Easter Activities in Ottawa 2021

Easter may not be filled with as many celebrations or activities this year, but there are still some fun and engaging in-person Easter activities taking place in and around the city. Regardless of how you celebrate Easter this weekend, stay safe and have fun!

Easter at the Diefenbunker
https://diefenbunker.ca/events/event/easter

The Easter Bunny will be hiding eggs at the Diefenbunker Museum over Easter weekend. Book online in advance to guarantee admission (space is limited) and explore the Bunker with a unique Easter-themed twist!

Spring at the Farm (The Log Farm)
https://thelogfarm.com/spring-on-the-farm

Easter activities are sold out at The Log Farm, however, from April 10th to May 9th you can enjoy Spring at the Farm! This spring The Log Farm is expecting chicks, piglets, lambs, bunnies, goat’s kids, baby alpacas and a calf from their cow! Purchase your tickets online. 

Easter Egg Hunt at Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm 
https://stanleysfarm.com/family-fun/easter-egg-hunt

Help the Easter Bunny find all the eggs! Hop aboard the Slagon for a ride out to the sugarbush. Hunt through your section of the bush in search of the Easter Bunny’s lost eggs, and add them to your basket, Outdoor family fun for all. Book your outing online today. Limited bookings are available.

Easter Egg Hunt for Potcake Pups
https://www.facebook.com/events/byward-market/easter-egg-hunt-for-potcake-pups/447839899757086/

Join EOPR for a safe, family-friendly (including your fur babies!) activity that will get you out walking while you look for hidden pictures of eggs around the Byward Market!

The pictures of eggs will all be outside, no need to enter any buildings or have any contact outside your bubble! Each egg will have a letter on it - try to find them all and unscramble the mystery word! All pictures of eggs will be located on poster collars (see picture) around the Byward Market.

Winter Fat Biking at Hylands Golf Course

KITC would like to welcome back guest blogger, Stephen Johnson. Stephen Johnson is an Ottawa writer who loves to write about family travel.  During the summer, you will most likely find him and his family at a local fair or festival. During a non-pandemic winter, a beach in Mexico is a likely bet.  

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The first time I saw a person cycling on a trail while I was cross-country skiing, I thought I was imagining things. I am used to seeing winter cyclists but not in the forest. Doing further research, I discovered they were participating in the new sport of fat biking.

I hunted around the city and found much of Ottawa also wanted to try out fat biking. Several bike rental places were almost always booked for the weekend and good luck buying one.  

With winter almost over, I found out the Hylands Golf Course, rents out fat bikes at a very reasonable price and also has fifteen kilometres of trail to enjoy the sport.

My wife, Sandy and I arrived at the winter activities centre on a brisk but not too windy Monday morning. Immediately, I liked the place with old-style cross-country ski and snow boots decorating the exterior.

We were warmly greeted by the operations manager, Marc-Andre. We told Marc that we had never gone fat biking before. He quickly set us up with helmets and properly-sized fat bikes. He also gave us directions for the various loops and we were ready to go.

From the moment, I hopped on the bike, I loved it. The crunch of snow under the balloon-sized tires was incredible. To start, we did the one-kilometre practice loop. If you can ride a bike, you are able to ride a fat bike. The gears shifted perfectly and the brakes worked well.

After finishing our practice loop, we were ready for a bigger challenge. Marc recommended we try the five-kilometre loop. He said it normally takes about forty-five minutes to complete.

We set out and quickly discovered how well-groomed the trails were.  The fat bike course also doubles as a cross-country trail. There was ample space to fat bike and not impinge on the cross-country ski track. We had a couple of skiers gracefully glide by while we were cycling.  

The trail wound its way around the golf course. Sandy and I stopped frequently to enjoy the scenery and take photos. I imagine the trail serves for golf carts in the summer. It was fun seeing the signage for the various golf holes. Perhaps winter golf will become a thing.

The trail had enough small hills and curves to keep it fun. As mentioned, it was impeccably groomed so ice was never an issue. We also enjoyed the varied scenery ranging from pockets of trees where it felt like forest to more open areas.

Sandy and I do not profess ourselves to be Olympic athletes, so with the photo stops and water breaks we were probably on the trail for about an hour and fifteen minutes. There are further loops of nine and fifteen kilometres.

We arrived back at the centre and were sad to give up our fat bikes. Fat biking is definitely an activity that will become part of our winter fitness routine.

I think fat biking is accessible to all families if the kids are somewhat older. If you have a sporty eight-year-old it would most likely work. The bike does take more effort than a road bike but a person of average physical condition will be fine. The bikes were surprisingly light. My son’s mountain bike is heavier.

Hylands golf course has other winter activities than just fat-biking. As mentioned, they have fourteen kilometres of classic and skate cross country ski trails. They also have hundreds of acres that can be explored by snowshoes. They even have an outdoor rink that is serviced by a Zamboni!

From start to finish we felt very safe as all staff were wearing masks while inside or assisting us outside. The trails also allow for easy social distancing.  

