BY SHEILA ASCROFT
PHOTO BY DEREK MEDLAND
It doesn’t matter whether you’re sliding down a snowy hill on a vintage wooden toboggan or a modern plastic sled or even a piece of cardboard, the thrill is the same. Speed, flying snow and laughter. Ottawa is blessed with some BIG hills and lots of smaller ones too. Check out the City’s list of 50 “approved hills” for locations. Carlington Park Ski Hill (937 Clyde Avenue) is probably the steepest toboggan hill in Ottawa, but it does have some gradual runs. Be careful though as the east side of the hill has playing field fencing and that sledding is prohibited near the staircase. Park at the J. Alph Dulude Arena. Green’s Creek Conservation Area (off Bearbrook Road, between St. Joseph Blvd. and Innes Road) is another great sliding location with straight wide open run, no obstructions, and thankfully is bermed away from the creek. Lighting and parking provided. Mooneys Bay Park (2960 Riverside Drive) is a large man-made hill with gradual to semi-steep slopes. It has some deliciously long run outs, and trees and lampposts are padded. Beware of the chain-link fence to the north side of the hill – it’s a potential collision hazard. Park at Terry Fox Athletic Facility.
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Walter Baker Park (in Kanata, near Hazeldean and Terry Fox roads) is a big man-made hill with great long runs –and equally long climbs! The light posts are padded and directional containment fencing help keep you safe. Park at the Kanata Recreation Complex.
However, you have to walk a bit as there is no parking nearby. The National Capitol Commission (NCC) also operates two of the best known local slopes – Bruce Pit in the west end and Conroy Pit in the east end. Bruce Pit (Cedarview across from Bell
Bridlewood Park (75 Bridlewood Drive) is a large man-made hill with a steep walking grade (it is worth the climb). Soccer posts are padded and parking provided. Loyola Park (Loyola Avenue) has both steep and gradual slopes on this large natural hill with open spaces and clear long run outs. Note that parking is on street only. Ski Hill Park (704 La Vérendrye Drive) is a really big multi-level natural hill, well bermed, with gradual slopes and turns. Be cautious though, northwest side of the hill is protected by hay sacks. Old Tenth Line (between St. Joseph and Tenth Line) is a natural neighbourhood hill with both gradual and steep slopes, no obstructions, and long runs.
High School in Bell’s Corners) has a few rules though: no dogs, no snowboards, no building moguls allowed. Conroy Pit (Conroy Road south of Hunt Club) has the same rules, but offers nighttime sledding as it is lit from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. (access by Parking lot number P17). Motorists are asked to drive with caution along the access road to the hill. For more info: 613-239-5000. Finally, there is the well-known and oft-used Arboretum Hill at the Experimental Farm (access from Queen Elizabeth Drive traffic circle). Managed by Agriculture Canada, this super-steep hill is posted with no-sledding signs, so use at your own risk. Be careful! There are a few large trees in the run out and the nearby creek isn’t always frozen solid.
PHOTO BY NATIONAL CAPITAL COMMISSION
Ottawa’s big tobogganing hills
www.ottawaoutdoors.ca