Editing Winterlude (section)

==Activities==
===Attractions===
The focal point of Winterlude is the [[Rideau Canal#Skateway|Rideau Canal Skateway]] which at 7.8 kilometres (approximately 5 miles) is the largest skating rink in the world.

Another primary site is the Snowflake Kingdom, which is located in [[Jacques-Cartier Park]] in Gatineau. This site is turned into a massive "snow park" with ice slides and snow sculptures and also hosts numerous events and activities for children.

[[Confederation Park]], better known as Crystal Garden, is the site for the ice sculpture competition, the ice lounge and musical concerts. Marion Dewar Plaza at City Hall (across from Confederation Park) is the site of the Rink of Dreams, an ice-skating rink that hosts skating shows, DJ dance parties and interactive art displays throughout the Festival. [[Dow's Lake]] also has a large skating area and hosts various activities.

Related activities include special exhibits at numerous Ottawa museums, special events in the [[ByWard Market]], [[Sparks Street]], and a variety of other events throughout the city.

The festival features mascots called "Ice Hogs," fictional groundhog-like creatures. Legend has it they emerged during the last Ice Age from a magical ice vortex. Their presence brings a touch of magic to Winterlude, delighting both young and old who appreciate the winter season.<ref>{{cite web |title=Winterlude mascots — the Ice Hog Family |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/winterlude/about.html |website=Canadian Heritage |date=1 January 2024 |access-date=10 January 2024}}</ref>

Corridas 
Several racing events are held in conjunction with Winterlude. The [[Gatineau Loppet]], inaugurated in 1979, is an internationally recognized [[Cross-country skiing (sport)|cross-country]] ski race that takes place in [[Gatineau Park]]. The event also holds [[Snowshoe running|snowshoe]] and [[Fatbike]] races.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Greatest International Event of Cross-Country Ski in Canada |url=https://gatineauloppet.com/?lang=en |website=Gatineau Loppet |access-date=5 January 2024}}</ref> Since 1984, the Winterlude Triathlon has also been part of the festival. The format and location of the [[winter triathlon]] has changed frequently over the years. The race currently consists of a 8&nbsp;km skate across the Rideau Canal, a 5&nbsp;km run along [[Colonel By Drive]], and a 6&nbsp;km ski at [[Mooney's Bay Park]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Winterlude Over the Years |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/winterlude/about/over-years.html |website=Government of Canada |access-date=21 October 2020}}</ref> Other race events include "bed racing" and "ice dragon boat" racing.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bed Race for Kiwanis Club of Ottawa |url=https://www.ottawakiwanis.org/bedrace |website=Kiwanis Club of Ottawa  |access-date=10 January 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Ice Dragon Boat Festival |url=https://www.icedragonboat.ca |website=Ice Dragon Boat Festival |access-date=10 January 2024}}</ref>