Olivia TaylorOttawa doesn’t just get draped in a layer of the white stuff; it turns into a goldmine for those itching to go skiing and carve up slopes when the frosty season hits. You see, our city is like that cool friend who pops open a coat closet full of ski options in the winter.
And now, it’s time that you explore our list of the best spots to go skiing in Ottawa. So grab your poles and goggles and keep on reading!
Camp Fortune
Website: http://campfortune.com/
Address: 300 Chem. Dunlop, Chelsea, QC J9B 2N3, Canada
Contact details: +1 819-827-1717
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 9 AM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 7 PM
Cost:
- Day Lift Ticket – Starts at $58 (Adult, ages 18+)
- 4-hour Lift Ticket – Starts at $48 (Adult, ages 18+)
- Night Lift Ticket – Starts at $46 (Adult, ages 18+)
- Complete Lift Ticket – Starts at $68 (Adult, ages 18+)
Camp Fortune has you covered with its whopping 23 runs that cater to every skill level, plus seven lifts! It’s like an all-you-can-ski buffet! And here’s even better news: you can do all this under the starry sky since they offer night skiing!
Now, for the cherry on top, they’ve got a snow park packed with jumps, rails, and boxes ready. Plus, they have an on-hill resto for that mid-ski refueling session!
| Pro tip: Camp Fortune is a hot spot for spring skiing, thanks to its seasonal event schedule. So make sure to keep an eye on their website for upcoming events and sweet deals on lift passes. |
Mont Cascades
Website: http://www.montcascades.ca/
Address: 448 Chem. du Mont-des-Cascades, Cantley, QC J8V 3B2, Canada
Contact details: +1 819-827-0301
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 9 PM
Cost:
- Ages 7 to 17 – $30.50 (Day), $26.50 (Night or 4 hours)
- Ages 18 to 54 – $41 (Day), $37 (Night or 4 hours)
- Ages 55 to 79 – $34.75 (Day), $32.75 (Night or 4 hours)
- Ages 6 and under/ 80 years and above – $10 (Day, Night or 4 hours)
Mont Cascades boasts a whopping 20 runs and a terrain park that’ll keep your adrenaline pumping like a 90s rave party! The highlight here is their kickass ski school for the first time or if you’re looking to take your game to the next level.
They’ve also got magic carpets, aka beginner lifts—you know, like in Aladdin, but way cooler. Mont Cascades has even hooked up a cosy bistro with a killer view and even better fare.
| Pro tip: Getting to Mont Cascades right when they open means you’ll beat the crowds and have fresh, untouched powder all for yourself. Plus, check out their website for promotions. |
Ski Hill Park
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Website: https://ottawa.ca/en/residents/recreation-and-parks/parks-and-green-space
Address: Gloucester, ON K1J 7W6, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-580-2400
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 5 AM to 11 PM
Cost: N/A
Ski Hill Park has some seriously gnarly slopes without the whole big-mountain intimidation factor. There are no chair lifts here, but honestly, hoofing it up the hill is part of the charm.
The park’s hill is built on a retired landfill, which is both brilliantly eco-friendly and rad. Just think about it: each curve you master and each trick you land are all in the name of Mother Earth.
| Pro tip: The park’s free and open 24/7 during the winter, so skip the rush-hour traffic and go for a moonlit skiing adventure. Just remember to bring your gear; rentals aren’t on the cards here. |
Carlington Park
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Website: https://ottawa.ca/en/residents/recreation-and-parks/parks-and-green-space
Address: 1640 Laperriere Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Z 5A6, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-580-2595
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 5 AM to 11 PM
Cost: Free
Carlington Park has the highest vertical drop out of all city-run hills in Ottawa! So if you’re a thrill-seeker or just an innocently unsuspecting skier, prepare to get your mind blown here.
The steeper top section of the hill is perfect for advanced skiers, while the bottom is great for beginners. Surprisingly enough, this adrenaline-pumping hill was once an old ski jump tower, hence the bouquet of thrilling slopes.
| Pro tip: Like Ski Hill Park, this is a BYG (Bring Your Gear) spot, and remember to keep to the right while descending; it’s a single trail for both uphill and downhill traffic. |
Sommet Edelweiss
Website: https://www.sommets.com/en/ski-mountains/sommet-edelweiss/
Address: 538 Ch Edelweiss, Wakefield, QC J0X 3G0, Canada
Contact details: +1 450-227-4671
Operating hours:
- Monday – 9 AM to 9 PM
- Wednesday to Friday – 9 AM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 8:30 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 8:30 AM to 9 PM
Cost:
- 13 years old + – $64.99 (Day ticket), $48.99 (Evening ticket)
- 7-12 years old – $ 42.99 (Day ticket), $33.99 (Evening ticket)
- 6 years old – $13.99 (Day ticket, $13,99 (Evening ticket)
Sommet Edelweiss is less than an hour’s drive from Ottawa and has 20 runs ready for you to blaze your snow glory. To top it off, it has panoramic views that almost make you forget you’re not in the Alps!
