Resources
Cross-Country Skiing in Ottawa–Gatineau
Ottawa–Gatineau has over 200 km of trails in Gatineau Park, over 150 km of free trails in the Greenbelt, and groomed community trails right in the city. Here's where to go.
Where to cross-country ski
The Ottawa–Gatineau region is full of great cross-country skiing, from city trails you can reach by train to one of the largest networks around.
Gatineau Park
200+ kmGatineau & Chelsea, QC
The region's biggest network, with 50+ trails, day shelters and 15 parking lots to start from. Rentals at the Relais plein air.
- Style:
- Classic, skate, backcountry
- Cost:
- Winter pass required. Adult day pass $21.40 before tax (2026–27)
Nakkertok Nordic
80 kmGatineau, QC
Two sectors, a heated shelter and snowmaking that can open trails as early as mid-November.
- Style:
- Cross-country
- Cost:
- Day fee for non-members
Ottawa's Greenbelt
150+ kmOttawa, around the city
Trails, pathways and forest roads, all suited to beginners and families. Areas include Shirleys Bay, Stony Swamp, Pine Grove and Mer Bleue.
- Style:
- Groomed classic on select trails
- Cost:
- Free
Kanata Nordic
18+ kmWesley Clover Parks, Ottawa
Club trails groomed by volunteers. Access from Corkstown Road. No dogs on the trails.
- Style:
- Classic and skate
- Cost:
- Day pass or membership
Mooney's Bay Ski Centre
5 kmMooney's Bay Park, Ottawa
Lit trails in the city, plus lessons and rentals. A good place to start if you're new to the sport.
- Style:
- Classic and skate
- Cost:
- Check the City of Ottawa for rates
Kichi Sibi Winter Trail
16+ kmOttawa River, central Ottawa
Runs from LeBreton Flats to Dominion Station. Park at Westboro Beach, Champlain Park or the War Museum, or take the O-Train to Pimisi, Bayview or Tunney's Pasture.
- Style:
- Classic tracks, skate lane
- Cost:
- Donation-supported
Britannia Winter Trail
About 17 kmBritannia Park, west Ottawa
A volunteer-run neighbourhood trail for skiing, snowshoeing, winter biking and walking.
- Style:
- Multi-use
- Cost:
- Donation-supported
Ottawa West Winter Trail
About 8 kmKanata, west Ottawa
Groomed by Kanata Nordic, right beside Wesley Clover Parks. Dogs on leash are welcome.
- Style:
- Classic tracks, multi-use
- Cost:
- Free, donations welcome
Rideau Winter Trail
About 9 kmRideau River, east of downtown
Barrier-free winter sports along the Rideau River, close to downtown.
- Style:
- Classic and skate
- Cost:
- Donation-supported
Ski Heritage East
40 kmOttawa River, east end to Orléans
A community-funded groomed trail from Trim Road to the NCC River House, with many access points along the river.
- Style:
- Multi-use
- Cost:
- Donation-supported
Suggested cross-country ski routes
A few good days out, drawn from the National Capital Commission’s recommended routes.
Gatineau Park
A winter pass is required on these trails.
Trails 5, 27 and 27B loop
Gentle climbs and smooth descents, recommended by the Gatineau Park team for beginners.
- Start:
- P1, Asticou Centre
- Route:
- Trails 5, 27, 27B and Gatineau Parkway
From the City to the Wilderness
A gradual climb with some steep sections on the way out, then a long downhill back.
- Start:
- P2, Relais plein air
- Route:
- Trails 29, 5, 15 and 35 to Pink Lake; back by Gatineau Parkway and trails 26 and 29
Trails 53 and 51 loop
Forest and fields, with Wakefield nearby for a coffee afterward.
- Start:
- P17, Highway 105, La Pêche
- Route:
- Trails 53 and 51
The Heart of the Network
Four shelters along the way, and you can turn around at any point. The first 1.5 km includes a challenging climb.
- Start:
- P7, Kingsmere Road, Chelsea
- Route:
- Trails 30, 1 and 2 to Western Shelter; back by 2, 1B, Champlain and Fortune parkways and 1
A Prime Minister's Backyard
Mostly downhill on the way out and uphill on the way back, with one big climb near the end.
