Get out and enjoy the winter!
The SJAM Winter Trail is a groomed, multi-use winter trail along the Sir John A. Macdonald (SJAM) multi-use pathway (MUP) that promotes active living, provides access to the Ottawa River shoreline, and welcomes a diversity of users, whether they are walking, on skis, snowshoes or a snow bike.
Read about the SJAM in the December 2020 Kitchissippi Times
Check out the SJAM website or follow the SJAM Trail’s Facebook, Instagram or Twitter feeds for the latest news.
About the Trail
The trail connects the Canadian War Museum and Mill Street Brew Pub with parklands along the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway to Westboro Beach, animating spaces that until now have been little used in the winter. Transit stations border the trail at LeBreton Flats, Bayview/O-train and Dominion Stations, with parking at Westboro Beach, Champlain Park and the Canadian War Museum, providing ready access for visitors from around the National Capital Region.
Two tracks will be set, one for snowshoers, walkers and bikers and the other for cross-country skiers, supporting both classic and skate style techniques. The walking track will follow the existing pathway. Serpentine loops will add distance to the ski track at the Selby Plains and Remic Rapids greenspaces and open lands adjacent to the War Museum and Champlain Bridge, for an expected distance of 16 kilometres.
Amenities along the trail include the Westboro Beach tobogganing hill, the NCC Remic Rapids Bistro (AKA the Nordic Village), the John Ceprano rock sculptures and the café at the Canadian War Museum and Mill Street Brew Pub serving pub grub and craft beer.
The trail offers 16km of groomed trail, along with onsite rentals provided by Silver level sponsor Fresh Air Experience. Stay tuned for fat bike events, ski days and more.
Trail route & conditions
Follow the trail on Twitter @SJAMTrail or Facebook; get more info and trail conditions on the Winter trail website.
Equipment Rentals
Equipment rentals are provided for skis and more through Fresh Air Experience. Rent from their store at 1291 Wellington St or visit their rental station at the Remic Rapids on weekends. Contact Fresh Air Experience at 613-729-3002 for more information. http://freshairexp.ca
Fat bikes are available to rent on weekends. Reservations can be made by calling the store by Wednesday before the rental weekend. Bikes are first come first serve on the weekend if reservations are not received by Wednesday.
Parking
Parking to access the SJAM Winter Trail is readily available. Westboro Beach, Champlain Bridge and Remic Rapids are all public lots. There is indoor parking at the Canadian War Museum or at the Mill Street Brew Pub. Public transit via the Bayview LRT or Dominion Station allows excellent access to the trail for those that don’t have a car.
Give to the Trail
Learn more about how you can help including volunteering and donating to the costs of building and maintaining the trail at http://www.wintertrail.ca
