In the National Capital Region, we don’t just endure winter, we embrace it! With a little help from Mother Nature, our experts transform Ottawa–Gatineau’s vast network of parks, trails and pathways into a winter wonderland.
We offer you over 450 km of trails for walking and hiking, snowshoeing, skiing and snow biking as well as hills for tobogganing. There’s truly something for everyone to enjoy in our #WinterCapital!
Top winter activities
Hiking and walking
Walking is one of the most accessible winter activities. It’s free and doesn’t require any special equipment. All you need is a pair of boots and warm clothing, and you’re all set!
Cross-country skiing
Gatineau Park has one of the largest networks of cross-country ski trails in North America. The region also offers a growing network of urban winter trails, and over 150 km of natural trails in the Greenbelt.
Interactive map: Cross-country ski routes (skate skiing)
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a sport that’s easy to learn and requires minimal equipment. Snowshoeing is best after an abundant snowfall. There is nothing as revitalizing as the stillness and hushed silence of a snowy forest.
Snow biking
With their oversized tires, winter bikes, commonly known as “fat bikes,” are a bit like mountain bikes with snowshoes. This increasingly popular sport is practised on hard-packed trails that have been compacted by people on snowshoes.
Other winter activities
There are lots of other ways to have fun in our #WinterCapital. Skate on the world’s largest skating rink, zoom down toboggan hills or enjoy the dazzling Christmas lights that light up the Capital!
Interactive map: Toboggan hills
Browse through our blogs for more ideas.
Plan your visit
The National Capital Region is vast, and the rules vary by location and activity. Familiarize yourself with the rules before heading out.
In Gatineau Park
- Fees: A fee is required to access Gatineau Park trails, except the four winter hiking trails. Buy your pass online.
- Sharing trails: Most trails are reserved for one specific activity. Our crews work hard to maintain the network — always stay on the trails reserved for your activity.
Elsewhere in the capital
Your #WinterCapital photos
Thank you to our partners
A big thank you to both our long-time and our more recent community partners.
- Britannia Winter Trail Association
- Centre de plein air du Lac-Leamy
- City of Ottawa
- Friends of Gatineau Park
- Kichi Sibi Winter Trail
- Orleans Ski Club
- Ottawa West Winter Trail
- Relais plein air du parc de la Gatineau
- Rideau Winter Trail
- Services récréatifs Demsis, inc.
- Ski Heritage East
- Urban Winter Trails Alliance
- Ville de Gatineau
There are many more places to enjoy winter around Ottawa, in Eastern Ontario and in the Outaouais region. Check out some suggestions from our partners at Ottawa Tourism and Outaouais Tourism.