Kichi Sibi Winter Trail
This report is for yesterday (Jan 1). Started at Lemieux Island, and went west for 1 km or so, then turned around and went east to the War Museum, then back to Lemieux. All trails were groomed in the morning, and well used all day. By the time I arrived (3pm), things were still in good shape, but had been walked on in a few places. A couple of icy spots where the wind whipped the snow away (and under bridges). Some soft spots where the snow was deep meant poles punched through, but only in short sections. Overall, a lovely day for my first ski on the SJAM, and looking forward to many more!
The Kichi Sibi Winter Trail is a 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.
Two tracks are set for classic cross country skiers. Between these tracks, the trail is groomed for snowshoers, walkers, runners, skate skiers and bikers. The walking track follows the existing pathway’s route. Serpentine loops increase the distance to the ski track at the Selby Plains and Remic Rapids greenspaces and at open lands adjacent to the War Museum and Champlain Bridge, for a total trail length of more than 16 kilometres. Points of interest along the trail include the Westboro Beach tobogganing hill, the John Ceprano rock sculptures and the café at the War Museum.
The trail is easily accessed. Running parallel to the O-Train Confederation Line, convenient connections to public transit are available at: Pimisi, Bayview and Tunney’s Pasture stations. Buses run to Dominion Station (future Kìchì Sìbì LRT station) as well. Parking spots are located at Westboro Beach, Champlain Park and the Canadian War Museum.
