Winterlude kicked off its 34th year on Feb. 3 with an ice-carving competition and the opening of the Snowflake Kingdom.

World-class ice carvers took to Confederation Park in Ottawa in one of many sculpting competitions during the festival's 18 days.

Activities also kicked off across the river in Gatineau, Que., at Jacques Cartier Park with ice slides and other activities for children.

The annual winter festival, which runs until Feb. 20, officially launched with fireworks outside the Museum of Civilization..