In winter, part of the Capital Pathway transforms into a growing network of multi-use winter trails. Over 100 km of free-to-access trails are groomed for shared recreational activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking and hiking.
Maintaining these trails requires a lot of work, which is done though community partnerships. Remember to share the path and follow winter trail etiquette, including not walking on ski tracks.
Animal regulations
- Dogs are allowed on most of the following trails, but must be kept on a leash.
- Skiing or cycling with your dog is not allowed.
Shared winter trail network in Ottawa
In Ottawa, there is a growing network of groomed, multi-use winter trails to enjoy. These trails wouldn’t exist without the hard work of the Urban Winter Trails Alliance and their community volunteers.
Kìchì Sìbì Winter Trail
Runs along the Ottawa River, from Westboro Beach to the Portage Bridge.
- Transit: Bayview/O-Train, Kìchì Sìbì and Pimisi stations
- Parking: Champlain parking lot (by Champlain Bridge), Remic Rapids Park and the Canadian War Museum ($)
- Kìchì Sìbì Winter Trail website
Ottawa West Winter Trail
Shirleys Bay sector of the Greenbelt, on the Watts Creek Pathway and the Greenbelt Pathway West, as well as side loops.
- Transit: OC Transpo provides connections within walking distance of Wesley Clover Parks (approximately 15 minutes) at the junction of Highway 417 and Moodie Drive. Use their online planner to create your itinerary.
- Parking: Greenbelt P1 and P3
- Ottawa West Winter Trail website
Important: Although dogs and bikes are welcome on this multi-use winter trail, they are not allowed on nearby Trail 12, also maintained by the Kanata Nordic Ski Club.
Britannia Winter Trail
Near Mud Lake, from Andrew Haydon Park to Woodroffe Avenue near Kichi Zībī Mīkan.
- Transit: OC Transpo provides direct access to the trail at the Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre, in Britannia, and connections within walking distance of Andrew Haydon Park, on Carling Avenue. Use their online planner to create your itinerary.
- Parking: Britannia Park, Deschênes Rapids and Andrew Haydon Park parking lots
- Britannia Winter Trail website
Rideau Winter Trail
Along the eastern side of the Rideau River, from North River Road to Bank Street.
- Transit: Hurdman Station and OC Transpo provide direct access to the trail. Use their online planner to create your itinerary.
- Parking: Information on the Rideau Winter Trail website.
- Rideau Winter Trail website
Ski Heritage East Trail
In the east end of Ottawa, along the Ottawa River, from the NCC River House to Tweddle Road, and on the Greenbelt Pathway East, up to the connection with the Orleans Nordic Ski Club Winter Trail.
- Transit: OC Transpo provides connections within walking distance of the trail at Trim Road. Use their online planner to create your itinerary.
- Parking: P3, P4, P5, Aviation Museum ($), P7, Greenbelt P27 and street parking
- Ski Heritage East website
Orleans Nordic Ski Club Winter Trail
On the Greenbelt Pathway East, from Tauvette Street to the connection with the Ski Heritage East Winter Trail.
- Parking: P26
- Orleans Nordic Ski Club website (English only)
Important: Although dogs and bikes are welcome on this multi-use winter trail, they are not allowed on other connecting trails also maintained by the Orleans Nordic Ski Club, including Trails 61 and 63.
Shared winter trail network in Gatineau
In Gatineau, there are groomed, multi-use winter trails to enjoy from Leamy Lake to Gatineau Park. This offering is made possible through a partnership with the Ville de Gatineau and the Centre de plein air du Lac-Leamy.
- Transit: STO provides connections within walking distance of the Centre de plein air du Lac-Leamy. Use their online planner to create your itinerary.
- Parking: Free parking at the Centre de plein air du Lac-Leamy