With winter melting away, and spring on the horizon, you may be thinking about how to spend your last days of experiencing cold weather fun and activities before the season ends. Despite the temperatures getting more mild, there are still many things to do in West Ottawa that allow you to take full advantage of outdoor winter activities. While there are many trails open to the public year round, such as Jack Pine Trail, Old Quarry Trail, and the Carleton Place Dog Park, there are many other notable venues, activities, and parks to visit for good exercise, fresh air, and quality time spent in the great outdoors either by yourself, or with your family. Take advantage of this mild, transitional time between seasons and check out these spots in West Ottawa before our Winter Wonderland turns quickly turns into April Showers. 

Kanata Nordic at Wesley Clover Parks 

If you are looking for some outdoor fun skiing this winter, the trails at Kanata Nordic are still looking good and groomed to get a few days worth of winter fresh air into your lungs before spring hits. If you are new to skiing, March 7th and 8th will be the last Learn to Ski program for this winter season, so whether you are new or novice, there is still time to check out the trails this winter. 

Additionally, Kanata Nordic has trails for snowshoeing, and offer passes for $5.00 a day and free to children under 13 years of age. This is a great cost efficient way to get in some exercise, fresh air, and enjoy quality time with your family before the snow melts away.

Mill of Kintail – Mississippi Mills 

The Mill of Kintail is open year round, with  6.5 kilometers of trails for your leisure; whether you feel like a nice winter hike, snowshoeing fun, or cross-country skiing, the Mill is the place for you. The Museum itself is known as one of the Seven Wonders of Lanark County, and was restored by Robert Tait Mackenzie as his summer home and studio. Explore the trails and take in the beautiful scenery at this one of a kind historical site. 

Carlington Park 

If you are looking for some real thrills to end this winter season on, or really crave the adrenaline rush that comes with soaring down hills at high speeds, check out Carlington Parks’s old retired ski-hill. These slopes are steep, and there is a chairlift to explore the scenery. This is one of the best tobogganing hills that Ottawa has to offer, but might be geared more towards experienced sledders rather than small children. Whatever your experience level may be, it is always good to exercise caution when sledding; dress appropriately for the weather, wear helmets for safety, and be respectful of other sledders on the hills at all time. 

Ben Franklin Place Skating Rink

While the winter is nearing its end, there is still some time left to get in a skate or two before the snow melts away completely. Ben Franklin Place Skating Rink is an excellent rink near Centrepointe, open daily from 11:00am-8:00pm. There is not much time left to lace up your skates and really feel the crisp winter air against your cheeks, so take full advantage of this time to have some family fun outdoor skating.

 

Fulton’s Pancake House and Sugar Bush

Located on a 400-acre farm near Pakenham, Fulton’s Pancake House & Sugar Bush is the place to be in late winter. With horse drawn sleigh-rides, hand poured maple taffy, live entertainment, a variety of walking trails for adults and children, a restaurant, a playground, and for local shoppers, a gift shop for you to check out as well. Fulton’s has a variety of activities that are sure to please the young and young at heart, so check out this beautiful farm and take in your dose of the fresh outdoors, Fulton style. 

Bruce Pit Dog Park 

If you are looking for a nice trail to walk, and want the freedom of bringing your 4-legged furry friend with you, Bruce Pit Dog Park provides an excellent looped trail that welcomes dogs. The trail is excellent year round, and used by many people. As with all dog parks, please exercise caution around other animals, and be sure to have your eyes on your dog at all times. 

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