The Canal was in great shape for Winterlude skating, but I was disappointed in 2025 Winterlude. The ice sculptures and illuminations were few and far between. I recognize we have been spoiled before and the warm weather in 2023 and 2024 lead to the cut back this year.
I did not get to Snowflake Kingdom at Jacques Cartier Park in Gatineau, where I am sure the young folks (of many ages) had a good time on the snow slides and other activities there.
Unlike prior years with many large beautiful ice sculptures, there were only four spots with 1-3 small to largish sculptures. All but one sculpture was on the Sparks Street Mall. I visited both daytime and night time. in the first week
A small sculpturing demonstration area
There was no good angle to do a video of the demonstration as the carver, by necessity, moved around al lot
Two sizeable well done sculptures: A beaver sculpture based on the work of a First Nations artist and a large sash and fiddle sculpture symbolizing the Metis culture.
At Confederation Square, in the plaza in front of the War Memorial, a 10' high globe by Veteran's Affairs honouring the Canadian Forces members who had served in the many wars.. Unfortunately the details on the globe did not show up during the day and was too brightly lit at night.
A large scale fireplace sculpture was in front of one of the former banks on the mall.
When I dropped by mid-week in the evening, a new sculpture had been created in the demonstration area and a largish sculpture was starting to be created next door.
There were 2-3 areas of "backyard" swings. The most elaborate was this one
Firepits kept visitors warm
While over at Confederation Park, there was a dismal "sound and light" show of what was supposedly a fireplace complete with crackling sounds. Instead of many trees being well lit like in the past, I found one tree being lit with varying lights. The camera did not do a good job videoing this, but there wasn't much to video.
The trees around Confederation Square were still lit with their Christmas lights
Winterlude only "operates" Friday evenings, Saturday and Sunday. The Beavertails kiosk was open on the Thursday evening I was there, but there was only one customer.
Since I was down there, I took a few extra photos.
The First Nations statute/sculpture that has been in Confederation Park for many years
And I stopped to watch Oscar Peterson performing in the snow
When