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.
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.
