The two major
centres in the area are the City of Ottawa, the Nation's Capital
and Kingston on the edge of the Thousand Islands. Both have their
own charms and each is well worth a visit.
For the Ottawa
outdoor enthusiast Gatineau Park dominates the region even if it
isn't technically in Ontario. Located just across the river from
Ottawa in the Gatineau Hills (above what use to be the city of Hull),
the park offers almost every type of outdoor pursuit. Treckers,
paddlers, cyclists, campers, skiers, boarders and snowshoers are
all well service by this wonderful park.
While Gatineau
may be the first word off of anybodys tongue when you mention the
Ottawa outdoors, it certainly doesn't stop there. The city is also
surrounded by a greenbelt which provides easy access to nature,
hiking trails and cross country ski trials. In addition the city
and the surrounding areas are home to a huge cycling network which
is both very scenic traveling along either side of the Ottawa River
as well as the Rideau (which doubles as the world's longest skating
rink in the winter). It's also very effective for urban commuters
traveling from almost all points of the compass.
Mountain bikers
can take advantage of Gatineau's trails in the summer as well as
the parks ski hills. Lift access is available in the park at Camp
Fortune and north of the city at the Calabogie Peaks resort.
Paddler's can
choose from some of Ontario's best canoe camping as well as some
of the finest whitewater on the continent. Algonquin, Frontenac
and Bon Echo to name a few have thousands of campsites available
for canoe trippers. Whitewater enthusiasts can heat to the Upper
Ottawa or down to Calumet and world famous Rouge River.
Sea Kayakers
have an exceptional area to explore in the Thousand Islands between
Brockville and Kingston. Thousand Islands National Park has a number
of island campsites which are only accessible by water. Contact
the park for details.
Hikers and backpackers
haven't been left out with lots of trails available in Algonquin
and Frontenac Provincial Parks. Hikers can also take advantage of
the regions Conservation Areas.
Winter enthusiasts
can camp over in Gatineau Park at the Philippe Lake area or can
rent the Brown Lake Cabin. Algonquin has the option of camping or
renting one of the parks fantastic yurts. Days can be spent on snowshoes
or skies or even just doing a little winter hiking.
Finally boarders
and skiers have several hills and resorts to choose from including
Mont Ste. Marie (Gatineau, QC), Camp Fortune (Gatineau, QC) and
Calabogie Peaks.
Out
and About in Ottawa - A Photo Gallery
Adventure
Sports in Eastern Ontario
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