Last updated on: February 26, 2021
We all need to be able to enjoy safe and healthy outdoor exercise this winter. To that end, NCC parks and lands remain accessible to the public, provided that people follow public health directives.
The NCC’s preventive measures stated below are in place for all its assets, at all times.
We encourage all users of NCC parkways, pathways and trails to carefully review and comply with the latest guidelines from their local and provincial health authorities.
- Ottawa Public Health
- Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de l’Outaouais
- Government of Quebec
- Government of Ontario
With everyone’s cooperation and compliance, we can all safely enjoy the outdoors this winter.
At all times
 | If you are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, are waiting for test results or have tested positive, stay home and follow isolation guidelines. |
 | Stay at least two metres (six feet) apart from those outside your household, even if you are wearing a mask or face covering. |
 |
Wear a mask or face covering where required, or when physical distancing is not possible. Have your mask with you at all times. |
 | Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer regularly, especially before touching your face. Have hand sanitizer with you at all times. |
 | Follow directional signage. |
 | Download the COVID Alert app. |
Winter Program
Ontario
Rideau Canal Skateway
The Rideau Canal Skateway’s 51st season is over and the Skateway is closed.
Greenbelt
Additional community-managed winter trails have been created to provide more public space and ensure safe physical distancing.
Parking lots: All Greenbelt parking lots are winter-maintained, except P24 (Carlsbad Springs). Parking lot P10 remains closed for a City of Ottawa construction project. Read more
NCC urban parks, lands and parkways
Additional community-managed winter trails have been created to provide more public space and ensure safe physical distancing.
- Parkways: A section of the Queen Elizabeth Driveway, from Fifth Avenue to Somerset Street, is open for active use only on weekends, from 9 am to 5 pm. Details
- NCC Bistro: The NCC Bistro at Remic Rapids Park will not open during the winter season.
- Parking lots: There are 12 winter-maintained parking lots (with the addition of P7 at the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway). Some are paid parking lots. Read more
Quebec
Gatineau Park
Before you hit Gatineau Park winter trails, get familiar with trail etiquette.
Measures in place:
- Visitor Centre: Open. Information services are also available by telephone. Read more
- Day shelters: Open on a first-come, first-served basis (for one household at a time). Accessible at all times for emergencies. Read more
- Camping: Only people living at the same address can camp together at a site. Users who have reserved accommodations in the Park will be able to access them. Read more
- Parking lots: There are 20 winter-maintained parking lots. They are open from 5:30 am to 9 pm. Read more
NCC urban parks and lands
Beyond Gatineau Park in the Outaouais region, residents can also enjoy free access to a trail network from Leamy Lake to Gatineau Park, through a partnership with the Ville de Gatineau and the Centre de plein air du Lac-Leamy.
The parking lot of the former Gatineau Boom remains open this winter.