Diefenbunker a Winterlude partner again

CARP – Well, if they can’t freeze the canal you can always go underground for Winterlude.

The popular City of Ottawa winter carnival is just around the corner, and once again the Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum will be a Winterlude partner.

“We are pleased to announce the Diefenbunker will be a partner in this year’s 46th annual Winterlude festival,” Diefenbunker staff released in a statement Jan. 5. “From Feb. 2 to 19, Winterlude festivities will be taking place throughout the Ottawa-Gatineau area, and we invite you to participate by joining us for a variety of family-friendly activities including a scavenger hunt, an outdoor winter carnival, an Inuit art workshop, and more.”

On the weekend of Feb. 3 and 4, the Diefenbunker will host an Inuit Art Workshop from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. both days. Workshops are one hour long.

“The Diefenbunker values art as a means for expressing important personal connections with the Cold War and its impacts that are still present today,” the Diefenbunker said. “Participate in a family-friendly workshop to learn about unique Inuit art forms and their reflections of evolving landscapes and cultural traditions of Inuit people. You’ll also produce your own artistic creation, inspired by Inuit printmaking.”

This event is included in the cost of museum admission. Advance registration is required, as spots are limited. Recommended minimum age is eight, and youth must be accompanied by an adult.

During week two of Winterlude, from Wednesday, Feb. 7 to Saturday, Feb. 11 participate in Follow the Rainbow, accessible during the museum’s normal operating hours.

“Travel back in time and explore the four storeys of the Diefenbunker while you search for historic objects and retro décor in all the colours of the rainbow,” the Diefenbunker said. “Families will be given a guide for a visual scavenger hunt with varying levels of difficulty to suit all abilities. Complete the scavenger hunt to receive a prize.”

This event is included in the cost of museum admission. This event is inspired by the Diefenbunker’s accreditation as a Rainbow Registered organization and its commitment to creating an inclusive space for all.

During the third weekend of Winterlude, the Diefenbunker will host its own Diefenbunker Winter Carnival Saturday, Feb. 17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“During its time as a military base, the Diefenbunker held an annual winter carnival,” Diefenbunker staff said. “Participate in these historic activities, with a modern twist including snow sculpting, snow painting, a tug of war challenge, or traversing the snowy trails of the scenic bunker hillside. Warm up indoors with hot chocolate or by exploring a temporary exhibit highlighting the traditions of the winter carnival through stories, videos, and artifacts.”

Outdoor activities are free. The temporary exhibit is included in the cost of museum admission.

Ongoing throughout Winterlude is the Snowflake Scavenger Hunt from Friday, Feb. 2 to Sunday, Feb. 18 during the museum’s operating hours.

“Stay warm and explore our 100,000-square-foot underground museum as you search for snowflakes and other signs of winter in our Snowflake Scavenger Hunt,” staff said. “Families will be given a guide for a visual scavenger hunt, with three levels of difficulty to suit all abilities.”

Celebrate diverse Canadian stories and traditions this Winterlude at Canada’s Cold War Museum.

More information can be found here: https://diefenbunker.ca/winterlude-2024/.