Conveniently, Crystal Beach Lakeview is at the intersection of three sets of cross-country ski
trails. We link the Britannia Winter Trail and the Ottawa West Winter Trail, and we’re just
across Moodie Drive from the Wesley Clover Park trails.
How cool is that?! What a great place to live!
While the Britannia and Ottawa West trails are also available for snowshoeing, walking, fat-
biking, and in most places, dog-walking, the Wesley Clover Park trails are dedicated to cross-
country skiing.
Britannia Winter Trail
The Britannia Winter Trail offers nearly 20 kilometers of groomed pathways. Centered in
Britannia Park, Ottawa, the trail extends east along the multi-use recreational pathway (Trans-
Canada Trail) to the Deschenes Rapids parking lot and west through Andrew Hayden Park. It
runs along the multi-use path adjacent to the Ottawa River, passing near the Belltown Dome.
For more information and a map, see The Britannia Winter Trail.
Ottawa West Winter Trail
The Ottawa West Winter Trail is what we know in summer as the multi-use recreational
pathway (Trans-Canada Trail). At its east end, the Ottawa West Winter Trail starts at Carling
Avenue at the traffic lights across from the splash park, crosses Holly Acres Road, and runs
behind Aero Drive and Corkstown Road. Across Corkstown Road, it follows Stillwater Creek over
to Moodie Drive. On the west side of Moodie, the options get more complicated, with the trail
branching to March Road, Timm Drive, and Shirley’s Bay.
For more information and a map, see Ottawa West Winter Trail.
Kanata Nordic Winter Trails Network
The Kanata Nordic Winter Trails Network includes both the Ottawa West Winter Trail and the
Wesley Clover Park Trails. Kanata Nordic maintains both sets of trails.
“Kanata Nordic is a volunteer-run club dedicated to promoting lifelong activity, fitness and
enjoyment of the outdoors through a variety of cross-country ski programs and activities
offered in a friendly club setting. Established in 1979, Kanata Nordic now calls Wesley Clover
Parks home with a growing trail-network for all skiers to enjoy. The club is a member of Cross
Country Ontario (CCO) and Cross Country Canada (CCC) our programs are based on CCC’s skills
development model. Cross country skiing is a great way to get out and get active in the cold
weather in Ottawa and is a sport the whole family can enjoy together.”
Note: There is a fee to use the Wesley Clover Park trails.
Note: A draw for passes will be held at the Crystal Beach Lakeview Winter Carnival, Sunday,
January 25.
For a map and more information about Kanata Nordic and the programs and lessons the club
offers, see Kanata Nordic.
Funding
Volunteers run and maintain all the trails. The work is done by volunteers, but the grooming
equipment costs money. The Britannia and Ottawa West Winter trails are supported and
funded by the National Capital Commission (NCC), the City of Ottawa, sponsors, and individual
donations.
The Crystal Beach Lakeview Community Association sponsors the Ottawa West Winter Trail and
encourages you to donate too. Without the support and donations of individuals, the trails
cannot exist. You can find information about donating at the links in this article.
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