Top 6 Places for Your Snowboarding Experience in Ottawa
Welcome to the snow-covered wonderland of Ottawa, where winter transforms the city into a playground for snowboarders. While the nation’s capital may not have towering peaks, it boasts a wealth of opportunities for those eager to carve through the snow.
In this guide, we’ll lead you to the best spots for snowboarding in Ottawa, revealing the hidden gems and well-loved slopes where riders of all levels can find adventure.
So, whether you’re a seasoned shredder or a newbie who’s eager to learn, grab your board, and let’s ride the winter waves of the city’s snow-covered terrain!
1. Camp Fortune
Address: 300 Chem. Dunlop, Chelsea, QC J9B 2N3, Canada
Camp Fortune is nestled in the heart of Gatineau Park and is a beloved winter haven for thrill-seeking snowboarders.
While the park is often celebrated for its cross-country skiing, Camp Fortune steals the spotlight as the closest downhill ski and snowboard center to downtown Ottawa.
This alpine playground is a true gem, offering over 20 diverse downhill runs that cater to everyone, from those taking their very first ride to the most seasoned experts.
With its highest elevation standing at a lofty 180m (590ft), Camp Fortune ensures your snowboarding adventure is nothing short of thrilling!
But here’s where it gets even more exciting: Camp Fortune doesn’t just shine during daylight hours. It’s famous for its night rides, boasting 12 brilliantly illuminated runs that invite you to carve your way through the crisp, dark winter evenings.
The experience is nothing short of magical as you zigzag down the slopes under the stars.
For snowboarders eager to perfect their moves and tricks, Camp Fortune features a top-notch terrain park. Here, you’ll discover jumps, rails, boxes, and a formidable wall, all poised to challenge your skills and creativity.
2. Sommet Edelweiss
Address: 538 Ch Edelweiss, Wakefield, QC J0X 3G0, Canada
Sommet Edelweiss boasts a collection of trails that cater to riders of all levels, from beginners to seasoned veterans seeking that adrenaline rush.
What makes this location stand out is its peak elevation, which ascends to a staggering 350m (1,148ft). This elevated setting provides the perfect backdrop for the center’s 20 exhilarating runs.
And here’s the real kicker for those who want to chase the thrill even after the sun goes down: 14 of these runs are open at night.
That means you can carve your way through the crisp evening air, leaving trails of sparks in your wake under the starry night sky. It’s an experience that every snowboarder should have on their bucket list!
Whether you’re practicing your first ollie or perfecting your most complex tricks, this park welcomes you to express your creativity on the slopes.
And if you’re visiting with family and friends who prefer a different kind of snowy adventure, don’t worry; Sommet Edelweiss has something for everyone.
You can try snow tubing, a delightful experience that guarantees laughter and excitement as you slide down specially designed slopes. It’s a fantastic way to add a dash of family fun to your snowboarding escapades.
3. Mont Cascades Ski Resort
Address: 448 Chem. du Mont-des-Cascades, Cantley, QC J8V 3B2, Canada
Mont Cascades Ski Resort, located just a short half-hour drive from the heart of Ottawa, is yet another snowboarder’s haven. As soon as you arrive, you’ll be greeted by the resort’s charming chalet, a cozy spot at the foot of a breathtaking 305m (1,000ft) peak.
It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a winter wonderland! Mont Cascades offers an incredible variety of runs – 20 in total – designed to accommodate riders of all levels.
What’s more, 15 of these runs remain open into the evening, so the fun doesn’t have to stop when the sun goes down.
You can enjoy carving down the slopes, the mountain bathed in the gentle glow of night, as you relish every exhilarating moment under the stars.
And for those who crave a bit of extra excitement and creativity, Mont Cascades has a dedicated snow park where you can hone your skills and push your limits.
But Mont Cascades isn’t just about snowboarding; it’s also an enchanting location for snowshoeing. You can trek along the well-marked snowshoe trails, taking in the pristine winter landscape while getting some good exercise.
