8 Amazing cross-country ski trails around Ottawa
5 Minute Read
Long, snowy winters and an extensive network of well-groomed trails make the National Capital Region an absolute hotspot for cross-country skiing.
For those new to the sport, Mooney’s Bay Ski Centre offers friendly instruction, equipment rentals and a short loop. From there, skiers can choose their own adventure – from a 150 km network of Greenbelt trails to another 200 km of classic, skate, and back-country ski trails in Gatineau Park. Before bundling up for a Nordic adventure, check out the latest trail conditions and grooming updates at Nordic Pulse.
Britannia Winter Trail
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Parking: Britannia Park, Deschenes Rapids, Dick Bell Park, and Andrew Haydon Park (waterpark area)
Started by community volunteers in 2020, the Britannia Winter Trail is one of Ottawa’s newest urban ski trails. Centred in Britannia Park, the trail is just 15 minutes west of downtown. In addition to over 16 km of cross-country skiing, the trail accommodates snowshoeing, walking, and fat biking. Conveniently located right next to the trail, both the Britannia Coffeehouse and the Britannia Bake Shop are popular spots for coffee and refreshments.
Gatineau Park
Parking: Choose from 15 parking lots (P1 to P12, P16, P17, and P19)
One of the largest cross-country ski areas in North America, Gatineau Park is renowned as a top destination in the National Capital Region. With 50 circuits totalling about 200 km of ski trails, there’s truly something for every skill level – from flat to hilly or technical terrain.
While admission to Gatineau Park is free year-round, using the trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snow biking requires a daily or seasonal winter pass. Athletes looking to warm up along the trails will find short-term wooden shelters. There’s also an option to reserve an overnight stay in a four-season tent, yurt or cabin.
Kichi Sibi Winter Trail
Parking: Westboro Beach, Remic Rapids Park and the Canadian War Museum
Along the scenic Ottawa River –– in the heart of Westboro –– is the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail. Running from Lebreton Flats (just west of Parliament Hill) to Dominion Station, the total trail length, including serpentine loops, is more than 16 km.
Known as one of the best-groomed trails in the city, the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail is maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers. Two tracks are set for classic cross-country skiers; between them, the trail is groomed for snowshoers, walkers, runners, skate skiers, and bikers. Points of interest include the Westboro Beach tobogganing hill, the John Cepranorock sculptures, and cafe options at the War Museum and Westboro Beach.
Mooney’s Bay Ski Centre
Parking: Free parking next to the Terry Fox Athletic Facility
Perfect for beginners or seasoned skiers looking for a short, in-city ski, the Mooney’s Bay Ski Centre is located in the heart of Ottawa. The Terry Fox Athletic Facility offers a range of instructional sessions designed to introduce novice skiers to the sport or to help intermediate skiers perfect their technique. The facility also provides on-site equipment rentals, making it an ideal spot to try out the sport without breaking the bank. Classic and skate skiers can enjoy 5 km of groomed trails.
Nakkertok South & Nakkertok Val-des-Monts Trails
Parking: Free parking on site
Offering more than 75 km of groomed trails, Nakkertok South and Nakkertok Val-des-Monts are just 20 minutes from downtown Ottawa. Nakkertok South is in the Cantley region and covers about 20 km; it’s connected to the Nakkertok Val-des-Monts trail for those who wish to go further northeast.
As the training ground for many competitive cross-country skiers in the area, Nakkertok is known for very well-maintained trails for both classic and skate skiing. Offering easy, intermediate and challenging trails, the facility also maintains artificial snow on the “Nakkertrak” – a 2.5 km loop. Note that it’s important to check the Nakkertok schedule for trail availability, and skiers must have a membership or a day pass.
Ottawa West Winter Trail
Parking: Greenbelt P1 and P3, Carling Avenue at Rifle Road, Andrew Haydon Park (near the water park; cross Carling Ave. to access the OWWT)
Located about 20 minutes west of downtown, the Ottawa West Winter Trail (OWWT) offers another great in-city option for cross-country skiers. Covering about 21 km, the trail combines a portion of the Trans Canada Trail with the Watts Creek Pathway, along with several offshoot trails. Groomed and maintained by the Kanata Nordic Ski Club, the OWWT offers a pair of classic cross-country ski tracks – along with space for snowshoeing, walking and fat biking.
Rideau Winter Trail
Parking: Riverain Park (free evenings and weekends), North River Road (street parking), Donald Street (angled parking)
Offering nearly 16 km of groomed trails for skate and classic cross-country skiing, the Rideau Winter Trail runs along the Rideau River just east of downtown. Snowshoers, bikers and walkers are also welcome on the trail. The Bridge Public House at the Rideau Sports Centre offers an array of food options for athletes looking to refuel.
Ski Heritage East Trail
Inspired by the success of the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail, several residents from Orleans banded together to forge a new trail for Ottawa’s east enders in 2018. Hugging the banks of the Ottawa River, the Ski Heritage East Trail runs approximately 20 km from Tweddle Road (Orleans) to the NCC River House (Rockcliffe Park). Expertly groomed for skate and classic cross-country skiing, the trail is also home to bikers, snowshoers and walkers. Shami’s Bakery – serving up baklava and savoury Lebanese pies – is a popular stop located about halfway along the route.
Mobile Ski and Skate Service
Need help prepping your gear for the winter season? Now CAA can help with that! Our Mobile Ski and Skate Service makes it easy; simply book it online, and a qualified technician will come to your location. Services include tuning and waxing for downhill skis, snowboards, cross-country skis, and even skate sharpening!
