While the winter season is undoubtedly wearing on many people, cold-weather sports enthusiasts have it made in the National Capital Region.
If you must go through winter, Ottawa-Gatineau is the place to do it, a spokeswoman for the National Capital Commission said.
“It’s a great region to experience a true Canadian winter and all the joys that come with it,” said Julie Rocheleau. “We try to give people a reason to look forward to it.”
Every winter, close to 250,000 people visit Gatineau Park to access the cross-country ski trails and the snowshoeing and hiking trails, said Rocheleau.
The park, which has more than 200 kilometres of cross-country ski trails, also has 35 kilometres of marked snowshoe trails, 10 kilometres of hiking trails, rest areas, fire pits and benches.
Although a pass is required to access the cross-country ski trails, snowshoers and hikers can access the trails for free if they bring their own snowshoes. If they don’t, snowshoes are available for rent at the Gatineau Park visitors’ centre at 33 Scott Rd. in Chelsea for $5 an hour or $15 for the day.
“You can also push the winter experience further and try a winter cabin,” she said. Cabins can be reserved through the visitors’ centre.
