the Rink of Dreams in front of City Hall, officially kicked off the annual celebration of Canada’s climate and culture in the capital.

The festivities included aerial dancers and pyrotechnic effects before turning into a DJ dance party featuring local DJ crew, A Tribe Called Red.

Winterlude, which receives more than 600,000 guests each year, runs until February 18 at various locations throughout the national capital region, according to its website.

After record breaking warm temperatures early in the week the cold weather returned in time for the National Capital Commission to re-open the entire 7.8 kilometre skateway this afternoon.

The Crystal Garden, located in Confederation Park, was able to open on schedule this morning. Highlights at the location include IllumiNation, an outdoor light art gallery, and the chance for visitors to create their own ice sculptures.

The Snowflake Kingdom, the biggest snow playground on the continent, located at Jacques-Cartier Park in Gatineau is delaying its opening until tomorrow morning at 9a.m. due to safety concerns related to the weather.