Kichi Sibi Winter Trail

Trails Skied: 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, Glide Wax: blue, Grip Wax:

First ski of the SJAM and I couldn't have picked a nicer day for it. Warm sunshine and no wind meant I was over dressed and regretting it in short order... Could have gone in a t-shirt and been quite happy, but the skiing was still good.

Not really sure of the trail numbering system but I parked at Island Park and skied out to Kitchisippi beach before turning back. There was a nice "inner loop" as I came back to the Champlain bridge which snaked through the trees and then I headed further east. Found some more snaking trails around Remic rapids before I finally chose to loop for home somewhere past Parkdale. All told I think I skied about 10k.

The trail was super busy so lots of people are clearly taking advantage. Met all types of trail users (walkers, skiers, snowbikers, snowshoers, sledders ) and all were very accommodating to each other. The classic track was well set and standing up well despite it being a multi user trail. The skate lane was a little "pockmarked" from different trail users but still smooth and a nice ski. The warm sun was having its way with the snow and the glide was a little slow (I should have gone with a warmer wax!) but hard to complain as the sun felt good. Certainly a nice option for a quick ski in town - I'll be back!













Gatineau park map


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.

Kitchi Sibi Winter Trail map