Ottawa; a winter survival guide
Posted Jan 3, 2013 11:00:48 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
OTTAWA, Ont. – Ottawa has always been known as a winter wonderland with a never ending list of outdoor activities for people of any age. We want to make sure you have all the information you need to have a fun, active winter.
Here you will find a list some of the Ottawa region’s biggest winter attractions including, downhill and cross country skiing, the Rink of Dreams and the trails in Gatineau Park.
The Rink of Dreams at Ottawa City Hall is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. The heated changing facility is open daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Meantime, The National Capital Commission is again issuing a reminder that the ice on the Rideau Canal Skateway is too thin to venture out on. Officials say the Skateway will open once the ice is safe for public skating, and until then, everyone is asked to keep off the canal’s surface. The Skateway typically opens in mid-January.
If skiing is more your speed, ski hills in both eastern Ontario and the Outaouais region are open, along with the majority of snowboard parks. Click here for a list of ski hills in the region, how many runs are open, how many lifts are in operation, how much snow is on the ground and the status of individual snowboard parks.
Ottawa also has over 150 kilometres of cross-country ski trails. Trails can be used for free and all are suitable for all skill levels. The Greenbelt ski trails are a combination of trails, pathways and forest access roads. Click here for a list of groomed ski trails and the National Capital Greenbelt All Seasons Trail Map.
The forecast has been favourable for snowmobilers looking to get out on area trails, but snowfall doesn’t always guarantee open trails. Area trails will still have to be groomed to ensure they are as safe as possible before opening to riders. Click here to see the daily status of the snowmobile trail closest to you!
In Gatineau Park, there are scores of trails dedicated to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. There are also three trails available for winter hiking. Click here to see all that Gatineau park has to offer during winter.
On Petrie Island, the 2013 ice fishing season has begun and people are starting to get their ice huts prepared. The huts can start being hauled onto the ice once it reaches a minimum of 30 centimetres. Check with the Petrie Island Ice Fisherman’s Association for ice conditions, information on ice hut laws, ice safety information, Petrie Island Maps, fishing information and coming events!
