people cross country skiing

Jan. 19, 2022 - Cataraqui Conservation has the facilities, trails, programs, and services to help you get the most out of your winter fun. All of our conservation areas remain open throughout the winter months, but only Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area just north of Kingston has full programs and groomed ski trails.

The popular conservation area is now a hub of wintry activity as its 13 kilometres of trails are groomed and track-set for cross-country skiing and others are prepared for walking and snowshoeing. Trails 1 to 4 are groomed and track-set and are for classic style cross-country skiing only. These track-set trails are a unique feature in our area and are very time consuming to produce and keep in good shape. Please respect the trails and the time and effort we put into them by not walking, snowshoeing, skate skiing or walking your dog on the track-set trails.

With the recent large snowfall, both ski and snowshoe rentals as well as ski lessons have begun. Daily rental rates are as follows (includes taxes): Full set of cross-country skis (boots, poles, skis) - $20; snowshoes - $14. Sign up for both, online, at https://cataraquiconservation.ca/pages/pages-winter-rentals. Equipment rentals and lessons are only available on weekends.

Cross-country ski lessons are offered at the Little Cataraqui Creek Outdoor Centre on Saturdays in January and February, weather permitting. The cost is $20 per person (including HST). These are group lessons and are one-hour in length, and are designed for beginners, or those seeking a refresher on the basics. Registration is required and closes 4:30 p.m. on the Friday before the lesson. Register via our website at https://cataraquiconservation.ca/pages/ski-lessons

Due to current COVID-19 restrictions the Outdoor Centre is only open for washrooms, take and go snacks and drinks, equipment pick-up, and general information. We do not have a space to sit and gather due to indoor capacity restrictions. Hours of operation are 9:00 am to 4:00 pm seven days a week.

For further information on rentals and ski trail conditions please visit winter rentals page at https://cataraquiconservation.ca/pages/pages-winter-rentals or call our recorded info line at 613-546-4228 ext. 501.