- Start:
- P6, Mackenzie King Estate
- Route:
- Trail 7 and Gatineau Parkway to trail 35 at Pink Lake; back by trails 35 and 15
Paths of the Early Settlers
An out-and-back from Wakefield on part of the Trans Canada Trail.
- Start:
- P17, Highway 105, La Pêche
- Route:
- Trails 52 and 50 to Herridge Shelter and back
Trail 55 northern loop
A long day in the park's northern sector. Skip trail 56 for 16.6 km, or ski trail 55 alone for 11.4 km.
- Start:
- P19, Philippe Lake
- Route:
- Trail 55 with detours by trails 54 and 56
Trails 30, 8, 17 and 31 loop
Short but demanding, on narrower and less busy trails.
- Start:
- P7, Kingsmere Road, Chelsea
- Route:
- Trails 30, 8, 17 and 31
Ottawa’s Greenbelt
Free to ski and groomed for classic by volunteers.
Trail 12 loop, Shirleys Bay
A short groomed side loop off the Greenbelt Pathway West.
- Start:
- Shirleys Bay P1 or P3
- Route:
- Trail 12
Trail 45, Pine Grove
Groomed trail in Pine Grove Forest, south of the city.
- Start:
- Pine Grove P19
- Route:
- Trail 45
Watts Creek Pathway
Connects to the Greenbelt Pathway West and Kichi Zībī Mīkan, and is part of the Great Trail.
- Start:
- Shirleys Bay P1 or P3
- Route:
- Watts Creek Pathway
Greenbelt Pathway West
Passes forests, fields and farms in the west end.
- Start:
- Shirleys Bay P1 or P3
- Route:
- Greenbelt Pathway West
Check before you go
Grooming, closures and prices change through the season, so confirm the details with each trail. Last reviewed November 2026.
Cross-country skiing questions
- Where can I cross-country ski for free in Ottawa?
- Ottawa's Greenbelt has over 150 km of free trails, with groomed classic skiing at Shirleys Bay, Pine Grove, Mer Bleue and Green's Creek. The Ottawa West Winter Trail is also free. Community trails like Kichi Sibi, Britannia, Rideau and Ski Heritage East rely on donations.
- Do I need a pass to ski in Gatineau Park?
- Yes. The park has no entrance fee, but you need a daily or season pass to use the cross-country ski trails. An adult day pass is $21.40 before tax for 2026–27, and winter parking is free. Buy passes from the National Capital Commission.
- Where is the best place for a beginner to cross-country ski near Ottawa?
- The Greenbelt's trails are all suitable for beginners and families, and they're free. Mooney's Bay Ski Centre has 5 km of lit trails in the city, with lessons and rentals. In Gatineau Park, the 6.5 km loop on trails 5, 27 and 27B from P1 is recommended by park staff for beginners.
- Where can I rent cross-country skis in Ottawa–Gatineau?
- Fresh Air Experience at 1291 Wellington St W rents adult classic and skate packages with skis, bindings, poles and boots. Rentals are also available at Mooney's Bay Ski Centre and at Gatineau Park's Relais plein air. Check with each one for this season's opening and rates.
- Where can I skate ski in Ottawa–Gatineau?
- Gatineau Park, Kanata Nordic, Mooney's Bay and the Rideau Winter Trail all offer skate skiing, and the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail grooms a lane for skaters between its classic tracks.
- Can I get to ski trails in Ottawa without a car?
- Yes. The Kichi Sibi Winter Trail runs along the Ottawa River and is close to the O-Train at Pimisi, Bayview and Tunney's Pasture stations. Several Gatineau Park lots, including P1, P2, P17 and P19, are also accessible by public transit.
- Where can I check ski trail conditions?
- The National Capital Commission updates Gatineau Park's conditions table and interactive map twice a day during ski season. Many community trails post their grooming reports on Nordic Pulse.
- What is the difference between classic and skate skiing?
- Classic skiing uses a forward stride, often in set tracks, and is usually the easier place for beginners to start. Skate skiing uses a side-to-side push like ice skating, on wider groomed trails, and takes different skis, boots and longer poles.
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