The Ottawa Valley is perfect for cross-country skiing enthusiasts. We have tons of stunning trails and serene winter landscapes for both beginners and seasoned skiers alike. Whether you're gliding through the quiet beauty of a snowy forest or tackling a challenging trail with elevation changes and rewarding views, the region offers endless opportunities for your cross country ski adventure!
Before you hit the trails, make sure you’re equipped with the best gear. At Ottawa Valley Air Paddle, we carry everything you need for a seamless skiing experience. Our high-performance cross-country skis come conveniently with bindings already installed, so you don't have to deal with the hassle of purchasing them separately. Along with boots, poles and specialized apparel designed for Nordic conditions, we cater to all skill levels and preferences. Let us help you find the perfect setup tailored to your needs so you can focus on enjoying the journey.
With your gear ready and trails waiting, let’s dive into the best cross-country skiing destinations in the Ottawa Valley!
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Opeongo Hills Nordic Ski Club
Nestled at the end of
Drohan Road in Brudenell, Opeongo Hills Nordic Ski Club boasts over 10 km of immaculately groomed classic and skate-ski trails. Conveniently located near Killaloe, Eganville, and Barry's Bay, this volunteer-run non-profit welcomes both members and day visitors. Passes can be purchased via e-transfer or cash at the gate. Families will love the six-week kids’ program, and the annual loppet is a favourite for skiers of all levels.
Madawaska Nordic Ski and Recreational Trail Network
The Madawaska Nordic Ski and Recreational Trail Network offers an exceptional outdoor experience with 12 km of groomed tracks for classic skiing, 17 km of back-country ski trails, and 6 km of snowshoeing and fatbiking trails. These trails meander through diverse forest landscapes across rolling terrain, providing an intermediate challenge for most skiers. With four convenient trailheads, including the main one on Crestview Drive across from Calabogie Peaks Resort, the network is easily accessible.
Donations of $5 per visit contribute directly to trail and equipment maintenance, while $30 season passes are available through the township office or the Bogie General Store. The trails are maintained by dedicated volunteers in partnership with the Township of Greater Madawaska.
Designed to showcase the natural beauty of the region, the trails are colour-coded by difficulty: green for easy, blue for moderate, and red for difficult, ensuring options for all skill levels. The network features six loops ranging from 2 to 6 km, offering a mix of tranquility and adventure. With well-marked routes, organized training opportunities, and activities, this volunteer-supported trail system has become a hub for cross-country skiing enthusiasts seeking both recreation and connection to nature.
Pembroke Area Cross Country Ski Club (PAXC)
Located at the
Forest Lea Trails between Pembroke and Petawawa, PAXC maintains over 12 km of both classic and skate-ski trails. This club is more than just a destination—it’s a community. From kids’ ski school to social events and races, PAXC offers something for every skier. Day visitors are welcome, and memberships provide even more access to this snowy wonderland.
Deep River Cross Country Ski Club (DRXC)
For those looking for expansive terrain, DRXC delivers with over 100 km of trails across the Silver Spoon, Cabin, Forestry, and Plant Trail Systems. Spanning Deep River, Chalk River, and Petawawa, these trails offer diverse challenges and breathtaking scenery. The club also hosts ski instruction, social events, and competitive races.
DRXCalso offers the Jackrabbit Ski Program which is a 10-week cross-country skiing program for kids up to age 13, running from the first or second Saturday of January. Based at the club chalet on Balmer Bay Road, lessons take place Saturday afternoons at 1:30 p.m., lasting 1–2 hours depending on age and skill level. A special Bunnyrabbit program is available for children aged 3 to 5, accompanied by a parent. Lessons follow the Cross Country Canada curriculum and are taught by trained coaches. Hot drinks are served in the chalet after each session. Visit the Registration page for fee details.
