The Cool Capital: Reimagining Winter in Ottawa–Gatineau

Together with our partners and communities, the NCC is building a “cool Capital,” in every sense of the word.

Through planning and design, we’re transforming public spaces into vibrant and inclusive destinations that invite people outdoors, even when the temperature drops.

In recent years, we’ve made meaningful progress by expanding winter trail networks, adding new amenities, and creating fresh experiences. But there’s still more to do.

In a capital where winter lasts for nearly half of the year, winter can’t be an afterthought. Designing for winter unlocks the full potential of our public spaces year-round.

As the main federal urban planner in the region, the NCC has a responsibility and an opportunity to be bold, creative and inclusive. As we create new spaces and rethink existing ones, we ask: how will this work in winter? Will people be able to get there and move around safely? Will they feel welcome and comfortable? Features like windbreaks, warming stations, lighting and clear paths for walking, skiing or biking, help make winter enjoyable.

We’re also rethinking how winter spaces are animated, not just by infrastructure, but by people. Supporting community-led initiatives helps bring energy and meaning to public spaces.

From planning to reality, here are a few ways we’ve been making winter more welcoming across the Capital in recent years.

NCC River House

In 2023, we opened the NCC River House to the public with a promise of year-round access. Connected to the Ski Heritage East Trail and featuring food and beverage services, the site has since become a winter destination, drawing over 4,600 users last winter.

Westboro Beach

After a major rehabilitation, Westboro Beach is back with renovated pavilions, fresh new amenities and a restaurant open year-round.

From when it reopened in June 2025 to early October, Westboro Beach welcomed an average of 2,430 visitors per day, a clear sign of its renewed appeal and growing popularity. With direct access to the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail, we’re optimistic that it will become a popular winter destination.

Kìwekì Point 

Also following extensive work, Kìwekì Point reopened to the public in summer 2025. This spectacular lookout now offers panoramic views of Parliament Hill and Ottawa–Gatineau. It is fully accessible year-round.

Paths and walkways in the park are maintained throughout the winter. Pìdàban Passage, a new pedestrian bridge linking Kìwekì Point to Major’s Hill Park, will be maintained in winter by heaters built in the bridge at the completion of the Energy Services Acquisition Program in 2027.

From mid-May to early October, the site had many visitors (323,400 total visits) and received positive feedback. We’re excited to see how this renewed space will be embraced in the colder months.

Gatineau Park

Gatineau Park has one of the largest and best maintained networks of cross-country ski trails in North America. It is also an increasingly popular destination for snowshoeing and snow biking.

While there is paid access to winter trails to support trail and amenity maintenance, we’re working on making the park more accessible. Free passes are available through participating libraries and a free ride service with Parkbus, launched in 2024–2025, returns this winter.

We’re also expanding our free and inclusive programming: guided tours for school groups and the public, snowshoe hikes introducing newcomers to winter in the Capital and adaptive ski sledges available through a partnership with Relais plein air.

Community-groomed winter trails

Ottawa’s first community-groomed winter trail in the downtown launched in 2014–2015. Since then, over 100 km of multi-use trails have popped up across the Capital, supporting skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking and walking—for free!

These trails exist thanks to dedicated volunteers, whose impact keeps growing. The NCC proudly supports these efforts by allowing access to lands, lending equipment and offering logistical support.

Lighting projects

Lighting plays a quiet but powerful role in our winter planning, bringing comfort and making public spaces feel safer and more welcoming during the darker months.

Our landscape architect, Tina Liu, leads the Winter Lights Across Canada program in Ottawa–Gatineau. Her designs add whimsy and encourage the use of open spaces in the Capital in winter.

The soon-to-be-completed rehabilitation of lighting on both sides of the Rideau Canal will help make the Capital even more beautiful and accessible through the seasons.

As winters become shorter and more unpredictable, we’re adapting, through smarter planning, bold ideas and strong partnerships.

For example, we’re testing science-based solutions with Carleton University to keep the Rideau Canal Skateway, an iconic winter tradition, alive. Hear more about that in our Capital Stories podcast with CEO Tobi Nussbaum and Senior Manager Bruce Devine.

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