Before you decide where to stay, work out your budget. There is a wide range of accommodations in Ottawa and you are certain to find one within your price range.Contact the tourism board to get more information on specific hotels that can best accommodate you. If you have pets or children, inquire about special family rates.
Bed and Breakfasts are always a good choice for accommodations. When you are coming for an event like Winterlude, staying in a bed and breakfast can have advantages. The owners can give you insights such as what events to not miss and fill you in on the restaurants that are off the beaten path. Some do not allow children, however. But if you find one that suits you, the rates are usually cheaper than in one of the bigger hotels.
For those who prefer a larger hotel, Ottawa has many choices. This is the capital city and they are accustomed to welcoming international visitors. There are over 2,000 hotels in the Ottawa area alone. You will find many of the well-known chains like Marriott as well as local hotels, each one with a different personality. With this many hotels, you will find one to suit you and your budget.
During the summer months, the Rideau Canal is for boats. Come February, it is for skaters. It is frozen solid enough not only for skating, but sledding and walking as well. It is also the site of the triathlon and the bed race. For a really unusual dining experience, stop at the Ice Café where the food is hot and the atmosphere is really cool.
Crystal Garden is the venue where you will see the ice sculptures. You may have seen ice sculptures elsewhere, but none like these. It is a shame they cannot be preserved, for they are true works of art. Visit the exhibitions at night.The lights glittering off the frozen ice sculptures turn the garden into a winter wonderland. If you have the courage, you can even enter a competition yourself.
Sun Life Snowflake Kingdom in Jacques-Cartier Park, Gatineau is the place for the kids to have their day of fun. It is a play ground made out of snow. And it is the home of the Ice Hog family, the official mascots of the Winterlude celebration. While the Crystal Garden has its Ice Sculpture, the Snowflake Kingdom has its snow sculpture.
