There’s no doubt about it. The star attraction of Winterlude in Ottawa, Canada is the Crystal Garden, filled with massive ice sculptures on display.
Ice Sculptures of Ottawa
**Note** As of 2019 the Ice Sculptures are now located in the Byward Market.
If you are in Ottawa during the winter, you are in for a treat. Canada knows how to celebrate the cold, and the city comes alive with festivals and outdoor fun.
One of our favorite activities is strolling through the city at night in search of stunning ice sculptures and artistic displays that celebrate winter and all things Canadian.
Once the sun sets, the lights illuminate the sculptures, allowing artists’ hard work to shine as colorful displays enhance the beauty of the intricate ice art.
During our first visit to Ottawa in the Winterlude season, the ice sculptures were showcased in the Crystal Garden at Confederation Park. Currently, they can be found in the vibrant ByWard Market amidst an excellent walking street.
The Ice Sculpting competition forms a significant part of Winterlude, where artists from around the world showcase their remarkable carving skills. The highlight is the long hall, featuring the winners of the ice sculpture competition.
They were all winners in our minds.
Each ice carving is meticulously crafted with incredible attention to detail. The talent displayed by the artists is truly commendable.
Ice Sculptures around Ottawa
My favorite exhibit featured painted wolves amidst a snow-covered field; they were breathtaking.
It’s interesting to note that the ice used for sculpting is quite different from regular ice. It is formed in a box and frozen from the bottom, allowing air bubbles to rise. This technique results in a clearer block of ice left for artists to work with.
Tools used for ice sculpting
A variety of tools are employed in the art of sculpting and carving ice. Artists first sketch the design onto the ice and begin shaping it with a chainsaw. Subsequently, they use chisels for refinement and tools like drills, burrs, shaping discs, and rasps for intricate details.
We even had the opportunity to attempt ice carving; it quickly became evident just how challenging it can be! However, as one professional advised, mistakes can always be rectified by adding another block of ice and starting over.
Throughout Ottawa during Winterlude and the winter months, there are numerous ice sculptures and ice bars to discover. Be sure to appreciate the artistry and skill that goes into these frozen masterpieces.
Winterlude
The Rideau Canal serves as a major winter attraction during Winterlude. While many enjoy skating on the canal, the evening is the perfect time for a leisurely stroll to admire the surroundings.
Ottawa is a safe city offering plenty of activities to explore, so make sure to visit the iconic ice sculptures of the Crystal Gardens!
Suggested Places to Stay in Ottawa
- Fairmont Chateau Laurier – Luxury
- Westin Ottawa – Luxury
- Andaz Hotel – Mid Range
- Hotel Indigo – Mid Range
For further details on Ottawa and Winterlude, we recommend checking out Ottawa Tourism for all your needs when visiting Canada’s Capital City.
