The Lib’s location in Aylmer, Gatineau, offers myriad ways to enjoy the winter without travelling far from home. To narrow down your options, here are our top 5 winter activities for fresh air, rejuvenation and staying in shape.
Gatineau Park
Gatineau Park is a perennial favourite, and visiting in winter only further brings out its beauty, peacefulness and truly impressive size. Take in all 361 square kilometres of the snowy landscape! It’s the perfect place to enjoy a range of physical activities, with 50 cross-country ski trails, 14 snowshoeing paths and, for more laid-back days, a multitude of picturesque walking routes. If you’re looking to dive into a new winter sport, the park also offers on-site equipment rentals. Check out the official website for more information and updates on rule changes for certain activities, depending on the public health situation. Gatineau Park – National Capital Commission (ncc-ccn.gc.ca)
Rideau Canal Skateway
We couldn’t possibly leave out the Rideau Canal Skateway, a beloved ice-skating destination since 1970. The 7.8-kilometre track is an attraction like no other, running straight through the heart of the capital. In 2005, it was recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest naturally frozen ice rink in the world! But that’s not the only record it has broken—in 2019, the rink recorded an unprecedented 1.5 million visitors. This year, you can be one of them! Rideau Canal Skateway – National Capital Commission (ncc-ccn.gc.ca)
Éco-Odyssée Nature Park
Still got your skates on? Good—you’ll need them to enjoy the unique experience of Éco-Odyssée Nature Park, where nature lovers try to navigate the world’s only ice-skating maze. Covering three kilometres, the trails lead you through a variety of ecosystems, including forest, marsh and field. You can even take your experience to the next level by visiting at night. The trails are lit each evening after sundown, and on Thursdays, the atmosphere is heightened with music. Home – Éco-Odyssée (eco-odyssee.ca)
Pêche Blanche Gatineau
Put a new twist on fishing! The Gatineau ice fishing centre is ready to welcome you for a day of fun and relaxation with friends or family. With more than 200 heated ice shacks available to rent, you’ll be a part of transforming the frozen lake into a bustling community! For those with a more competitive spirit, there will be a friendly ice fishing competition on February 27. Reel in the biggest lunker and you’ll take home the $1,000 jackpot—now that’s a catch! Pêche Blanche Gatineau (pecheblanchegatineau.com)
Old Aylmer Walking Tour
Take a stroll through history and see the city through fresh eyes with the Old Aylmer Historical Tour. Simply download the free app, BaladoDiscovery, to your smart phone or tablet and listen as you roam around the 1.5-kilometre route, passing by stately heritage homes, historical businesses and important locations in the city’s history. The journey ends at Des Cèdres Park, on the shore of the Ottawa River—the perfect spot to warm up with a cup of hot chocolate. BaladoDiscovery – Old Aylmer Historical Tour (baladodiscovery.com)