News

Embrace Canada’s #WinterCapital!

With the arrival of the winter solstice, the National Capital Commission (NCC) invites everyone to get outdoors and experience another exceptional #WinterCapital offering. Enjoy our expanded network of over 450 km of trails for skiing, snowshoeing, snow biking, walking or hiking; glide along the iconic Rideau Canal Skateway; take to the hills for tobogganing; warm up by fire pits; and enjoy a hot beverage and snack at an NCC Bistro.

The return of the #WinterCapital interactive map makes it easy to discover and plan perfect winter outings in just a few clicks. Choose an activity, and narrow the results using filters for the duration and level of difficulty.

Over the course of the season, the NCC will monitor the use of its assets, and conduct a survey of users to gather data and feedback to inform future decision making.

Expanded Ottawa Winter Trail Network!

In partnership with the Urban Winter Trails Alliance, and thanks to their community volunteers, the NCC is offering over 80 km of accessible winter trail space in the Ottawa area. These include:

  • Britannia Winter Trail Association, 5 km + 7 km (City of Ottawa land)
  • Kichi Sibi Winter Trail, 18 km
  • Orleans Ski Club, 21 km + 1 km (City of Ottawa land)
  • Ottawa West Winter Trail, 14 km
  • Rideau Winter Trail, 12 km
  • Ski Heritage East, 13 km + 6 km (City of Ottawa land)

NEW! The Kichi Sibi Winter Trail will take full advantage of the recently completed LeBreton Flats pathway, adding a new loop to enjoy. Users will also be able to go from Deschênes Rapids all the way to Kanata thanks to a new connection between the Britannia Winter Trail and Ottawa West Winter Trail. And the Rideau Winter Trail will be extended along the Rideau River, running almost to Bank Street.

NEW! We are pleased to announce that the NCC Bistro at Remic Rapids Park is scheduled to open in early January to provide users of the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail a place to rest and enjoy a variety of food and beverage options, warm up by heaters and a fire pit, and access temporary washrooms located next to the Nordic Village Rest Area.

Gatineau Park—One of the largest cross-country ski networks in North America!

Take full advantage of Gatineau Park, and enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or snow biking, and stop by one of our fire pits to warm up. Once the season is launched, wear your season pass in plain view. You can also purchase a daily pass at the trailhead parking lot or online.

NEW! This year, 8.5 km of trails have been added to the winter trail network. As part of a new pilot project, the Gatineau Parkway service lane between trails 77 and 79 will be available for the enjoyment of snowshoers and snow bikers.

For an optimal Gatineau Park experience, visit our website and follow our social media channels for the latest on parking availability; use our interactive map; and check our trail guide.

Beyond Gatineau Park in the Outaouais region, enjoy a 15-km trail network from Leamy Lake to Gatineau Park, thanks to a partnership with the Ville de Gatineau and the Centre de plein air du Lac-Leamy.

Canada's Capital Greenbelt—The largest publicly owned greenbelt in the world!

With over 150 km of trails for skiing, snowshoeing, hiking and some of the best tobogganing hills in Ottawa, Canada's Capital Greenbelt makes for a great all-ages family outing.

NEW! The Mādahòkì Farm, a new tourism attraction open year-round, is the perfect place to take in agritourism, farm-to-table culinary experiences and authentic cultural experiences from an Indigenous perspective.

Rideau Canal Skateway—World's largest skating rink!

The Rideau Canal Skateway is a must for those who want to fully embrace Canada's #WinterCapital. It will open once the surface ice reaches a minimum thickness of 30 cm, which requires about 10 to 14 days of consecutive cold temperatures (-10°C to -20°C). In the meantime, Skateway fans can donate their Christmas trees, and we will reuse them at the rest areas. Our team will be accepting trees from December 15 to January 25, at our drop-off location on Colonel By Drive, just west of the Bronson Avenue bridge.

Source : NCC