Petawawa Terrace Provincial Park
The
Petawawa Terrace, located off Laurentian Boulevard, is a 215-hectare park featuring 6 km of compact, groomed trails ideal for cross-country skiing. This peaceful natural retreat, managed by the Ministry of Natural Resources, offers a serene setting for wildlife spotting and enjoying the quiet beauty of winter.
The main entrance has a small parking lot on Laurentian Drive. It is located next to Fish Hatchery Park, which has a covered sun shelter—perfect for a post-ski picnic! Additional entrances are located across from Civic Centre Road and Highland Park Drive (no parking), with a lesser-known access point on Sunset Crescent. The Sunset Crescent trail passes through marsh and streams, which may not be the best for cross country skiing depending on the ice conditions.
Note that the park does not have Ontario Parks visitor services, and the map signage is outdated, with some side trails unmarked and others occasionally overgrown or inaccessible.
Jubilee Lodge
Located at
Garrison Petawawa, Jubilee Lodge offers a mix of ski trails catering to all skill levels. With ski rentals available on weekends, this is a convenient option for families or newcomers looking to try cross-country skiing in the Valley.
Dacre Heights
Once a commercial ski hill, Dacre Heights has been transformed into a free-access wilderness park spanning 230 acres. Located at
851 Flat Road, Greater Madawaska, Ontario, the area offers approximately 7.5 km of trails suitable for cross-country & downhill skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, and biking.
The trails traverse the former ski slopes, providing a unique experience with a vertical drop of 180 meters and scenic views of the Ottawa Valley. Visitors are welcome to explore the park, but are asked to respect the property by adhering to guidelines such as leaving dogs at home, avoiding motorized vehicles, and not disturbing the cross-country ski tracks. Admission is free, though donations are appreciated to assist with maintenance and taxes.
Ski Pontiac
Nestled amongst the tall pines of Norway Bay, Quebec, Ski Pontiac offers groomed trails at the
Astra Estates Golf Club on 3 Second Line Road. These trails are perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing during the winter months. The organization is 100% volunteer-run and supported by donations from the community, local businesses, the SADC, and the MRC Pontiac. Whether you’re skiing for fitness or relaxation, Ski Pontiac is a charming destination just across the Ottawa River.
Kanata Nordic Ski Club
Kanata Nordic Ski Club has been a leader in fitness, and lifelong activity through cross-country skiing since 1979. Based at
Wesley Clover Parks in Ottawa, the volunteer-run, non-profit club offers a range of programs, including learn-to-ski lessons for all ages and a youth racing program that competes at local and national levels.
The club maintains two main trailheads on
Corkstown Road, with trails suited for all skill levels. The equestrian site offers flat trails ideal for beginners, while the campground trails feature more variety and elevation, along with a
snowshoe network through scenic ridges. Trails are accessible to members or day-pass users, with grooming provided by dedicated volunteers using specialized equipment.
Kanata Nordic also grooms the
Ottawa West Winter Trail (OWWT), a free, multi-use trail funded by the NCC, the City of Ottawa, and community sponsors. The club collaborates with other Wesley Clover Parks activities to maximize community access to this urban outdoor gem.
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Cross-country skiing isn’t just about the workout—it’s about connecting with nature, enjoying the stillness of a snowy forest, and spending quality time with family or friends. The Ottawa Valley’s trails offer a mix of adventure and tranquillity, ensuring every outing is a memorable one.
Whether you're looking for groomed tracks to perfect your technique, scenic loops to unwind after a busy week, or a community-focused club to join, the trails here have something to suit your style. And when you're ready to gear up, Ottawa Valley Air Paddle is here to ensure you have everything you need to ski with confidence and comfort.
Don’t let the winter pass you by—embrace the season, explore these incredible trails, and discover why cross-country skiing is one of the best ways to stay active and connected to the outdoors. Share your favourite trails with us in the comments or tag us in your photos on social media using #ExploreOV and #OVNordicSkiAdventures.
Happy skiing, see you on the trails!
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