Here's something that doesn't get said enough: Ottawa is one of the best cities in Canada for cross-country skiing. Gatineau Park's groomed trail network is world-class. The NCC trails along the Ottawa River are free and gorgeous. And with the amount of snow we typically get from December through March, the season is legitimately long.
If you've been meaning to try it — or you tried it years ago and want to get back into it — this is your year. Here's everything you need to know.
Why Cross-Country Skiing Is Worth It
Let's be honest: Ottawa winters can feel like a slog if you're not doing something active outside. Cross-country skiing completely changes that. It's one of the best full-body workouts you can do, it's meditative in a way that's hard to explain until you've done it, and Gatineau Park in the snow is genuinely one of the most beautiful places on earth. No exaggeration.
It's also much easier to learn than downhill. Most beginners are moving confidently on skis within a few hours.
Where to Ski in and Around Ottawa
Gatineau Park (NCC) is the crown jewel. Over 200 km of groomed trails ranging from easy beginner loops to challenging backcountry routes. The Château Cantley and Lac Beauchamp sectors are great for beginners. Trail passes are required and very reasonably priced — the NCC does a fantastic job maintaining the system.
Ottawa NCC Urban Trails — the paths along the Ottawa River and through Rockcliffe Park get groomed in winter and are free to use. Perfect for a quick after-work ski without driving into the park.
Nakkertok Nordic in Gatineau is a fantastic local club with well-maintained trails and a welcoming community if you want to get more serious about it.
Classic vs. Skate Skiing: What's the Difference?
The two main styles are classic and skate, and they use different technique and (mostly) different gear.
Classic skiing is the traditional diagonal stride — the one most people picture. You glide in set tracks in the snow, alternating arms and legs. It's easier to learn and more forgiving on varied terrain. Great for beginners and recreational skiers.
Skate skiing looks more like inline skating — you push off the side of the ski rather than straight back. It's faster, more athletic, and requires a harder, more groomed surface. It's a fantastic workout but has a steeper learning curve.
Our recommendation for beginners: start with classic. Get comfortable with the movement, build your fitness, and move to skate if and when you want to push yourself.
What Gear Do You Actually Need?
You don't need to spend a fortune to get started, but getting properly fitted gear makes an enormous difference to how much you enjoy it.
Skis: Classic skis should be fitted to your height and weight. We stock a full range of classic skis, skate skis, and backcountry options for those venturing off the groomed trails.
Boots and bindings: These need to be compatible with each other — come in and we'll match them up properly. Our cross-country ski boots range from entry-level recreational to performance race boots.
Poles: Cross-country poles are longer than alpine poles — fitted to armpit height for classic, chin height for skate.
Clothing: This is where people often go wrong. You get warm very fast on XC skis, so layering is key. A good base layer, a light mid-layer, and a wind-resistant cross-country jacket is the formula. You do not need a giant puffy coat — you'll be soaked in sweat within 10 minutes.
Don't skip mitts and gloves either — your hands work hard when skiing and they need to breathe.
What About Waxing?
Classic skis come in two styles: waxable and waxless (also called skin skis or fishscale). For beginners, waxless or skin skis are the easy choice — no fussing around with kick wax, they work well in most conditions, and they're what most recreational skiers in Ottawa use. We can walk you through the difference when you come in.
If you do want to get into waxing, we stock a full range of grip and glide waxes — and our staff genuinely enjoy talking about it, which is either a good thing or a warning depending on how much time you have.
Come In Before the Season
Cross-country gear needs to be properly fitted — especially boots — and the right setup for your skiing style and the trails you'll be on makes a real difference. Our ski team has been fitting Ottawa skiers for decades. Come see us at 2148 Carling Ave and we'll get you sorted out before the first snow falls.
Ottawa winters are long. You might as well love them.