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!

Interactive map: Walking and hiking routes

Interactive map: On-leash dog walking routes

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)

Interactive map: Cross-country ski routes (classic 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.

Interactive map: Snowshoeing routes

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.

Interactive map: Snow biking routes

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

Interactive map: Rideau Canal Skateway ice conditions

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 or borrow a pass from the library.
  • 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

  • Fees: Access to NCC trails outside of Gatineau Park is free.
  • Sharing trails: Most trails are shared and used for skiing, biking, snowshoeing and walking. Multi-use winter trails are groomed with care by community volunteers. Share the path and please avoid damaging ski tracks by staying well to the side when doing other activities.

    Your #WinterCapital photos

    Thank you to our partners

    A big thank you to both our long-time and our more recent community partners.

    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.