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Jasper Ski Resort Guide
Jasper Ski Resort Guide
Introduction
Guest stay in or near the atmospheric town of Jasper, 20 minutes away, which has a good range of shopping and dining and the same strong community spirit evident on the slopes which differentiates the area from many of the more corporate resorts of North America.
Where in the world?
Lake Louise Ski Resort
Lake Louise Ski Resort
The slopes look out across the valley to Lake Louise itself (which is frozen in winter) and are served by efficient, mostly high-speed lifts. These provide access to wide-open runs, powder bowls and steep chutes.
Lake Louise is the first North American stop on the World Cup tour each November, thanks to its early opening date, and the reliable snow and cold temperatures mean the season usually lasts about six months.
Where in the world?
Banff Ski Resort Guide
Banff Ski Resort Guide
With no shortage of shops, bars and restaurants, even non-skiers can enjoy a winter holiday in Banff. One downside is that you have to drive to reach the ski areas, unless you stay at the only hotel at Sunshine (which was expanded for the 2009-10 season). Another factor to be aware of is that temperatures can plummet; skiers used to sunny European resorts should be prepared for the cold. Watch out for elk too – there are 1,000 of them in the area and you might spot them strolling along the streets!
Where in the world?
Bicycling In Ottawa
Bicycling In Ottawa
You needn’t be an expert to enjoy bicycling in Ottawa.
This capital-city-of-Canada offers the cyclist a broad range of recreational biking paths, along with a maturing (yet still developing) cycling culture which usually means that biking on Ottawa’s streets is safe and convenient.
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Ottawa offers the cyclist over 170 kilometers of bike paths. Rural routes abound, as does urban routes, may paralleling Ottawa’s Rideau Canal, Rideau River, and the Ottawa River.
A bike culture for sure. Ottawa has “Citizens For Safe Cycling”, whom are – and this is a quotation from their own website – “a not-for-profit incorporated, independent, membership-based organization founded in 1984. It is a voluntary association made up of cyclists like you who work for better, safer, environmentally-friendly cycling in the Ottawa area. CFSC is directed by a volunteer board whose members are experienced and committed cyclists and run by a broad base of active volunteers, several of whom are long-term cycling instructors. The organization promotes greater bicycle use and enjoyment, cycling safety and awareness, bicycle route and road conditions that are safer as well as more pleasant, and an overall increased respect for cyclists in the public domain. “
A an Ottawa cyclist, get involved. Here is more information on the CFSC.
The City of Ottawa supports and promotes cycling as well, and publishes an Ottawa Cycling Map, and easy guide to the vastness of Ottawa’s cycle paths. Here’s where to go for your own copy of of the Ottawa Cycling Map.
Ottawa really is supportive of cycling, as are local businesses. They have collaborated to close portions of some of Ottawa’s streets on specific days through the summer to make them a very pleasant, car-free haven for cyclists, roller bladders, joggers and strollers. These routes are selected to provide a very pleasant environment in which to cycle as well. These road closings normally take place Sunday mornings from late May through mid-September each year.
Street Closings
For example:
- Ottawa River Parkway (Ottawa): The westbound lanes, located on the south side of the Ottawa River and west of downtown, are closed from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., from Vimy Place (Canadian War Museum) to Carling Avenue. (5.5 km)
- Colonel By Drive: Both lanes, located on the east side of the Rideau Canal, are closed from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., from the Laurier Bridge to the Hogs Back Bridge. (7.6 km)
- The Rockcliffe Parkway: Both lanes, running along the south side of the Ottawa River just east of downtown, are closed from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., from the Aviation Parkway to St. Joseph Boulevard in Orleans. (8.4 km)
Information supplied by the NCC – http://www.canadascapital.ca
Mountain Biking
Come on out. Doesn’t matter if you’re riding a trike, mountain bike, high speed racer, cruiser, whatever. The idea is to get out on the Ottawa streets and enjoy a bike ride.
If the mountain bike is your forte, and you want to do some off-road riding, not far outside of Ottawa is the Gatineau Park. Visit the park, visit a different Canadian Province, and enjoy some of the 90 kilometres of official trails within this conservation park, open for mountain biking from May 15 to November 30. This substantial network of trails, the use of which is shared with hikers, is for beginner to intermediate mountain bikers. Here’s info on Gatineau Park Mountain Biking. Follow the links on the page.
