It's time for Winterlude!

Photos: Japanese artists Junichi Nakamura (black jacket) and Sam Terada (red jacket) working on their ice sculpture in Confederation Park in Ottawa.

It's Winterlude time again in Canada's capital! Get out the skates & toques and enjoy one of life's simple pleasures – skating on the 7.8–kilometre Rideau Canal in Ottawa.

Even if you do not skate, the National Capital Commission (NCC) has a number of things for you to do during the festival. For many, that means taking in the annual ice sculpture competition in Confederation Park.

Today, on what was probably the coldest day of the season, the NCC previewed what will happen in the park during the festival. Besides the international ice sculpture competition, spectators will be able to enjoy special DJ nights and multi-cultural events such as a walk through a traditional Mongolian yurt – which was brought to Ottawa specifically for Winterlude.

A teepee will also be erected in the park.

The theme of this year's festival is "Harmony by Contrast."

Winterlude festivities take place February 4 – 21, 2011. The festival receives approximately one million visitors per year.

Exterior view of the Mongolian yurt in Confederation Park in Ottawa.

 Interior view of the yurt.

University of Ottawa visual arts students have also contributed to this year's Winterlude with a display of art made from biodegradable or recycleable materials.

The entrance to Confederation Park in Ottawa.