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.
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!
