rIdEau canal skatEwaY
photo : canadian heritage
wIntEr must-Do ’ s
Let it snow . Ottawa is home to a flurry of winter pleasures . The city ’ s winter wonderland includes frosty festivals , natural wonders , icy escapades , sizzling saunas , and cozy comforts .
Ice Escapades When life gives you winter , make Winterlude ! The iconic winter festival includes mustvisits like Snowflake Kingdom ( slides , snow sculptures , mazes and more ) and the magical ice sculptures of Crystal Garden . Other frozen bedrocks of Winterlude include an international ice-carving competition , snow sculptures , sleigh rides , and a bed race on the Rideau Canal Skateway . Speaking of the world ’ s largest outdoor skating rink , you can glide 7.8 kilometres ( nearly 5 miles ) between downtown and Dow ’ s Lake Pavilion , which is home to several restaurants , as well as skate and sleigh rentals . The Canal isn ’ t the only reason to sharpen your blades . Hit the ice at the Sens Rink of Dreams at City Hall , the Lansdowne skating court or Rideau Hall ’ s iconic rink , which dates back to 19th-century skating parties organized by Canada ’ s governor general . For ice-loving spectators , check out a home game of the NHL ’ s Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre or the OHL ’ s Ottawa 67s , who play at TD Place at Lansdowne . The skating court at Lansdowne is another
Gatineau Park You can walk in this nearby Québec winter wonderland , but it is best explored on snowshoes , skis … or even snow bikes . Embrace the traditional with 60 kilometres of snowshoe trails or cross-country ski trails stretching 200 kilometres ( 124 miles ). Looking to avoid people ? Hit 50 kilometres of backcountry trails . Looking for new friends or refuge ? Stop at a day-use shelter equipped with wood-burning stoves , picnic tables , and outhouses . Or stay in one of the four-season tents , yurts , or cabins for a winter camping experience . Ottawa ’ s Greenbelt is also home to 150 kilometres of cross-country ski trails . For the more adventurous , try ice fishing on the Ottawa River or dogsledding in the Outaouais Region with Escapade Eskimo .
Plant Your Poles Camp Fortune in Old Chelsea , Quebec is the nearest ski hill with eight lifts and 24 runs .
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GatInEau Park
Other day trip options include Ontario ’ s Calabogie Peaks Resort , only 75 minutes away , with 24 downhill runs , and snowshoeing , hiking and cross country skiing trails .
Feel the Heat Warm up after a snowy adventure with steamy saunas and hot baths . Nordik Spa-Nature ’ s fairy-tale setting near the entrance of Gatineau Park is only 20 minutes from downtown . Experience the magic of an outdoor massage in a heated , insulated wood pavilion . Or stay downtown to escape the frost with a frosty pint at a cozy ByWard Market pub , and warm up with the capital ’ s fiery cuisine — from spicy international fare to gourmet BBQ and wood oven pizza . With places to chill and feel the heat , Ottawa is a prime destination to come out of winter hibernation .
16 Destination Planner ’ s Guide 2017 www . ottawatourism . ca