Toboggan Hills in Ottawa – Top Spots to go Sledding This Winter
Toboggan is a cherished Canadian pastime, and you haven’t truly experienced a Canadian winter without snow in your face, wet socks in your boots, a wipe-out or two, and a big smile from ear to ear.
Ottawa has 75 official toboggan hills in all shapes, sizes and difficulty, located in neighbourhoods throughout the city. Choose from steep slopes with twists and turns, long and gradual elongated hills for a relaxed ride, and small beginner mounds for kids and families. Grab your crazy carpet, GT racer, snow tube, or old-fashioned wooden toboggan, and go for a sled at one of these Ottawa’s toboggan hills.
Carlington Park
One of the largest hills in Ottawa, you can catch some serious speed at the Carlington Park toboggan hill. Start midway up on your first run to get a feel for the speed, then take a deep breath, watch for other sledders, and head down the full length. Keep your eyes peeled for potential made-made jumps and small moguls, often created for snowboarders on the side of the hill.
Parking and access – Parking is available at the base of the hill at J.A. Dulude Arena
Lit – No
Lansdowne Park
A popular hill in downtown Ottawa, Lansdowne Park provides a short, wide and steep run, with plenty of runoff space with no obstructions. Sled while enjoying great views of the historic Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Park stadium and Rideau Canal Skateway, then warm up at one of the many restaurants and cafés at Lansdowne Place. The outdoor Lansdowne Court Skating rink is just steps away, so don’t forget to bring your skates too.
Parking and access – Paid underground parking is available at Lansdowne Place, and there is free street parking nearby. Easily accessible via OC Transpo bus # 6 or #7
Lit – Not officially, but city lights provide a good amount of residual light
Green’s Creek
Green’s Creek is another large toboggan hill in Ottawa with a variety of slope levels, straight runs with no obstructions, and ample runoff space. Due to the hill’s size, hay stacks are often placed at the base of the hill to help kill your speed. This is a great place to toboggan at night, as the slope is lit into the evening hours.
Parking and access– Yes
Lit – Yes
Conroy Pit
Take a short 15-minute walk along a picturesque (dog friendly) winter trail to one of the city’s most popular toboggan hills. A large, steep hill surrounded by parkland, this is a beautiful spot for a day of sledding. Conroy Pit also boasts over 18km of great winter hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country trails.
Parking and access – Yes
Lit – Yes
MacDonald Gardens Park
MacDonald Gardens Park boasts a small to medium-sized toboggan hill close to downtown Ottawa, and is a favourite among downtown residents. The hill is perfect for young children and first-time sledders, and is quite picturesque with a beautiful stone gazebo at the hill’s crest.
Parking and access– Street parking is available nearby
Lit – No
Bruce Pit
Located in the Stony Swamp section of the Greenbelt, Bruce Pit has a large natural hill with a long gradual run off, and is a favourite among those in the city’s west end. Stony Swamp also has over 40km of trails for snowshoeing, hiking and cross-country skiing, and an off-leash dog park.
Parking and access– Yes NCC Greenbelt parking lot P12
Lit – No
Ski Hill Park
While not an actual ski hill, this natural hill in Ottawa’s east end is quite large, often acting as an unofficial beginner slope for beginner skiers and snowboarders. The hill has multiple levels, and gradual slopes and turns, making it a fun spot for a day of tobogganing.
Parking and access – Yes
Lit – No
Dutchie's Hole Park
This modest medium-sized natural hill is located along the Rideau River, and can be accessed from a short path off Wiggins Private. It’s a great spot for families with small children and beginner sledders. Nearby you’ll also find Robinson Field, a small local hill with gradual slopes surrounding a soccer field.
Parking and access– Limited on street parking at north end of park
Lit – No
Looking for a tobogganing hill closer to your location? Discover all 75 of Ottawa’s sledding hills with the city of Ottawa’s interactive map.
