Nakkertok Nordic (South)

Trails Skied: Powerline, Sunrise Loop, Horseman's Pass, Pond Loops, Morrall Loop, Haycock Mine Loop, Nakkertrak-1, Nakkertrak-6, Glide Wax: Vauhti glide -2 to -20, Grip Wax: blue extra

First time sampling the trails at Nakkertok, other than the stadium loop back in December during the snow drought. Most trails were mid depth or deeper with a firm, packed powder base making for good grip and glide. Groomed trails that hadn't been skied on yet tended towards soft and sinking. For a first timer found the endless intersecting trails a bit confusing, my 8X11 map printout with small hard to see details didn't help much, but the plentiful signage did. Another beautiful, crisp blue sky day.













Gatineau park map


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.

Nakkertok Nordic