While some folks crave sunny beaches, others can’t wait to hit the slopes when winter rolls around. Luckily, Ottawa and Gatineau offer a ton of exciting and affordable options for winter fun. Whether you’re into skiing, snowboarding, or even tubing, there are plenty of hills to conquer. Get to know these local hotspots, and you’ll be all set to plan your perfect winter escape! For more great tips on exploring the area, check out iottawa.net.
Camp Fortune
This spot isn’t just for summer fun; it’s a bustling hub for winter activities too. Camp Fortune is the closest ski and snowboard centre to Ottawa, located just a quick 15-minute drive from the Ottawa-Gatineau area. It boasts over 24 runs, catering to all skill levels. The highest drop here is a respectable 180 metres.
Camp Fortune is also super popular for night skiing. Imagine gliding down well-lit trails under the stars – it’s a truly magical experience! Plus, residents and visitors alike can sharpen their skills at the terrain park, complete with jumps, rails, boxes, and a wall. Camp Fortune offers individual lessons, a special beginner package, and programs for Christmas and March breaks, as well as 9-week courses.
Centre Vorlage
Nestled in the picturesque village of Wakefield, Quebec, this family-friendly ski centre is less than 30 minutes from Parliament Hill. It’s a fantastic spot for kids and beginner skiers, with its highest point reaching 149 metres. Centre Vorlage features 18 different runs, and a whopping 13 of them are open for night skiing six days a week.
Centre Vorlage is the perfect place to unwind, with a dedicated trick rail run and more. Families absolutely love this ski centre for a simple, yet wonderful, winter getaway.
Sommet Edelweiss
Also located in Wakefield, Quebec, Sommet Edelweiss offers a diverse range of trails, from easy greens to challenging blacks. Its peak stands at 350 metres. This ski centre features 22 runs, with 16 of them open for thrilling night skiing under the stars.
What’s really cool about Sommet Edelweiss is that it’s home to one of the region’s best snow parks. Locals and visitors can have a blast with snow rollers, rails, boxes, and snow tubing, promising loads of fun and unforgettable memories. Ski tickets, season passes, snow school programs, and a dedicated snow tubing park are all available. Sommet Edelweiss truly is a local gem with a wide array of activities to keep everyone entertained.
Mont Cascades Ski Resort
Just 30 minutes from downtown Ottawa, near Cantley, Quebec, Mont Cascades Ski Resort offers 21 runs, ranging from easy to extremely challenging. Impressively, 16 of these runs are open for evening skiing, as are the snow park and snowshoeing trails. Both casual skiers and seasoned pros absolutely love this resort. With five chairlifts, including two quad chairs, visitors spend less time waiting and more time carving up the slopes!
Calabogie Peaks
This is Eastern Ontario’s highest public ski resort, with a base elevation of 154 metres. Calabogie Peaks boasts 80 acres of skiable terrain across 24 runs, perfect for both beginners and experienced skiers. But the fun doesn’t stop there; Calabogie Peaks offers other exciting activities to help you make the most of the winter season.
- Ski and Snowboard Park: An ideal spot for those looking to hone their skills and even try out some tricks.
- Snowshoeing: Many love this option, as it allows you to explore the scenic winter landscapes on dedicated trails.
- Ski Racing: A fantastic way to experience the thrill of competition and the taste of victory.
- Skating: Enjoy a leisurely glide on the rink near the pond.
To truly take advantage of all these opportunities, consider staying overnight. You can choose from hotels or condominiums right on site. Its proximity to Canada’s capital makes Calabogie Peaks an excellent destination for both day trips and weekend getaways.
Mont Ste-Marie
It’ll take just over an hour to reach this ski resort, home to the highest vertical drop in the region at 381 metres (1250 feet). Mont Ste-Marie boasts nearly 30 runs, including a ski and snowboard cross trail, spread across two peaks. Mont Ste-Marie offers trails for beginners and intermediate skiers. More experienced visitors can challenge themselves on the Cheval Blanc peak with its intermediate to expert level runs.
Free Skiing Spots in Ottawa
You don’t need to head to a full-blown ski resort to enjoy snowy forests and stunning winter landscapes. You can easily go cross-country skiing right here in Ottawa! The region offers hundreds of kilometres of well-groomed, picturesque trails, making it an absolute paradise for skiers. Both beginners and seasoned athletes will appreciate the beautiful winter scenery in and around Canada’s capital.
Curious about other free outdoor winter activities? Let’s dive into some of the best spots:
- Brittania Winter Trail: Located about 15 minutes from downtown, this is one of Ottawa’s revamped urban ski trails. It offers nearly 17 kilometres of meticulously groomed multi-use paths. Skiers, snowshoers, walkers, and fat bikers all flock to the Brittania Winter Trail.
- Kitchissippi Winter Trail: This popular 18-kilometre multi-use route winds along the Ottawa River from downtown. It features two separate, flat, and well-maintained trails: one for skiers and another for snowshoers, walkers, and fat bikers.
- Rideau Winter Trail: Running through the parkland along the Rideau River, this 9-kilometre trail is perfect for cross-country skiing, fat biking, and snowshoeing. Locals particularly enjoy snowshoeing the Rideau Trail in winter.
- Ottawa West Multi-Use Trail: Just a 20-minute drive from downtown, this 8-kilometre trail offers a couple of classic loops ideal for winter runs, snowshoeing, and cycling.
- Ottawa Greenbelt: Boasting over 150 kilometres of recreational trails, the Greenbelt includes more than 21 kilometres of mechanically groomed cross-country ski trails, perfect for winter fun. Access to most Greenbelt trails is completely free!
Gatineau Park
While park entry is free year-round, you’ll need a winter pass (daily or seasonal) to use the ski, snowshoe, and fat bike trails. Located just a 15-minute drive from downtown Ottawa, Gatineau Park boasts one of North America’s largest winter trail networks, with over 200 kilometres of cross-country ski trails winding through pristine Canadian wilderness.
Gatineau Park offers over 50 routes, ranging from flat to hilly and technically challenging terrain. It’s a firm favourite for ski tours among locals and visitors alike.
So, there’s no need to dread the winter blues in Ottawa! With so many options, from hitting a ski resort to exploring the local trails on your own, residents can easily escape the city hustle and bustle. It’s the perfect way to embrace winter sports and get out into nature.
