Ottawa is one of the world's most northerly capitals and is spectacularly picturesque, particularly in the winter. When the Rideau Canal freezes it is the world's longest skating rink stretching 50 kilometers in the groomed area during Winterlude and 10 kilometers at other times. Ottawa looks like a Ruritanian dream capital, populated by happy bureaucrats skating their way to work in neo-Gothic Parliament buildings. To the north, on Nepean Point, the glassy National Gallery shines like a gigantic ice sculpture. Each winter they celebrate the Bal de Neige with snow and ice sculpture competitions and lots of outdoor activities such as snowshoe races, dog-sled races, and cross-country skiing. Nearby Gatineau Park has some of the best cross-country ski trails in Canada. A favorite indoor activity, in case of adverse weather, is the Museum of Civilization in Hull which depicts the early settlers who endured severe hardship yet persevered to establish some very interesting communities. The Capital City attractions include Parliament and other government buildings whose architecture is quite impressive and oriented toward the tourist.

Executive Summary

We will depart Caldwell airport mid-afternoon on Friday and fly to Ottawa International Airport where we will have a rental van waiting. We will then drive to one of our favorite restaurants in the city of Ottawa where we will dine. After dinner, we will either visit the Winterlude Festival or rent ice skates at the Rideau Canal where we will skate on the well-groomed ice (a favorite of mine). After skating, we will go to the Rideau View Inn - a B&B of "Victorian elegance." Early Saturday morning we will rise for a magnificent breakfast followed by a full day of cross-country skiing in Gatineau Park. We will return to the B&B to relax and then enjoy a leisurely dinner at another excellent restaurant in town. After dinner we will again visit Winterlude and skate on the spectacular Rideau Canal. You will remember this experience forever. Back at the Rideau View Inn we will relax and enjoy each other's company. On Sunday we will eagerly rise to another excellent breakfast and pack our belongings. Another day of skiing will be followed by a relaxing flight back to Caldwell Airport arriving in the early evening.

Highlights

Skiing is most excellent in the Gatineau Park. There are a variety of trails ranging from easy to difficult and warming huts offer a break from the cold and a comfortable place to eat and relax.

Skating is most excellent on the Rideau Canal and is a favorite evening activity. The canal is groomed almost every evening, spectacularly lit, and full of great fun!

Sightseeing includes the Museum of Civilization in Hull which is awesome and incredible as well as several others in Ottawa that are definitely worth the visit!

Passports or some other proof of US citizenship are required for Americans. Most other nationals will need their passport and other documentation that will allow them back into the US.

Weather is often cold in the low- to mid-teens throughout the winter season. It often snows. There can be wind though it is mostly blocked by the forest and trees. Dress warmly for outdoor activities.

Currency is the Canadian dollar which has a good exchange rate for the US dollar. It is best to bring a MAC card and get Canadian dollars from a money machine at the current exchange rate.

Language spoken is English in Ottawa and French in Gatineau and Quebec providence though communication is seldom a problem.

Cross-country Skiing

Gatineau Park boasts a cross-country ski trail system of unmatched quality. Close to 40 cross-country ski trails form an impressive network of almost 200 km in the 356 square km park. These trails, which are graded and marked for their level of difficulty, introduce you to the Park's forests, meadows, lakes and river valleys. A total of eight shelters provide a warm place to rest and eat lunch. Wood stoves in the shelters add an atmosphere of warmth that take the cold edge off the long days of cross-country skiing. Many afternoons have been spent here with friends.

The "Gatineau 55" is an international cross-country skiing competition for which the park is famous. These trails are the same trails that you will ski. A park map depicts a network of easy, intermediate, and difficult trails that appeal to both beginner and experienced skiers.

A few highlights of the park are well worth noting. Meech Lake is most famous as a Parliamentary retreat with challenging trails that lead into the heart of the ski network. A fire tower above Meech Lake provides a most brilliant view of the Ottawa Valley. The Ramparts are a line of ridges with interesting rock faces that provide an intriguing scenic view of the countryside surrounding Meech Lake. The Herridge Shelter was the Cafferty family's farmhouse that later became a lodge for winter retreats. Lac la Peche is part of a vast wilderness area that is accessible only with compass and map - the beauty and the solitude are unmatched. All these an more will be seen during our tour.

Because of the growing popularity of the ski skating technique, specially compacted lanes are now maintained on a number of trails, including all parkways.

Courtesy on the Trails

Cross-country ski trails are for all to enjoy. Your consideration should be demonstrated by the following:

• Do not ski alone.
• Take your litter home with you.
• Keep to the right on double trails.
• Do not walk or snowshoe on ski trails.
• Do not start down a hill until the trail is clear below.
• Step off the trail to rest, wax or adjust your equipment.
• In consideration to non-smokers, please refrain from smoking in the shelters.
• Stay on the marked trails and comply with requests from trail staff or patrollers.
• Plan your route carefully. Consider trail distance and difficulty, your ability and the time available to complete your trip.
• Yield the trail to faster skiers or skiers descending a hill. The way to request the right of way is to call "track!" or "piste!"
• Take only pictures, leave only ski tracks.

Thank you in advance for your consideration!

Ice Skating

During Winterlude Festival the Rideau Canal is groomed for 50 kilometers where a skating race takes place. Throughout the winter season more than 10 kilometers of the canal are groomed and well lit in the evening to make one of the most spectacular skating scenes anywhere. Skate rentals are available on the ice and changing huts are placed at strategic locations. Our B&B is usually within walking distance of the canal. During your skating trip along the canal you will pass hundreds of residents and visitors on the ice with their friends and family. An occasional hockey game can be seen. It's spectacular fun!

Canadian Museum of Civilization

On June 29, 1989, a monument was dedicated to the Canadian people. It was called the last great museum. An architectural masterpiece. The Museum presents exhibitions on Contemporary Indian and Inuit Art, on Arts and Traditions, as well as on Fine Crafts. In addition to numerous dazzling exhibits their Cineplus theater which contains both an IMAX and OMNIMAX screen will immerse you in historical action (way-cool!).

Equipment Rentals

It is possible to rent equipment in Ottawa for both cross-country skiing and skate skiing though it is recommended to bring equipment with you. Ice skates can be rented on the canal or you can bring your skates with you. Equipment rental prices are very reasonable.

What to Bring

Pack the following equipment in a single boot bag or a day pack. Total weight should not exceed 20 pounds (excluding skis). No clothing should be cotton.

If you have any questions regarding clothes or equipment please feel free to contact me. I have extensive experience evaluating a wide variety of gear in extreme conditions.

Adventure Costs

The round trip flight from Caldwell airport to Ottawa airport is $245. Accommodations are typically $50 per person per night for a B&B which includes breakfast. The per person share of a rental car or van, including gas, is typically about $9 per day. Trail fees are about $6 per day. Food is reasonably priced.