Now, the resort is packed with seriously steep terrain to give even the most avid skiers a solid run for their money. And if you’re a night owl or just can’t get enough of the slopes, the park is lit up for night skiing, giving you a taste of the snowy nightlife.
| Pro tip: Sommet Edelweiss gets busy, and I mean really busy on weekends, so try hitting the slopes on weekdays to cut short the waiting time. And don’t forget to check their website for discounts—deals on lift passes and rentals are quite common! |
Snowhawks Ski & Snowboard School
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Website: https://www.snowhawks.com/ottawa-home.html
Address: 11 Fairbairn St, Ottawa, ON K1S 1T2, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-730-0701
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Cost: Rates start at $98
Snowhawks Ski & Snowboard School is located throughout Ottawa and the Gatineau region. It offers a wide range of skill-level programs for kids and adults alike.
They’ve been spreading the snow love since 1969 (yeah, they’re old hands at this). Their team of professionally trained instructors doesn’t just teach you to ski or snowboard; they equip you with lifelong skills that you’ll carry, well, for life!
| Pro tip: Getting registered early not only secures your spot but may also get you some early-bird discounts. Keep an eye on their website for registration dates and fees. |
Ottawa West Winter Trail
Website: http://www.owwt.ca/
Address: Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON K2K 2Y6, Canada
Contact details: https://www.owwt.ca/contact
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Cost: By donation
Ottawa West Winter Trail takes “urban skiing” to a whole new level. Running between Britannia Park and Westboro, this trail serves as an open invitation for all you cross-country ski junkies to come and get your fix without venturing too far from the city.
Now, let’s not have you roll your eyes at the mention of “cross country.” I mean, it’s not all about grinding out miles upon endless miles, and the best part is that it’s FREE!
| Pro tip: While the trail is pet-friendly, make sure your furry friends are leashed at all times. And of course, as this is one of Ottawa’s hidden gems, it runs on donations. |
Sir John A. MacDonald Winter Trail
– Media credit: cryslerruth
Website: https://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail/the-sir-john-a-macdonald-winter-trail
Address: Ottawa Riv Pathway, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-322-9959
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Cost: By donation
Sir John. A MacDonald Winter Trail is a kind of exciting trail that you shouldn’t miss (don’t say I didn’t remind you!). With a length of about 16 km, this trail stretches from the Canadian War Museum down to Westboro Beach, so it’s a long skiing trip.
Even though this trail is groomed for classic and skate skiing, it’s also open for snowshoeing and dog-walking. What’s more, the trail is open 24/7, so that means, whether you’re a morning bird or a night owl, you can hit the trail whenever you want.
| Pro tip: The parking is limited, so try to make your way there by transit, bike, or on foot. And don’t forget about that donation box! |
Nakkertok South
Website: http://nakkertok.ca/
Address: 900 Av. Gatineau, Gatineau, QC J8V 4A6, Canada
Contact details:
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 7:30 AM to 6 PM
- Friday – 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 7 PM
- Sunday – 7:30 AM to 7 PM
Cost: Prices will appear upon booking.
Located just a stone’s throw away from Ottawa, Nakkertok South offers over 80km of groomed trails that cater to both classic and skate skiing enthusiasts. Now, Nakkertok isn’t just about the quantity of trails—nope, they’ve got quality in spades.
We’re talking about professionally designed trails that host local, national, and even international competitions. And if you’ve got little ones in tow, some fun activities and programs teach kids the joy of skiing while playing in the snow.
| Pro tip: Remember to check their website before you head out for the day’s trail conditions and any special events that might be happening. |
Mount Pakenham
Website: http://www.mountpakenham.com/
Address: 577 Ski Hill Rd, Pakenham, ON K0A 2X0, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-624-5290
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 9 AM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Cost:
- Family Pass – $442.50
- Night Famoly Pass – $272
- Night Pass- $136
- Adult Pass (Ages 18 to 69) – $237.50
Mount Pakenham is all about that family-friendly vibe, where everyone from toddlers to grandparents can find something to enjoy. With 10 runs that range from green to black diamond, it’s the place where you can confidently ski and carve down the slopes.
The place has a solid terrain park for those looking to get a bit jumpy with their skiing or boarding, and there’s night skiing too, so you can keep shredding long after the sun goes down. Plus, their snow school is ace, offering lessons for all ages and skill levels.
| Pro tip: If you can, swing by on a weekday when the crowds are thinner and the lift lines are almost non-existent. Also, keep an eye on their website for discounts on lift tickets and rental packages; your wallet will thank you. |
Centre Vorlage
Website: http://centrevorlage.ca/
Address: 65 Chem. Burnside, Wakefield, QC J0X 3G0, Canada
Contact details: +1 819-459-2301
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 9 AM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 4 PM
Cost: Prices will appear upon booking.
Centre Vorlage, is perfectly situated in the heart of Wakefield, Quebec, and is kind of the Goldilocks of ski hills near Ottawa. Not too big, not too small—with 18 runs that sweep down a beautifully groomed hill, there’s something for every level of skier or boarder.
And with 80% of the terrain dedicated to beginner and intermediate slopes, it’s the ideal place to practice and perfect those turns. Plus, their night skiing offers a whole new perspective on the slopes, and it’s pretty magical to glide under the starry sky.
| Pro tip: Vorlage is notoriously loved by locals, so if you’re planning a trip, booking lessons or checking out equipment rentals in advance is a smart move. And if you’re in it for the season, consider a family season pass for unlimited access and the best value. |
