Ottawa Ski/Snowshoe Trip
March 4 – 7, 2021
Leaders: Jim and Patti Blair
It has been a few years, but The Halton Outdoor Club is visiting Ottawa once again to ski and snowshoe the fabulous Gatineau Hills. Gatineau is known for its rolling hills, beautiful scenery, and typically great snow conditions. If you bring your blades you can also skate Ottawa’s famous Rideau Canal. We will ski and snowshoe at Gatineau Park and Nakkertock Nordic both of which offer trails suitable for all levels of ability from beginner to advanced. The trails are beautifully groomed and track set for classic and skate skiing. Snowshoers also have many options.
This trip has been designed with the assumption that we remain in Stage Three of re-opening or better. Should we return to Stage Two, or lower, the trip will be cancelled. The Ottawa trip will be subject to the HOC Covid Guidelines for skiing and snowshoeing as published on the Club website. Please read these guidelines prior to registering for this trip. The ski/snowshoe Covid Guidelines include but are not limited to:
In order to be sensitive to complications posed by the pandemic, the Club has negotiated cancellation policies that allow the Club to cancel the trip without penalty, up to 30 days prior to the trip start date, allowing your payments to be fully refunded.
Itinerary:
Thursday March 4: We depart Burlington at 9:00 a.m. stopping at an On Route for a break along the way. We will arrive in Ottawa mid afternoon, giving you some free time to explore the Byward Market, check out the local eateries, walk the city or skate the canal. In the evening you can dine at one of many local restaurants within walking distance, or order in if that is your preference.
Friday March 5: We will ski and snowshoe at Gatineau Hills with its many groomed and track-set trails, amounting to an impressive 200 kms in total. You don’t have to ski them all! Returning, the bus will have two departure times; one at 2:00 and one at 4:00 p.m., allowing those who wish, more time to skate the canal, explore Ottawa or relax at the hotel.
Saturday March 6: We will ski at Nakkertock Nordic with its 80 km of groomed and wilderness trails. Depending on demand, a few may be able to ski the North Trails for a change of scenery. Again, there will be bus departures returning to the hotel at 2:00 and 4:00 p.m.
Sunday March 7: We will ski and snowshoe once again at Gatineau Park, departing in mid afternoon for the drive back to Burlington, including a quick dinner stop. Our estimated arrival time in Burlington will be between 8:00 and 9:00 pm.
Accommodation: We will stay at Courtyard Marriott Hotel, which is in the heart of the Byward Market and downtown Ottawa. It is within walking distance of Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal. Meals will not be included with our stay but there are several good breakfast establishments very close by and a myriad of options for dining out in the evening, all within walking distance.
The hotel is classified as three star and each room is equipped with internet, hairdryers, coffee makers, mini-fridges and there is a pool at the hotel.
The trip cost is $512 for double accommodation and $765 for single accommodation.
The maximum number of participants is 34. Four spaces are available for “single” accommodation, on a first come-first served basis
Inclusions:
Exclusions:
Cancellation Policy: You may cancel your trip and expect a full refund, minus a $25.00 processing fee (per application), up until February 1, 2021. After that date, you will be responsible for any costs that the Club incurs on your behalf. This could include costs for transportation, accommodation, meal, leader subsidy, etc. If you cancel after the cancellation date, we will attempt to find a replacement from the wait list however, there are no guarantees.
In the event that the trip is cancelled by the club at any point, you will be given a full refund.
If the trip experiences inclement weather that interferes with our planned activities, the trip will NOT be cancelled. Leaders will try to find suitable alternative activities.
While in progress, if the trip experiences unexpected circumstances that are beyond our control, that result in changes to the itinerary and unexpected expenses, members are responsible for any extra expanses that may be incurred.