Every February, Canada's Capital Region is host to Winterlude, North America's greatest winter festival. Three fun-filled weekends of excitement and activity await the whole family! From spectacular ice carvings to an amazing playground made of snow, Winterlude is a great way to take in the best of our Canadian winter.

• Skate the Rideau Canal, the world's longest skating rink!
• Marvel at the spectacular ice and snow sculptures.
• Visit Snowflake Kingdom, the world's biggest snow playground in Jacques Cartier Park in Hull.
• Winterlude goes international! Come experience the Crossroads of Nations at the Festival Plaza. 
• Gigantic snow sculptures and ice-carvings, live shows and workshops will bring the cultural richness of guest countries to life.

Canadian Ski Marathon
February 13 - 14, 2010 
Tel: (819) 770-6556
Fax (819) 770-7428
Web Site: www.csm-mcs.com


Fall in love with winter for the first time or all over again while participating in the 44th annual Canadian Ski Marathon (CSM) the weekend of February 13 & 14, 2010. The world’s longest ski tour has something for everyone.

The Canadian Ski Marathon (CSM) is North America’s longest and oldest Nordic ski tour. By tradition (since 1967), it takes place during the second weekend in February on a unique ski trail that is only groomed once per year on privately owned land in the picturesque Western Laurentian Mountains between Lachute and Gatineau, Québec. There is an overnight stop in Montebello, the home of the famous Fairmont Le Château Montebello, the largest log château in the world.

The CSM is a two-day 160 kilometre event that is divided into 5 sections each day with an average of 16 kms per section. There are feed stations, first aid and toilets available at the end of each section as well as shuttle buses that run between accommodation and checkpoints throughout each day. Each year, the CSM alternates its direction from east to west, and then west to east.

Unlike most ski loppets, there are no winners or losers at the Canadian Ski Marathon. Each participant can select his/her own level of challenge and ski the distance desired without having to complete the entire event. One can ski as little as 12 km to the maximum of 160 km throughout the weekend.

Gatineau Loppet

Ottawa International Writers Festival

Leading authors and thinkers from across the country and around the world, participate in interactive events for all ages and tastes in both official languages