Skiing at Mount Pakenham:
Went skiing for the firs time at Mount Pakenham. What a wild ride! Had a blast. Being physically disabled (and a total newbie at this), I had some concerns… but their staff and the entire atmosphere put those to rest. Highly recommend!
It’s our second winter season living near Mount Pakenham. Since my foot was “in repair” last year, I am happy to finally be able to experience downhill skiing. I’ve only ever gone once during a class trip either with Lourdes or Bishop (elementary v. high school; can’t remember).
Click here to visit Mount Pakenham’s website. As a complete beginner living with a physical disability, plus the added challenge of bringing my 8 year old (who’s never been downhill skiing before), I wasn’t sure what we were in for. From start to finish; the greeting and walk through from Front Desk staff, to the hands on help in the Equipment Rental shack, to all the kind, smiling faces and words of encouragement from employees and other skiers/boarders (of all skill levels); it was an awesome night.
In fact… the whole family just purchased skis, boots, helmets over the weekend (thx Play it Again Sports - Kanata)! It was a wonderful experience and we can’t wait to get back out there.
More than happy to answer any Qs you may have about mobility challenges or other health concerns that may be a perceived barrier to outdoor adventure. Just message me but note, I can only share what my experience was. Yours may vary!
2017 Winterlude Fact Sheet
Want to enjoy Winterlude 2017 in Ottawa-Gatineau this year but aren't sure where to start? Here are some quick tips to get your adventure(s) planned!
There are 3 Main Locations:
- The Crystal Garden at Confederation Park & Marion Dewar Plaze (Elgin at Laurier/City Hall) - here you will find breathtaking ice sculptures, family fun and the Sub-Zero Concert Series
- The Snowflake Kingdom at Jacques-Cartier Park (Rue Laurier, Gatineau) - great for kids with snow slides and tonnes of outdoor fun
- The Rideau Canal - the world's largest skating rink
Here are some other locations to enjoy various Winterlude activities: CLICK HERE.
Winterlude runs February 3rd to the 20th with all sites open on Family Day in Ontario.
The full calendar of events can be found HERE.
Let's get to the Sub-Zero Concert Series (highlighting KiSS 105.3 artists). Concerts happen every Friday and Saturday (Feb. 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, 17th and 19th) plus the last Sunday (Feb. 19th) @ 7:30PM, Confederation Park - CIBC Stage.
Opening night: Friday, Feb. 3rd: Karim Ouellet and Coleman Hell
Friday, Feb 10th - Alx Velix, DJ DOMENO and Trevor Guthrie
Saturday, Feb 11th - Canada 150 Signature Concert
Saturday, Feb. 18th - David Usher
Sunday, Feb. 19th - Scott Helman and more