July 1st is a big day for Canadians across the country, however in 2017, Canada Day will hold a much larger significance as the country will be 150 years old since its confederation. For those who haven't experienced Parliament Hill on July 1st, celebrations usually include fireworks, music, a light show on the Parliament building and good old Canadian fun. However, Ottawa has many more great festivities up their sleeve for the 150th Confederation of Canada and believe us when we say; you don't want to miss it!

Throughout the year, Ottawa will be hosting some traditional and brand new festivities for the country's birthday. To list a few; check out the following activities you and your students can experience to celebrate Canada's 150th confederation.

1) Winterlude (Feb 3rd to 20th 2017)

Like Quebec City's Carnaval, Winterlude is the capital's celebration of winter, the unique Canadian climate and culture. Carnival goers are invited to skate, compete in ice sculpture contests and play in one of the largest snow playgrounds with their friends and families. Our favorite part about Winterlude is the skating rink; you can skate on the largest skating rink in the world which takes place on the Rideau Canal that measures out to be a total of 18km in total. With different pit stops offering hot chocolate, beaver tails and maple treats; skating at Winterlude is definitely an event to make you feel like a true Canadian.

2) CIBC Canada Day Celebrations

In light of the big 150 years; Canada Day Celebrations will be bigger and better for the big birthday year. With Canadian musical guests and special features; visitors are invited to snack out on some of the best food from Canadian chefs before sitting down for the main event. Aside from the fireworks; a Canada Day classic is the sound and light show which takes place on Parliament hill. Bring a blanket, snacks and all your patriotic Canadian gear; find a spot on the green grass surrounding the Parliament (if you get there early enough that is!) and sit back to enjoy the show.

3) Redbull Crash Ice (March 2017)

Are you a fan of extreme winter sports? Then the Redbull Crash Ice is fit for you! Known as the fastest sport on skates, racers skate at over 50km an hour on a track full of sharp curves, steep drops and high jumps. Definitely not an event for the faint of heart. The Redbull Crash Ice travels across the globe, stopping in different cities and transforming their downtown cores to a jaw-dropping ice track. Ottawa will be the featured city on next year's 2017 lineup; definitely making it a city not to miss.

4) Underground Multi-media Experience

Teaming up with Moment Factory; experience the most futuristic production featuring Ottawa's first ever Light Rail Transit station, which is in the works of being built in 2018. Although the launch of LRT is only scheduled for May 2018; this production offers visitors a look at what's to come for the transit of not only Ottawa but the rest of Canada as well. The exhibit will tingle your senses with incredible visuals to moving sounds; and excite those visitors and residents of the city of what's to come with the new transit system.