The rental of equipment is very reasonable. It should be noted that Hylands is geared towards active/former military and their families. However, civilians are welcome to use their facilities as well. I found their price point to be much lower than anywhere else I checked in the city. The rental of a fat bike and helmet was 25 dollars for unlimited day use plus a five-dollar trail fee.  

Winter may almost be over but it is well worth to check out Hylands if the snow remains or put it on your bucket list next season. We know in Ottawa, winter is always just around the corner!

For more information, visit www.hylandsgc.com and click on winter activities. Under current Covid measures reservations for times and equipment must be made by email via their website or phone.

Cross-Country Ski Trails in Ottawa

KITC would like to welcome back, guest blogger, Stephen Johnson. Stephen Johnson is an Ottawa writer who loves to write about family travel. During the summer, when there isn’t a pandemic, you will most likely find him and his family at a local fair or festival.

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Anyone who lives in Ottawa knows that spring, summer and fall are brief houseguests whereas winter is like close family.  To enjoy the season more,  our family loves to cross-country ski.  If you’re looking for a way to get some exercise this winter, here are a few of our favourite cross country ski trails in Ottawa   

Mer Bleue

Since moving to the east end,  Mer Bleue has been my go-to spot.  There are four different parking lots to access the trails.  The scenery is amazing and many Ottawa families know the joys of feeding the chickadees.   

Our son, David learned to cross-country ski on the relatively flat trails of parking lot P23. Some of the trails from the other parking lots offer more ups and downs.     

One highlight at all the trails is the canopy of snow in the trees after a fresh snowfall.   

One cool feature is that if all the trails at Mer Bleue are busy, you will often find few people on the Prescott-Russell rail trail which also  has parking just off of Anderson Road.   

Pine Grove

This is my go-to spot if I just want to get away from everything. I find the trails are generally quieter than Mer Bleue and the trails seem to go on forever. I always imagine encountering a bear or a wolf on the trails as you feel completely in nature. Don’t worry,  I have not heard of any bear or wolf sightings.  Perhaps many chipmunks and the odd skunk or raccoon.  

Ski Heritage East/Ottawa River Trail

This is a relatively new trail for me.  In 2018,  a group of volunteers wanted to expand cross-country skiing to Orleans and started grooming the bike trails along the river.  The trail has since expanded all the way from Trim Road to Blair Road making it 30 km there and back.  

I had the opportunity to ski the trail a few weeks ago and it was an amazing experience.  To have the view of the Ottawa River on one side was incredible.  I saw two huge pieces of ice slowly collide on the river. I felt like I could have been on the movie, Titanic and yelled,  ‘Iceberg, right ahead.’   

The day I visited,  the trail was moderately used and there was space to socially distance.  There are nice flat sections and also small hills.

Rideau Winter Trail

This trail started off as a trial project last winter and has grown in scope this year.  Set along the Rideau River,  this may be my new favourite trail in the city.  The Rideau Winter Trail runs from the Rideau Sports Centre near Donald Street to past the Hurdman light rail station.  It offers up nine kilometres of groomed trail.

The thing I love about this trail besides the fact it is beautiful is that it is accessible to many people.  Located right in the heart of Ottawa,  it is easily accessed by University of Ottawa students or anyone taking the light rail.  The trail is literally almost right in front of the light rail station. There is also plenty of space for social distancing.   

Your local park

The great thing about cross-country skiing is that you can throw on your pair of skis and go almost any place there is adequate snow.  This year,  I have been doing a lot just in my local park just outside my backyard.  

One of my favourite memories was doing a video call with my wife’s family from Mexico while David and I skied down a small hill.   

Skiing during COVID-19

It goes without saying the trails are much busier this year.  There is an increase in skiers and also hikers, snowshoers and fat bikers. Most people have been very respectful about social distancing on the trails. I do find the trails are very busy on weekends. I try to go during the week when the trails are less busy. I found the Rideau Winter Trail had the most space for social distancing.  

A big shoutout must be given to the National Capital Commission and the Urban Winter Trails Alliance.  Working together both groups have greatly expanded the urban trail network in Ottawa. Also, a guy with the nickname of Groomer Dave (Dave Adams)  was instrumental in getting the trail project going.  About five years ago,  working with the NCC,  he had the idea of grooming trails along the Ottawa River in the west end.  This led to the creation of the SJAM.  His vision helped us to arrive to where we are at today.  

West End Ottawa Cross-Country Ski Trails

Don’t worry west-enders, you have plenty of options as well.   As mentioned, the SJAM is a wonderful trail along the Ottawa River.  There is also the Britannia Winter Trail  along with the Ottawa West Winter Trail.

All the trails mentioned above are free of charge but donations are gratefully accepted to many.  It is best to check out their website or Facebook page for conditions and possible donation information.  

Wherever you go, happy skiing!

Skating Through Nature at Countryside Adventures

KITC would like to welcome back, guest blogger, Stephen Johnson. Stephen Johnson is an Ottawa writer who loves to write about family travel. During the summer, when there isn’t a pandemic, you will most likely find him and his family at a local fair or festival.

