Ice Sculptures at Night at Winterlude Ottawa

Written By: The Planet D

There’s no doubt about it. The star attraction of Winterlude in Ottawa, Canada is the Crystal Garden. It is 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.

See our updated post for a complete guide to Winterlude in Ottawa!

ice sculptures ottaww

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 favourite things to do was walk around the city at night in search of ice sculptures and art displays celebrating winter and all things Canadian.

ice sculptures ottawa

Once the sun goes down, the lights go up and the artists have the chance for their hard work to shine as colorful lights decorate the ice sculptures creating a beautiful display.

ice sculpture featured image
Celebrate winter in Canada

Our first time visiting Ottawa during Winterlude saw the ice sculptures on display in the Crystal Garden at Confederation Park.

Today, they are located in the ByWard Market in the middle of an excellent walking street.

second place ice sculpture ottawa
second place carving

The Ice Sculpting competition is a huge part of Winterlude. People compete from around the world showcasing their carving skills.

ice carving first place
First place

The most popular exhibit is the long hall featuring the winners of the ice sculpture competition.

They were all winners in our minds.

Each ice carving was meticulously crafted and the artists paid attention to every detail. What talent they all have.

Ice Sculptures around Ottawa

My favourite exhibit was the painted wolves hanging out in a field. They were beautiful.

ice sculpture shot wolves carved in Ottawa
Ice Wolves in Ottawa

Ice for sculpting is different than regular ice.

It is formed in a box and frozen from the bottom so that as it freezes, the bubbles rise.

The top is cut off and a very clear piece of ice is left for the sculpture to do their work.

ice sculpture shot of canadian soldiers
Tribute to our Troops

Tools used for ice sculpting

There are many tools used for sculpting and carving ice.

They first draw the design on the ice and then begin to sculpt with a chainsaw.

They use a chisel to refine the art and then use tools like drills, burrs, shaping discs and rasps.

Dave had the chance to try carving a sculpture and saw just how difficult it was.

But as one professional told us, it’s not so bad, if you make a mistake, you add a block of ice and start over.

ICe Bar at the Andaz for Winterlude in Ottawa

There are ice sculptures and ice bars all around Ottawa during Winterlude and the winter months.

Be sure to check them out when you are there and be sure to appreciate the artistry that goes into the craft.

Winterlude

The Rideau Canal is a major winter attraction during Winterlude.

Many people skate on the canal, but when the night falls, it’s the perfect time to go for a walk.

Read our comlete guide to Winterlude

Ottawa is safe and there are many things to do, don’t miss visiting the ice sculptures of Crystal Gardens.

ice sculpture winterlude

Suggested places to stay in Ottawa

  • Fairmont Chateau Laurier – Luxury
  • Westin Ottawa – Luxury
  • Andaz Hotel – Mid Range
  • Hotel Indigo – Mid Range

For more information on Ottawa and Winterlude, check out Ottawa Tourism for all your needs when visiting Canada’s Capital City.

Read More:

Winterlude in Ottawa

36 Best Adventures in Canada

The World Can Learn a Thing or Two from Canada

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine, the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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10 thoughts on “Ice Sculptures at Night at Winterlude Ottawa”

  1. Great photos. I do love ice art as snow art. These things are very typical in Finland.

    Here is my video from World’s Biggest Snow Castle in Kemi, Finland.

    Happy blogging.

    Reply
    • Thanks for sharing. I have a feeling that Canada and Finland have very similar traditions and values. I look forward to visiting someday.

      Reply
  2. This is really cool! Living in Houston, we don’t get the kind of weather conducive to have such things. It was 80 degrees on Monday. 🙁

    Reply