Whether you’re looking for things to do with your kids during the break, or just looking for a little inspiration to be active outdoors, this list is for you!
With 20 suggestions for hiking, snowshoeing, skating, skiing and many other activities to enjoy this winter (weather permitting) in your #WinterCapital, you’re sure to find something that’s right for you! Which of the 35 activities will you try first?
- Outdo yourself in the #WinterCapital challenge. You can participate in the challenge on any trail or ice rink near you.
- Discover the groomed multi-use winter trail network.
- Explore Shirleys Bay in the Greenbelt, on cross-country skis.
- Visit the Canadian History Museum in person, or virtually in the comfort of your own home.
- Go for a 5.5-km winter hike at Green’s Creek.Take part in one of the virtual workshops presented by the Friends of Gatineau Park (registration required).
- Play detective, and identify animal tracks in the snow. (Read this blog before you begin!)Try snow biking in Gatineau Park.
- Take a stroll along Confederation Boulevard, and discover the monuments in the Capital.Use the City of Ottawa’s interactive map to find an outdoor municipal skating rink near you.
- Discover the ruins at the Mackenzie King Estate (bonus: leashed dogs are welcome).
- Take a walk with your family on the Queen Elizabeth Driveway (closed to motor vehicles, and open for active use on weekends, from 9 am to 5 pm).
- Become a budding speleologist, with a visit to the cave at Arbraska Laflèche.Make your own maple taffy at home.Thank a member of the Gatineau Park maintenance team for their excellent work.
- Take part in the next virtual NCC Urbanism Lab event.
- Try “A Prime Minister’s Backyard” cross-country ski route in Gatineau Park.
- Take pictures of the National Capital Region under the snow.
- Go in search of public art works in the Capital (here’s one to start with: The Gather-Ring).
- Tackle the Wolf Trail loop on snowshoes — a great physical challenge! Make a snow angel or build a snow person in one of the Capital’s urban parks.
For even more ideas for fun things to do the the Ottawa-Gatineau region during the last few weeks of winter, visit the National Capital Commission blogs on their website.
The National Capital Commission is a federal Crown corporation created by Canada’s Parliament in 1959 under the National Capital Act. Its predecessors were the Federal District Commission, created in 1927, and the Ottawa Improvement Commission, created in 1899.
by Christine Mailhiot, NCC
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