Ottawa 
Credit: City of Clarence-Rockland
This area just east of Ottawa beckons you to skate, ski and embrace its trails and treasures. You make unearth some hidden treasure or just discover your inner child while out on a dogsled ride. Either way, enjoy the season and all its delights in Prescott-Russell county.
Be a skating icebreaker
The City of Clarence-Rockland just opened its skate path in Alain Potvin Park so head on over and check it out. Bring your toboggan as well to ride the sledding hill once you get off the ice.
1245 Docteur Corbeil Boulevard, Rockland
Follow the rail trail
The Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail runs from Rockland to Hawkesbury along 72 kilometres of rail bed, making a smooth, level back for cross-country skiers and snowshoers. Stop at one of the five pavilions at St-Eugène, Vankleek Hill, Plantagenet, Bourget or Hammond.
Get your dog out for a run
The Mush Larose Sled Dog Club welcomes dog owners who want to bring their canine companions to pull a sled or a skier to burn off some of their energy. Activities unfold in the Larose Forest near Limoges on trails reserved just for use by dogs and their friends. Fees are $50 for the season or $15 for a weekend, unless you are 16 or younger.
Hit a trio of rinks
Hawkesbury invites skaters and solo hockey players to Cadieux Park (454 Kitchener St.) or Old Mill Park (527 James St.). Larocque Park is open for skaters only so get those blades out.
Explore the Larose Forest
At 18,000 acres, you may never see every part of this huge forest on your travels, but it’s worth more than one visit to enjoy its trails among hardwoods and pines. It’s a great spot for skiers, snowshoers, hikers and snowmobilers. Fees are $10 for the day or $50 for the full year.
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Hey, get on a sleigh
Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm treats you to horse-drawn sleigh and wagon rides for up to an hour along with 11 friends or family members. Marvel at the maple forests around the farm then visit the animals in the barn.
2452 York’s Corners Road, Edwards
Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm
Revel at the beauty of Reveler
Strap on your snowshoes and head out to trek on the 100 acres of the Reveler Conservation Area. Hikers and snowshoers are welcome to visit its ponds, rare tree species, fields and dozens of bird species. Dogs are welcome on leash; they can help you sniff out the geocache on site.
14255 Concession 10-11 Road, Crysler
See you soon at the lagoon
The Alfred Lagoons Observation Tower is a dynamite site to watch for birds as they visit the water during every season. The wooden stairs and platform also have mounted binoculars to help you get a closer look at that bird on your life list.
Concession 11, Alfred & Plantagenet (the lagoons are located about 7 km south of Alfred) – 731 Peat Moss Rd Alfred
Ski like the wind
Champlain Township-based Ski Vent Clic plays on words by inviting you to ‘ski like the wind’ in an expression that sounds like the town’s name of Vankleek Hill. Volunteers maintain 11 kilometres of trails and share them for a modest membership fee.
Skate in Rockland
The town has six outdoor rinks to add some colour to your cheeks. Check out the ice at Saint-Pascal Baylon Park, Cathy Cain Park, Alphonse Carrière Park, Bourget Park, Richelieu Grande Rivière Park, Cheney Park and Laviolette Park.
Hustle from Russell to Embrun
The Boucle New York Central Trail takes you along 7.2 kilometres between these two towns, along part of a rail line that used to connect Ottawa and New York from 1898 to 1957. Since it is so level, it is well-suited for skiers of all levels.
Get your geo-passport
The South Nation Conservation Lands host several geocaching sites as an incentive to get out and find 40 treasured spread across 20 different sites. You can earn your Watershed and Historical Geo-Passport and possibly a South Nation Conservation geocoin! Along the way, you’ll explore the ecological, economic and social benefits of forests in the area. Start your hunt at Jessup’s Falls near Plantagenet.
6675 Highway 17, Plantagenet
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“I skied the Tweed!”
The J. Henry Tweed Conservation Area gets you out and moving on 16 kilometres of trails that enhance countless cross-country skiers and snowshoers. If you want to keep going, take the link to the Boucle New York Central Fitness Trail and get in another 7.2 kilometres of exercise.
110 Forced Road, Russell
Do the Richelieu
Richelieu Park in Casselman has an outdoor rink open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day. To turn on the lights after sunset, push the black button near the skate hut.
45 Faucher Blvd., Casselman
Whee-oo! On your Skidoo
Kick up some snow on the 435 kilometres of groomed and signed trails, thanks to the Eastern Ontario Snowmobile Club. After you explore the Larose Forest, Voyageur Provincial Park, the Alfred Bog and more, you can take seven entry points from this network to the adjacent trails in Quebec. Trail fees cost $45 for a weekend or $270 for a full season.
Explore in peace
The Lavigne Natural Park near Bourget is an escape into the wonders of the forests where you will only see birds, bunnies and other nature lovers. Bring your skies or your snowshoes to follow the five kilometres of trail t the 50-acre site next to the Morin Forest. Enter via the parking lot off Marcil Road, where you can pick up a map and make a donation.
At the intersection of Marcil and Lavigne Road
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Trees and Me treasure hunt
Seek out another geocache on the shores of the Payne River as part of the Geo-Passport program for South Nations Conservation Lands. You only get this one hint so have fun following the coordinates.
Get a view of the rapids
Voyageur Provincial Park offers a chance to see the churning waters of the Long Sault Rapids, but you’ll have more fun on the snow than on the water. The park offers 20 kilometres of ski trails that are shared with hikers and snowshoers. Get your day pass from the self-serve station at the entrance for $11 to $18.50, depending on your age and the size of your party.
1212 Front Road, Chute-a-Blondeau
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Stroll along the Castor
The W. E. Burton Conservation Area takes you on trails along the Caster River and gives a lovely view of the Russell Dam. There are three kilometres of trails to explore on foot, on skies or on snowshoes, with or without your dog(leashed, of course).
602 Church Street, Russell
Wag the Wolf
This is just one signature beer produced by Beau’s All Natural Brewing Company in Vankleek Hill. Check out its taproom and return for tours and tastings later in the year. The business operates Wednesday through Sunday.
10 Terry Fox Drive, Vankleek Hill
Things to Do During Winter in Ontario
