Kichi Sibi Winter Trail
First time on the SJam and it was good.
SKATE: The snow is very soft but doesn't impede progress. There is a lot of trail trash (twigs, sap etc.) but it did not slow things down at all. There is a lot of traffic on the trail so it is quite beaten up but skating was still pretty quick. Luckily there is a good base even under bridges. CAUTION: When things freeze up, skiing will be a lot more treacherous unless we get a good dump of snow.
CLASSIC: The classic tracks are pretty shallow but seemed workable. They are broken up a fair bit by walkers, dogs and skate skiers where the trail narrows.
PARKING: Very, very little at Lemieux Island (4 spots), but lots at Champlain. There is a fair bit of street parking in front of the War Museum but you have to pay.
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.
