Kichi Sibi Winter Trail
ROUTE: Started at Champlain and did all of the Western parts, then went east to the treatment plant road.
SKATE: Really good conditions. Fairly fast. Much softer than Gatineau Park but still quite quick. There is a fair bit of foot traffic that leaves big divots in the snow but it doesn't really get in the way of progress. Overall the grooming is solid especially considering how many different kinds of uses the track gets.
CLASSIC: The track looked really solid in places and washed out in others. Overall there was a clear path and a lot of people were out enjoying it.
TRAFFIC: The Champlain lot was mostly full around 10 and wasn't much different closer to noon.
WEATHER: Cool, but fine. Not a lot of wind today at all.
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.