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What could be more Canadian than skating outdoors on a winter day?! Perhaps skating outdoors through a forest trail and after enjoying a hot chocolate or poutine? That is all possible at Countryside Adventures.  

Countryside Adventures is located about 45 minutes east of Ottawa.  Ahead of time,  our family had concerns as COVID-19 numbers continue to rise, but my fears  were put to rest when we arrived on-site. Before entering the ticket booth area, everyone must wear a mask and it is one family at a time.  Once having passed through the ticket area,  we found there was a lot of space to put on our skates.   

My son, David, and I are used to skating at indoor arenas or venues like Rink of Dreams beside Ottawa City Hall.  In comparison, Countryside Adventures has a three kilometre skating trail that winds through the forest.  The ice surface was quite smooth and was comparable to the Rideau Canal. I am an average skater and decided to use a skating aid.  David is quite a strong skater and opted to go without. 

The trail was nothing short of magical.  It winded and wove between the trees.  I have enjoyed the Rideau Canal and numerous skating rinks but this was my favourite.  

The pathway is wide enough that it can safely accommodate passing another small group of skaters. There are also numerous signs encouraging skaters to stay two metres apart. The trail is also long enough that social distancing is easily maintained.   

David and I did the trail several times.  He even teased me a few times for not keeping up with him. There are numerous spots to stop to take the perfect photo outdoors. There are also many benches along the trail where you can take a break.  

After skating, we decided to relax for a bit by the fire pit. If you’re hungry or need a warm-up, there is a food truck onsite and we grabbed a hot chocolate to complete the experience.   

We are hoping to return later in the season to check out their nighttime skating.  The pathway is illuminated.  You can visit their Instagram page to get a sneak peek at just how beautiful it is.

Countryside Adventures also offers a cross-country ski and snowshoe trail when the conditions are cooperating, as well as a tubing hill when there is enough snow.   

Don’t worry if you do not have skates. They can be rented on-site along with snowshoes.  

Looking ahead to summer,  there are plans to have a stocked pond where you will be able to fish and do water sports like kayaking and paddle boarding.  

For more information and to reserve your visit, take a look at their website at: https://www.countrysideadventures.ca.

Stephen and his family were provided admission to the skating but all views are his own.

Christmas at Saunders Farm - Light & Sound Show (Nightly Drive-Through)

KITC would like to welcome back, guest blogger, Stephen Johnson. Stephen Johnson is an Ottawa writer who loves to write about family travel. During the summer, when there isn’t a pandemic, you will most likely find him and his family at a local fair or festival. During the winter (when it’s not a pandemic), a beach in Mexico is a likely bet.

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Everyone will be celebrating Christmas in a different manner this year.  Different doesn’t mean a person cannot have fun and create new traditions.   In keeping with this idea,  our family decided to check out the Holiday Light and Sound Drive-Through show at Saunders Farm.  

Like many families,  we have been to Saunders Farm too many times to count.  I was curious to see how they would change the farm into a winter wonderland.   Upon arrival,  I could see they had delivered on all fronts.  The road leading into the farm looked like the set of a Hallmark Christmas movie.   There was a firepit where families could warm up along with a food stand where it was possible to purchase seasonal treats.  

We were there to experience the drive-through show.   That area was also festively decorated.   Perhaps more than the decorations,  I appreciated the short wait time to enter the attraction.  The ticket was a timed entry ensuring that there were not any hour long waits or a snake line of vehicles idling away.   

The drive-through route follows the same route as the Halloween haunted wagon ride.   I will not give anything away but it was fun to see how some of the Halloween scares had been transformed for Christmas. We set our car radio to an FM station that had an endless loop of holiday songs.   Of course,  Mariah Carey was one of the featured artists.    Holiday Light and Sound Drive-Through

We were blown away by all the lights and Christmas set pieces.   The lighting effects were far beyond anything I expected.   There were plenty of lit up reindeer and trees.   My favourite were the snow globes at the end.   

We drove through at ten kilometres an hour and the entire experience lasted about twenty to twenty five minutes.    It was so good I would have been willing to pay again to do the drive a second time.   

As mentioned,  it was an option to stop after and enjoy a treat while warming up by the firepit.   The farm shop also is open selling items like pre-cut Christmas trees and wreaths.  

We did not stay as it had already been a full day but would do so next time.  

While the light show was outstanding perhaps the thing I was most grateful for was just the sense of normalcy even for a short period of time.  We were a family enjoying a family activity and not worrying about the current situation.  

That is not to say there were any shortcuts for health protocols.  All staff were wearing masks and everyone was socially distanced. We felt very safe from the moment we arrived to departure.

Post-COVID,  I hope Saunders Farm will continue the Country Christmas Nighttime Experience. I could see this becoming a  yearly tradition for many families, including ourselves.

Saunders Farm  also offers a daytime experience where you can visit a Christmas market,  enjoy many outdoor attractions like the hedge mazes and buy a pre-cut Christmas tree.  Of course, it is important to follow all COVID-19 protocols and check the Saunders Farm website for any changes.   

For more information, visit www.saundersfarm.com.

Disclaimer: Stephen and his family were provided free entry but all opinions are my own.