Serious Mountain Biking
Ottawa cyclists that are into serious, thrill seeking mountain biking, can avail themselves of the facilities at Camp Fortune. They claim “The gnarly, sloped trails on Skyline are not for the faint of heart. Bikers get race-ready for the Ontario Cup DH and Quebec Cup XC and DH on the Camp Fortune brand of downhill madness. Tune up your skills from 5 pm to dusk, Wednesday nights. “Get info on Camp Fortune Mountain (literally) Biking here. Follow the links on the page.
Skating in Ottawa
Skating in Ottawa
As winter wanders the streets of Ottawa, whether cold and grey or clear and sparkling, it’s time to consider winter sports, including Skating in Ottawa.
Right at the top of our list is the free skating that is available at Ottawa’s Rideau Canal…once reputed to be the world’s longest skating rink.
Rideau Canal Skating in Ottawa
“The Rideau Canal — designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site — becomes the world’s largest skating rink every winter! Romantic strolls, exciting outings for the children and a festive atmosphere… Grab your skates and get ready for an unforgettable experience!” an excerpt from the NCC website.
For a couple of months each winter, when temperatures hover at or below the freezing point, Ottawa’s NCC (National Capital Commission) ploughs the ice surface of the Rideau Canal from right downtown Ottawa all the way to Dow’s Lake turning the heritage site into a skating wonderland.
Huts, benches and kiosks (offering among other things Ottawa’s own Beavertails confection) provide the skating visitor with eating establishments and comfort stations.
Want to see what it’s all about, or to check the ice conditions? Click here for information and a virtual tour.
Next on our list is the free skating that is available at Ottawa’s Rideau Hall. More information is just below.
Ski-Snowboard-Ottawa
Ski-Snowboard-Ottawa
here’s what you need to know
Ski-Snowboard-Ottawa!
Depending on your particular taste, you may have a penchant for racing down slopes at a high rate of speed on one or maybe two slices of wood/laminate. When I’ve done that, I usually end up ploughing a furrow with my face!
Or you may, like me now, prefer to take your time, to “stop and smell the snowflakes” as it were, on a leisurely cross country ski trek.
Regardless of your preference, Ski-Snowboard-Ottawa has lots of options for you since the greater Ottawa area and much of eastern Ontario and western Quebec offer an abundance of ski options for the Ottawa visitor and resident.
If you’re visiting the Ottawa area to ski, and you need to pick up some additional equipment, there are many options available.
Just learning the sport? Lots of venues for that as well.
Rather than trying to cram all of that information on one page, here’s a link list to the pages on this site that provide the most information about that skiing and snowboarding or tubing topic.
Each link will open in a new window so can easily navigate back here to check out another item.
Where possible, the location featured shows it’s distance from Canada’s Parliament Buildings in downtown Ottawa, to help orient yourself.
Skiing and snowboarding adventure information begins just below. Enjoy
Vancouver Island Golf
Vancouver Island Golf
With Golf Vancouver Island, planning your BC golf vacation is easy! Golf Vancouver Island is a “one-stop shop” for Vancouver Island golf getaways and vacations. From flights, rental car and ferry reservations to tee times, accommodations and even après golf activities, we take care of it all!
Check out the highlights of our most popular golf packages, try our instant quote feature to customize your own Vancouver Island golf package or call Golf Vancouver Island at 1-888-465-3239 and let us customize a golf vacation just for you!
The Ultimate Vancouver Island Golf Vacation!
A six-night, six-round golf extravaganza, the Vancouver Island Golf Trail takes you on a full tour of Vancouver Island. The old-world ambience of cosmopolitan Victoria, the lush farmland and vineyards of the Cowichan Valley, the magnificent beaches of Parksville and Qualicum Beach, and the pristine wilderness of the North Island – you can explore it all on the Vancouver Island Golf Trail!
And, then there’s the golf! World famous for their spectacular beauty, Vancouver Island golf courses have hosted professional tournaments, provincial championships, and the CPGA Qualifying School and have been featured on golf shows and in innumerable golf publications.
As a golf vacation, the Golf Trail is at a price so affordable that Golf Magazine described it as “one of the continent’s best values”. For an affordable holiday packed full of fabulous golf and some of the world’s most awe-inspiring scenery, experience the Vancouver Island Golf Trail!
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