Kichi Sibi Winter Trail
Nice after work ski on the SJAM. This was my first ski on the SJAM, and I was impressed. I thought I'd missed my chance this year, but got lucky with this new snow. Kudos to Dave and his team for all their hard work. I live in the East End, so its not convenient for me to get too but it was worth it.
Conditions are generally very good. I was skating, and found the glide good, the trail firm and level enough. Sure there had been walkers but its didn't affect the skiing. There are a few windswept icy patches, but you just skirt around or double pole across those. Its a bit flat, but still lots of fun to ski.
Amazingly I counted 52 skiers, 6 walkers, 2 runners, 1 dog and 1 fat biker between 5:45 and 7:15pm. Great to see so many people out skiing after work on a Friday! It certainly was the perfect night for it. It would be great if the NCC and the city sponsored SJAM and a few more groomed trails around the city! (Hint, hint)
If you haven't tried it yet, get out and enjoy it this weekend!
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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.
