Tobogganing Season Begins in Ottawa with 42 Approved Hills

Winter tobogganing has officially commenced in Ottawa, with enthusiasts able to enjoy sledding at 42 of the city’s 79 approved hills. The city’s announcement confirms that sledding is permitted only at designated slopes marked with appropriate signage for safety reasons.

Popular Sledding Locations and Important Changes

Among the notable locations, the hill at Lansdowne Park will be closed this season due to ongoing construction. The project, known as Lansdowne 2.0, began in early December and includes plans for a new mid-size event centre and arena at the site of the current tobogganing hill. The area is now surrounded by grey fencing, and the city has indicated that a new sledding hill will reopen once construction is complete.

Despite the closure at Lansdowne Park, the site still offers seasonal attractions. An annual Christmas market, featuring numerous vendors, runs on weekends until December 31, and a skating rink is also available for winter activities.

Mooney’s Bay Park will not be open for tobogganing this year either. The city is currently reviewing three proposals for renovations aimed at enhancing safety. These plans, with an estimated budget of up to $3.1 million, include designs for a “thrill hill,” a “bunny hill,” and a ski zone. Sledding has been prohibited in this area since a tragic incident in December 2021, when an 11-year-old girl lost her life after colliding with a sign post.

Other Approved Sledding Areas

In the east end, Greens Creek remains a popular choice for sledding enthusiasts. The location features a broad, gradual slope with multiple routes for sleds, along with safety padding at the bottom. Additionally, Greens Creek offers 5.5 kilometres of trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, catering to those looking to expand their winter activities.

Craig Henry Park, situated in the west end, also has an inviting hill with a steady slope. Only the west side of this hill is approved for sledding, and it includes padding on the trees and posts at the bottom for added safety. It is important to note that this location does not have lighting after dark.

For those residing further west, Walter Baker Park is a preferred destination, known for some of the longest sledding routes in Ottawa. This hill is illuminated after sunset and features padding at the bottom to soften the landing from the long run-off. Convenient parking is available just steps away at the Kanata Recreation Complex.

The city urges residents to report any hazardous conditions to 311 and to call 911 for emergencies. As the winter season progresses, Ottawa residents are encouraged to enjoy the sledding opportunities while adhering to safety guidelines.