Nakkertok Nordic (South)
Really great morning to go out to Nakkertok today. The temperature was quite a bit colder than in Ottawa (-25 when I got there), which made for great classic skiing. Tracks are all in great or good shape, some fresh grooming but due to the low temperatures it's all holding up well. Skate skiing might be medium to slow, especially on the not freshly groomed trails. It seemed easily possible on those too, they weren't skied out much at all.
I finally got really good grip today, it was definitely worth going up very early to iron in a base binder. Someone had just started a fire at 7 am when I got there, what a nice treat on a chilly day like today! While I was up there it started getting more and more sunny, so despite the cold, if you have a chance, head up there!
When I was heading out, some trucks were pulling up on the parking with some set up for Easterns. So I expect it'll get increasingly more busy over the next few days. But trails are really in great shape.
Caption #0
Caption #1
Caption #2
Nakkertok has a network of about 75km of skating, classical and backcountry trails at two locations just north of Ottawa in the Gatineau Hills.
Nakkertok South is the main attraction offering groomed skating and classic skiing, chalets, races and children's programming. There are lit trails for night skiing. Club membership, or a day-use fee required for skiing. Located 15 minutes from downtown Ottawa in Cantley, Quebec, Nakkertok South has a heated ski chalet with benches and tables, and places to store your gear. It's a great place to change your boots, warm-up, and socialize to meet other master skiers or club members. The trails at South are groomed for skating and classic skiing with a state-of-the-art Pisten Bully groomer. Two loops are lit at night. The trails at South form more or less a grid, extending for about 4 km north into the bush and slightly higher country. These offer enjoyable skiing, and are suitable for beginners, with the exception of a few short stretches.
Nakkertok North trails are quite demanding, and only occasionally groomed (Fridays). They offer a refreshing backcountry wilderness experience for those with good skiing skills. The trails at Nakkertok North are almost always quiet. The annual Nakkerloppet event in February is a great opportunity to discover these trails by making the North to South crossing.