4. Mount Pakenham
Address: 577 Ski Hill Rd, Pakenham, ON K0A 2X0, Canada
This winter, you can set your course for Mount Pakenham, a hidden gem situated just a 45-minute drive west of Ottawa. If you’re a snowboarder seeking an intimate and accessible downhill experience, this 85m (280ft) hill is where the adventure begins!
Now, don’t let the size fool you because while Mount Pakenham may be modest in elevation, it certainly doesn’t skimp on the thrills. In fact, it offers an excellent compact snowboarding experience.
With ten runs that vary in difficulty from beginner-friendly to challenging, there’s something to satisfy snowboarders of all levels.
What sets Mount Pakenham apart is not just the quality of its runs but the variety of activities it offers. Riders seeking a little extra excitement can head over to the terrain park, where they’ll find jumps, rails, and features to test their skills.
It’s the place to fine-tune your tricks, dial in those spins, and maybe even add a few more notches to your snowboarding belt.
And if you’re looking for something beyond the slopes, the resort features an exhilarating tubing area where you can race down the lanes, sharing laughter and cheers with friends and family.
For those who prefer a quieter winter experience, snowshoeing is also available!
Mount Pakenham may be small in stature, but it’s big on fun and adventure, especially for a day of snowboarding or a night session under the stars. There’s even a terrain park to explore and extra activities for everyone to enjoy!
5. Calabogie Peaks Ski Resort
Address: 30 Barrett Chute Rd, Calabogie, ON K0J 1H0, Canada
For snowboarders seeking an elevated and action-packed winter adventure, Calabogie Peaks Ski Resort stands tall, literally. Located just about an hour’s drive west of downtown Ottawa, this is where thrill-seekers gather!
Now, what makes Calabogie Peaks truly stand out is its elevation as the tallest public ski resort in Eastern Ontario. It boasts a base elevation of 154m (505ft), which means you’re in for some incredible runs and a snowboarding experience like no other.
With a staggering 80 acres of skiable terrain at your disposal, this resort is your playground, offering snowboarders of all levels an enticing blend of runs and trails. The 24 different trails here cater to every kind of snowboarder.
Whether you’re just starting out, consider yourself an intermediate rider, or are an expert who lives for the adrenaline rush, you’ll find the perfect run. From easygoing slopes to more challenging ones, Calabogie has it all!
But the excitement doesn’t end there because the resort also boasts a ski and snowboard terrain park. It’s where riders can fine-tune their skills, attempt some awesome tricks, and conquer those jumps and rails that make snowboarding a blast!
For those who appreciate a change of scenery, Calabogie offers snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails that are sure to satisfy your thirst for winter adventure.
Pro Tip:
To make the most of your Calabogie experience, consider staying overnight in one of the resort’s comfortable hotels or condo suites. It’s the perfect way to maximize your time on the slopes and enjoy the full range of activities.
6. Mont Ste-Marie
Address: 76 Chem. de la Montagne, Lac-Sainte-Marie, QC J0X 1Z0, Canada
Mont Ste-Marie, which is just over an hour’s drive north of Ottawa, delivers the ultimate vertical thrill. With a jaw-dropping 381 vertical meters (1,250ft), it stands as the highest vertical in the region!
This means you’re about to experience some of the most exhilarating runs you can find within a day trip from Ottawa.
This resort offers an impressive number of runs – nearly 30 in total – ensuring that snowboarders of all levels will find slopes to match their skills.
It’s also a tale of two peaks with Vanier Mountain, where beginners and intermediates can hone their skills and enjoy the slopes. These runs offer a perfect balance of challenge and comfort, making it an excellent starting point for those newer to the sport.
Then, there’s the Cheval Blanc peak – a snowboarder’s paradise, especially if you’re an intermediate or an expert seeking a rush. Here, you’ll find the kind of slopes that quicken your pulse and fill your snowboarding dreams.
The terrain here is more demanding, ensuring that each descent will feel like a thrilling adventure!