Winterlude was created in 1979 as a way to celebrate Canada’s unique relationship with winter and our northern climate, hoping to inspire more Canadians to get outside and enjoy the company of others all winter long. For the last 41 years, Winterlude has taken place across the Ottawa-Gatineau region with events like ice-carving competition and horse races on the Rideau Canal Skateway, attracting more than half a million people to the festivities each year.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Winterlude has gone virtual for 2021, but it provides the opportunity for Canadians across the country to be able to participate in the festival like never before. We’ve rounded up five of the chillest Winterlude events you can take part in from the comfort (and warmth) of your own home:

Winterlude national ice-carving competition

Winterlude’s annual ice-carving competition is held in downtown Ottawa, and residents have the opportunity to see the masterpieces be created as they enjoy the Winterlude festivities. This year, the competition has gone virtual, meaning you can see submissions from various Canadian cities across the country. The winners of this competition will be chosen by the people, and votes are being accepted on their website until Sunday, February 21.