8 Best places to go snowshoeing around Ottawa

There's something magical about winter in Ottawa, as fresh snow softens the city's usual hum, turning familiar landscapes into sparkling playgrounds. It’s the perfect setting for snowshoeing, with everything from kid-friendly loops to longer forest trails across the National Capital Region. Before you head out, check for trail closures and see which trails are available and ready for your next adventure.   

Here's your guide to the eight best places to reconnect with nature, one snowy step at a time. 

Stony Swamp

Where: Trailhead P4, West Hunt Club Rd., Nepean, ON 
This 4.5-kilometre trail loops through woodland forests and open clearings, offering excellent birdwatching, especially chickadees that may feed from your hand. Stony Swamp is one of the most ecologically rich areas in the Greenbelt, home to more than 700 plant species, the highest count in the region. It's also the perfect sport for walking and enjoying peaceful moments and scenery.  
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Kichi Sibi Winter Trail

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Where: Ottawa River shoreline, from Westboro Beach to the Portage Bridge 
One of Ottawa's most popular winter corridors, the Kichi Sibi Winter Trails stretches roughly 18 kilometres along the Ottawa River. It's a multi-use route mainly used for skating, skiing, biking, and walking, with snowshoeing permitted on designated sections. With its sweeping river views, easy access points, and a lively community of winter trail users, it's a great choice if you prefer long, flat routes close to the city. 
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Jack Pine Trail 

Where: Trailhead P9, Moodie Dr., Nepean, ON 
A favourite for families and beginners, Jack Pine features three interconnected loops totalling over 3 kilometres. The trail crosses beaver ponds and wetlands and supports more than 560 native plant species. Keep an eye out for any woodpeckers and squirrels darting among the trees, and stop at bird feeders along the way. Chickadees and nuthatches are the most commonly seen.   
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Sarsaparilla Trail 

Where: 740 West Hunt Club Rd., Nepean, ON 
This short, wide loop, just under one kilometre, is ideal for young kids or anyone looking for a gentler walk across the trail. It circles a beaver pond with a dock that's ideal for spotting beavers, muskrats, and a variety of winter birds. The flat terrain and easy parking make it one of the most accessible trails in the Greenbelt, plus the boardwalk is home to friendly chickadees. Be sure to bring some seeds to see them up close.  
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Chipmunk Trail 

Where: Trailhead P9, Moodie Dr., Nepean, ON 
At one kilometre, Chipmunk Trail is an easy boardwalk and forest loop, most popular for wildlife viewing. In the winter, you will see chickadees, squirrels, and occasional chipmunks in the snow. The boardwalk offers peaceful views of the marsh, and the trail connects to the other Stony Swamp loops if you want to extend your outing. 

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Mer Bleue Bog   

Where: Trailhead P21, Ridge Rd., Ottawa, ON 
This 7.3-kilometre snowshoe trail circles one of the most extensive and significant peat bogs in southern Ontario. With open skies, arctic vegetation and rare bird species, Mer Bleue offers a landscape unlike anywhere else in the region. It's a quiet boardwalk that's especially striking after a fresh snowfall. 
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Dewberry Trail 

Where: Dolman Ridge Rd., Ottawa, ON 
A gentle one-kilometre loop through wintry woods, Dewberry Trail is a delight for peaceful strolls and birdwatching. Its flat terrain makes it a great introduction to snowshoeing, with some wildlife, such as chickadees and cardinals, joining along the path. Located near Mer Bleue, it's an easy add-on if you want a shorter, more sheltered route.    
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Pine Grove Forest Snowshoe Loop 

Where: Trailhead P16, Pine Grove Rd., Ottawa, ON 
This three-point-four-two-kilometre loop winds through a striking red pine forest, perfect for spotting animal tracks, like foxes and deer, in freshly fallen snow. It's quiet and less travelled, offering an immersive forest experience. Plus, if you have a camera, it's an excellent spot for photography buffs seeking unique shots amongst the towering trees. 
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Bundle up with CAA 

Before you head into the snow, make sure you're dressed right for the weather. CAA Members can stay warm on the trails and save or earn CAA Dollars at partners, including Gear Up For Outdoors, Columbia Sportswear, Mountain Warehouse, Roots, and Altitude Sports. From jackets to scarves to snow boots, you will be ready to snowshoe wherever the season takes you.