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5 Sledding Spots in Ottawa to Include in Your Winter Itinerary
If you ask me, Ottawa is one of the best cities to visit in Canada in winter. After all, one of my favourite activities to do with my family (especially the kids) is sledding.
Fortunately, living in Ottawa has granted us the luxury of having several toboggan hills to choose from, and I’m here to share my favourite ones with you!
Whether you’re sledding for the sights or want to set an all-time downhill speed personal record, you’ll find something here to your liking. Oh, and we’ve included some pro tips you may find useful during your trip, so read on!
Green’s Creek
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Address: Bearbrook Rd
Operating hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Rates: Free
Green’s Creek is arguably Ottawa’s best toboggan hills, and I know a lot of Ottawans will agree with me on this one. For starters, it consists of multi-levels so you can start your descent at a tier you feel comfortable with and work your way up as you build confidence.
It also features little to no obstructions, so you’ll have all the space you need to zip through the hills on your sled! Also, the lack of obstructions means you’ll get the most breathtaking views while climbing and descending the multi-level hill.
However, be sure to wear helmets and be cautious of other sledders while you’re here, as this spot has seen some serious accidents throughout the years.
Pro tip:
If you’re driving your way here (which you should), be sure to park at P26 to enjoy free parking! Also, you can check out nearby snowshoeing trails in the area while you’re here since the creek is located in Canada’s Capital Greenbelt.
Carlington Park
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Address: 1640 Laperriere Ave
Contact details: +1 613-580-2595
Operating hours: Daily from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Rates: Free
Carlington Park becomes a hotspot for sledding enthusiasts come wintertime because it forms some of the steepest hills in Canada. This makes sledding here all the more thrilling, allowing you to gain ridiculous speeds on your way down.
The start of the slide is also one of the highest points in Ottawa, so if you’re afraid of heights or sliding down at tremendous speeds, it may be best to leave this to the experts. Furthermore, the steep hill means you should expect an extreme leg workout during the climb.
Come nighttime, the park will be beautifully lit. This not only makes it safer for sledders but also makes for an Instaworthy photo opportunity!
Pro tip:
You can also bring your bike here and shred through the biking trails if you’re not a fan of heights or sledding, in general.
Ski Hill Park
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Address: Gloucester
Contact details: +1 613-580-2400
Operating hours: Daily from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Rates: Free
Ski Hill Park is great for people looking for a no-frills sledding experience, where it’s just them and the snowy steep hill. It has zero amenities, but it does feature a well-maintained pathway that leads up to the starting point, which is pretty nice.
It makes up for its lack of amenities by featuring an impressively steep hill, perfect for downhill skiing and, of course, sledding. Furthermore, you’ll find winding paths on your way down, adding more excitement and a bit of a challenge.
Our favourite thing about this place, however, is its gradual slopes, which means that you won’t just be zipping down the hill. This allows for beginners and even kids to join in on the fun!
Pro tip:
We recommend sledding here from morning until late afternoon because even though it’s open until 11:00 PM, it’s not well-lit, which can be dangerous.
Bruce Pit
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Address: 175 Cedarview Rd
Contact details: +1 613-580-2400
Operating hours: Daily from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Rates: Free
Bruce Pit holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of my favourite dog parks to visit with my furbaby. During wintertime, the park is covered with a thick blanket of snow that cute dogs love to run around in—but I digress!
The actual reason I included this park on this list is for its beginner-friendly sledding hills. These hills aren’t too steep, but they still provide some slopes that allow sledders to pick up speed on the way down.
Furthermore, the park is ecologically diverse, so you can visit here just to observe its preserved flora and fauna, and still have a great time!
Pro tip:
Get here as early as possible, as it can get crowded quickly because nighttime tobogganing isn’t allowed. Better yet, visit during the weekdays!
Conroy Pit
Media credit: seyone
Address: Conroy Rd.
Contact details: +1 613-239-5000
Rates: Free
Conroy Pit is another dog park that turns into a sledding paradise come wintertime. It consists of a main steep pit while smaller slopes can be found across it, which are perfect for beginners.
The best time to go sledding here is from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM, as it offers a well-lit winter playground for visitors. There are also hiking trails around the park you can try if you’re tired of climbing up the starting point.
Pro tip:
Park at NCC Greenbelt P17 to depart directly at Conroy Pit. From there, the sledding hill is a short hike away, perfect for warming up your legs!
