Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dreamscapes.ca/i/753864
you can always count on the Rideau Hall regular-sized rink for guaranteed ice. The annual Gatineau Loppet cross- country race will take place from February 15–20 across the river from Ottawa in Québec's Gatineau Hills. This strenuous race attracts serious cross-country skiers from across Canada and around the world. Group teams can also race, and this year, there is a new feature. Bike races for fat-tired bikes will be included. Keep in mind that just across the Ottawa River, in the Gatineau Hills, there are more than 200 kilometres of cross-country ski trails and numerous downhill ski centres. For traditionalists there is also the Cana- dian Ski Marathon, about to enter its 51 st year. It is not a race, but is all about endurance. Par- ticipants can choose to do as few or as many as the five legs per day in an endeavour that also allows some skiers to sleep outside between the first and second days, in a special camp where only hay and firewood are pro- vided. That's right—you must bring in your own food and sleeping bag on your back. Most of those involved in this madness don't bother with a tent so as to avoid extra weight! INDOOR BREAKS At the Canadian Museum of History two exhibits are bound to raise eyebrows. Until March 12, 2017, "Nice Women Don't Want the Vote" remembers the suffragette struggle in Canada. "More Than Just a Game" (March to October 2017), looks at, you guessed it, our ongoing fascination with hockey! Another two events that will take place regardless of the severity of the winter are the Juno Awards (March 27–April 2), celebrating the best in the Canadian music industry, and something new, the Inspiration Village. The latter will be held in Ottawa's historic ByWard Market, beginning May 20. Ship- ping containers will be outfitted by each province and territory for a competition sponsored by the Royal Architectural Insti- tute of Canada. Also on the Québec side, you should not miss a functioning farm, the Moore Farm, right in the centre of the Hull district. Pro- grams include explaining how food is grown and regular nights on recipe prepa- ration and learning how to cook. A little farther to the west, in the Aylmer sector, visit the only building named in the 1867 British North America Act. Its current use is the Old Aylmer Cultural Centre where you can hear intimate concerts of world beat music. DS DREAMSCAPES WINTER 2016/2017 50 TRAVEL PLANNER For more information on upcoming 2017 events in Ottawa and the surrounding area, visit: Ottawa Tourism: ottawatourism.ca/Ottawa-in-2017 Tourisme Outaouais: tourismeoutaouais.com/en Moore Farm: lafermemoore.ca Red Bull Crashed Ice World Championships: redbullcrashedice.com/en The Governor General of Canada: gg.ca Winterlude Festival: www.canada.pch.gc.ca PREVIOUS PAGE: Skaters enjoy a skate along the Rideau Canal in Ottawa during Winterlude. Howard Sandler/Shutterstock.com TOP LEFT: A quiet oasis in Ottawa, Major Hills Park is popular with cross-country skiers. TOP RIGHT: Winterlude draws crowds out to view magnificent ice sculptures in Ottawa's Confederation Park. Ottawa Tourism