O-Ski-Transpo: ride, glide, and explore Ottawa’s winter trails!
Most people use transit to get from A to B, here’s our tips to get you from A to Ski.
Some things are simply made for each other. Peanut butter and jam, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, and OC Transpo and cross-country skiing.
The National Capital Region is home to the some of largest and best maintained networks of cross-country ski trails in North America. You don’t need to cross the river to get your ski fix in, Ottawa’s urban ski trails are just a short trip away on OC Transpo.
O-Train Line 1Line 1 runs from Tunney’s Pasture Station, through downtown, to Blair Station. Along the way, you can access:
- ❄ Kìchì Sìbì Winter Trail in the west at Tunney’s Pasture, Bayview or Pimisi stations.
- ❄ Rideau Winter Trail in the south from Hurdman Station.
Together, Line 1Line 1 connects you to 28 kilometres of ski trails in the downtown core.
Newly launched, O-Train Line 2 travels south of the city towards Limebank Station. On this route, you can access:
- ❄ Mooney’s Bay Ski Centre to the Terry Fox Athletic Facility – a 20 minutes walk or short bus ride from Mooney’s Bay Station.
Beyond downtown, OC Transpo and STO's bus network can connect you to many other cross-country ski trails and winter activities.
We caught up with one of Ottawa’s most dedicated trail managers who maintains the Kìchì Sìbì Winter Trail to help inspire your next cross-country ski outing on OC Transpo.
What is the Kìchì Sìbì Winter Trail?
The Kìchì Sìbì Winter Trail offers 16 kilometres of groomed multi-use winter trail that stretches along the Ottawa River Capital Pathway, from the Lebreton Flats just west of Parliament Hill to Dominion Station.
The trail welcomes all users whether they are walkers, skiers, runners, snowshoers or fat bikers.
Running parallel to the O-Train Line 1, convenient connections to public transit are available by rail at Pimisi, Bayview and Tunney’s Pasture stations and by bus at Dominion Station.
Meet Snow Groomer Dave
The Kìchì Sìbì Winter Trail is a winter destination in Ottawa thanks to many volunteers and the generous support of the community.
This trail would not be possible if it weren’t for Snow Groomer Dave, a dedicated trail manager who many Ottawa residents and visitors can thank when skiing next to the Ottawa River.
(Photo courtesy of the Kitchisippi Times)
Snow Groomer Dave and the trail are celebrating their tenth season this year of Ottawa’s first urban winter pathway. Having been on skis for most of his life and being a former ski racer, Snow Groomer Dave says, “Cross country skiing is a sport for life and the Ottawa/Gatineau ski community is one where there is an expectation to give back to the community and that is why it is so strong. I grew up skiing here and there have been so many people before me volunteering their time to help me develop in the sport that I thought it only right that it was my turn to give back. Snow grooming was my way of doing just that.”
When asked about what gave him the idea about an urban winter pathway, Dave says “I am a snow groomer up at Nakkertok Ski Club and every day I drove up to the club to work I drove past kilometres of untapped snow covered trails along the Ottawa River and I saw it as an opportunity. During the spring, summer and fall, it was a busy place but in winter it was vacant. Surely people would want to use it during the winter? Why is not being maintained?” Instead of complaining, Dave saw this amazing opportunity. He says, “I had the skills required to groom snow and that began my journey.”
Using a snow mobile with a towing implement, Snow Groomer Dave has been giving back to the community for almost a decade. When asked why he does it, he says “similar to public transit, we’re here to make our city more livable. This is the essence of my journey.”
“Get out of your cars, you can take transit and go skiing right in your backyard”, says Snow Groomer Dave.
When asked what tips he had for anyone looking to take transit to Kìchì Sìbì Winter Trail, Snow Groomer Dave had the following helpful reminders.
“Be mindful of others when bringing your skis and poles on buses and trains and get yourself some ski ties. They will conveniently keep your skis together when you’re on the train or bus. Your fellow passengers will thank you” mentioned Dave.
Next up, he suggested “pack a light change of clothes. You’re going to build up a sweat on your adventure.”
Having travelled to the trail on transit before, he reminds skiers that ski boots don’t always have the best traction, “take it slow and be cautious when riding the train or bus, especially when you’re getting on and off. Some skiers even put an over boot on which not only protects your ski boots but provides better traction. “
Dave also suggested changing things up to make your journey a little different every time. He said “There’s so much to explore, with multiple adventures. You can ski out to one end and take transit back. I recommend a ski out to Kìchì Sìbì Woods to try and find all the snow bears”.
Finally, Snow Groomer Dave said, “remember, every minute spent next to the river is a gift. Enjoy your time out on the trail.” To find out more about the Kìchì Sìbì Winter Trail and how to support their cause, visit their website.
Plan your next ski adventure on OC Transpo
Make the most of Ottawa’s winter and leave the transportation to us on your next cross-country ski trip. Once you have picked a trail from one of Ottawa’s many groomed multi-use winter trails, plan your trip using our Travel Planner or download Transit, the recommended app for OC Transpo customers.
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