The Petawawa region transforms into a winter playground, offering a variety of cold-weather activities. Residents and visitors can embrace the snowy landscape and participate in outdoor recreation. The area provides opportunities for both classic winter pastimes and more adventurous pursuits.
Winter enthusiasts can enjoy activities like snowmobiling on extensive trail networks, cross-country skiing through scenic routes, and ice fishing on frozen lakes. Downhill skiing and snowboarding are also available at nearby resorts. These seasonal activities allow people to experience the beauty of the Ottawa Valley’s winter scenery and stay active during the colder months.
Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing
Petawawa is a winter lover’s paradise, offering scenic trails perfect for both cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Whether you’re gliding through fresh snow or trekking through forested paths, there are plenty of locations to explore within town and in the surrounding area.
Many of our trail systems support both activities, so you can choose your adventure based on your pace and preference.
Whether you’re out for a peaceful snowshoe, an energizing ski, or just exploring the natural beauty of the Ottawa Valley, Petawawa’s winter trails are ready for you to discover.
Where to Go:
Jubilee Lodge – Garrison Petawawa
Located on base, Jubilee Lodge offers cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals, with groomed trails just outside the door. It’s an ideal starting point for beginners or those without gear. Visit their website for trail maps and rental information.
Petawawa Terrace Provincial Park
This tranquil trail system, located beside Fish Hatchery Park at 9 Sunset Crescent, features compact, groomed trails that are excellent for both skiing and snowshoeing. Operated under the oversight of Ontario Parks, visitors are reminded to follow posted regulations.
Woodlands Nature Trail
This peaceful loop within town limits is ideal for snowshoers looking for a quick escape into nature.
Petawawa Research Forest
Located west of town along Highway 17, this vast network of forest trails offers a natural, scenic backdrop for a full day of skiing or snowshoeing.
Forest Lea Trails
East of Petawawa, this popular destination offers a wide range of trail options for all skill levels. It’s a local favourite for both cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Get Involved & Gear Up:
The Town of Petawawa offers snowshoe programs during the winter months. Check our Community Guide for program details and registration requirements.
The Petawawa Public Library provides free snowshoe, binocular, and GPS rentals with a valid library card—perfect for a spontaneous adventure!
Trail Etiquette & Safety Tips:
- Always stay on marked trails and avoid creating your own paths to protect the landscape and other trail users.
- Follow all rules posted by the clubs, organizations, or landowners that manage the trail networks.
- Dress in layers and wear appropriate winter accessories (hats, gloves, scarves) to stay warm and dry.
- Let someone know your route and expected return time—weather can change quickly and snow may obscure paths.
Ice Skating
Indoor Skating
Petawawa Civic Centre – 16 Civic Centre Road
Free Skates: Wednesdays and Fridays from 12:00 PM to 1:00PM
Public Skates: Sundays from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
- Cash or Debit Payments accepted at the Canteen
- Children: $2.00
- Adults: $3.00
- Family: $6.00
Sponsored Skates: Check our Events page to see all sponsored skate dates!
For more information on sponsoring skates at the Civic Centre. See our activities page in the rentals section.
Stollers are not permitted on the ice & all persons must be wearing skates on the ice. Skating aids are available.
Outdoor Skating
677 Pineridge Crescent (laneway left of the park)
The opening of the Outdoor Rink is weather-dependant. Check out the Town’s Facebook Page or keep an eye out for our Closures and Cancellations notices on our “Activities” page an public notices for updates.
OUTDOOR RINK RULES OF CONDUCT
- This facility is unsupervised
- No more than 25 persons on the ice at a time
- No food or drink on the ice surface
- No horseplay/games
- No figure skating maneuvers
- No erratic/excessive speeds
- Skate with the direction of all skaters
- Helmets are strongly recommended
- Alcohol is prohibited on the premises
- Be kind and share the ice
DAILY SCHEDULE
- Hours of Operation: 10AM – 10PM
- Maintenance 8AM – 10AM
- Public Skate* 10AM –12PM
- Open Skate 12PM – 2PM
- Public Skate* 2PM – 4PM
- Open Skate 4PM – 10PM
* No sticks or pucks are permitted during Public Skate times.
The outdoor rink is checked regularly by staff. Should you have any concerns or see any damage please call 613-687-5678.
Snowmobiling
Petawawa is a premier stop for snowmobilers exploring the Snow Country Snowmobile Region (OFSC District 6). Conveniently located along the A Trail, our community offers all the essentials you need to fuel your ride and recharge—gas stations, restaurants, cozy accommodations, three snowmobile dealerships, and plenty of local shops for gear and supplies.
Locally, the A Trail is known as the Algonquin Trail, a scenic multi-use corridor that winds through Petawawa. Part of the 296 km Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail, it stretches from near Smiths Falls to just shy of Mattawa, passing through Lanark County, Renfrew County, and Papineau-Cameron Township. With its expansive reach from Vankleek Hill to Geraldton, this makes Petawawa a perfect hub or overnight stop on your snowmobiling journey.
Looking to venture even farther? Petawawa also connects to the B Trail, providing access all the way to Wiarton—opening up endless possibilities for long-distance riders.
With trailside access, full amenities, and stunning winter scenery, Petawawa is ready to welcome riders from near and far. Whether you’re planning a weekend tour or a full-day ride through Ontario’s backcountry, make us your base for adventure.
Ride safe and enjoy the trails!
Discover Snow Country – OFSC District 6
Petawawa is part of the Snow Country Snowmobile Region, known for its rugged terrain and true Canadian Shield landscape. With 2,850 km (1,770 miles) of scenic trails weaving through rolling farmlands and mixed forests, riders can enjoy well-marked and expertly groomed trails from mid-December to late March.
This extensive network spans west from Arnprior to Deux Rivières and south from the Ottawa River to Perth, Sharbot Lake, Bancroft, and Haliburton County. It’s maintained by dedicated local clubs, including our own Keetna Snowmobile Club (Petawawa).
Other clubs in the region include:
- BonnTrae (Deacon)
- Calabogie & District (Calabogie/Arnprior)
- Eganville Sno-Drifters (Eganville)
- Griffith-Matawatchan Sno-Dusters (Griffith)
- Haliburton County S/A (Haliburton/Minden)
- Maple Leaf Snow Skimmers (Lake St. Peter/Bancroft)
- Missing Link (Stonecliffe/Deux Rivières)
- North Renfrew S/A (Deep River)
- Opeongo Snowbirds (Barry’s Bay/Whitney)
- Peterson Pathfinders (Combermere)
- Snow Road (Ompah, Perth)
- Timberline (Pembroke)
- Whitewater Sno-Goers (Cobden/Renfrew)
Ice Fishing
Ice fishing opportunities can be found on several parts of the Ottawa River as well as many other lakes and rivers in the area. Check out the Ministry of Natural Resources website for more info.
Verify ice conditions and thickness before proceeding onto any lakes or rivers that may appear to be frozen.