Canada's 5 Coolest Winter Festivals
Canada is known for its winter weather, but we are also known of our great winter festivals. Winter festivals are held across the country during the winter months to celebrate the best of the best of cold weather culture.
Here are 5 winter festivals in Canada you should check out:
1. Carnaval de Quebec
The biggest and most famous of them all, the Carnaval de Quebec is Canada’s largest. Held for more than 100 years, it has only grown in stature. Featuring unique attractions and events such as ice canoe races, night parades, ice palace, snow sculptures, Bonhomme Carnaval, and much more, it’s the perfect event to attend if you are in Quebec in February.
Learn more about the Carnival de Quebec by visiting: http://carnaval.qc.ca/en/
2. Winterlude
Held in Ottawa each year during the first three weeks in February, Winterlude has become a staple in the nation’s capital. This year marks the 37th installment of the event, with approximately 600,000 people participating in the festivities. From a winter triathlon, hockey tournament, skating clinics, amazing ice carvings, skating on the Rideau Canal, and walkabout winter feasts, there is something for the entire family.
Learn more about Winterlude here: http://www.ottawatourism.ca/en/visitors/what-to-do/festival-and-events/winterlude
3. World Ski and Snowboarding Festival
Held in Whistler each April, this is the place to be for ski and snowboarding enthusiasts. Featuring world class ski and snowboard competitions, demos, fashion shows, art exhibits, and an outdoor concert series, it’s the perfect place to plan an event filled ski vacation. There is even a dog parade and competition!
Learn more about the World Ski and Snowboarding Festival here: http://www.wssf.com/
4. Niagara Icewine Festival
Held each year in the Niagara Region, the Niagara Icewine Festival celebrates the best icewine Ontario has to offer. But, that’s not all – there is no shortage of wine tastings, food pairing events, educational seminars, and concerts to keep you busy for all three weeks it’s held in January.
Learn more about the Niagara Icewine Festival by visiting: http://www.niagarawinefestival.com/
5. Igloofest
Held in Montreal’s Old Port, this 4 weekend long festival is held each year, celebrating electronic dance music. Complete with ice décor on steel structures and amazing architectural scenography, the festival offers some of the best local and international DJs. There is even a one piece snowsuit competition!
Learn more about Igloofest here: http://igloofest.ca/
Have you been to any of these festivals? If yes, what was the highlight of the festival? Do you plan on going to other winter festivals in the future?
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