7 Tobogganing Spots in Ottawa

We’ve done some research to help you find a tobogganing hill near you! Grab your sled, make sure the kids are dressed warm, and head for the hills!

Tobogganing is one of our great Canadian traditions! Pack up the family and head out to one of your favourite tobogganing hills. These snowy hills are some of the best in Ottawa and will surely thrill both the young and young at heart.

Tobogganing can be an excellent way for children to stay active and enjoy the outdoors during the long winter months! Make sure you observe all signage and safety instructions posted at locations.

Apollo Crater Park

This man-made location is popular for those living in Orleans (it’s officially listed as Cumberland on the City of Ottawa website). It’s a storm pond drain area with a gradual dip that will still provide plenty of thrills. There’s no direct parking, so you’ll need to find something along the street.

Address: 600 Apollo Way, Orléans, ON K4A 1V2

Green’s Creek

This one is a popular hill is in the NCC land off of Bearbrook Road. It features a nice tall hill with wide-open runs for good speed, but it’s also safely protected from the river with a high embankment. It’s lit at night so early sunsets are not a problem, and there’s both parking and outhouses in the parking lot nearby. 

Address: Bearbrook Rd, Ottawa, ON K1B 1B8

Carlington Park

If big thrills are what you’re after, we recommend Carlington Park in Westboro…if you dare. A retired ski hill, Carlington has the steepest, fastest runs in town, plus a cool old chairlift to explore. Local sledders often carve out jumps and twists and turns for extra fun. Park at the nearby Dulude Arena on Clyde and prepare for a (well rewarded) hike up.

Address: 1640 Laperriere Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Z 5A6

Walter Baker Park

If you’re located in the west end, the big hill in Walter Baker Park rules the sledding world and should not be missed. It’s a big man-made hill with one of the longest runs in town, and if you’re skilled on the sled, you can take your toboggan halfway across the park before stopping. We especially love the steep start that makes it a perfect launching place for multi-passenger sleds—so don’t just wait at the bottom, climb on up and hop in the back. Parking is plentiful at the Kanata Rec Centre next door, and the hill is lit so you can keep sledding until long past dinnertime.

Address: 100 Charlie Rogers Pl, Kanata, ON K2V 1A2

Mooney’s Bay

This is another popular location (you’ll find it just off Riverside) and is one of the tallest hills around, and with its central location, you’ll want to pause and take in the gorgeous view from the top before heading down. There are multiple runs so choose your level of steepness carefully, and pick a run far from the (wrapped) trees and posts for younger riders.

Address: 2960 Riverside Dr., Ottawa, ON K1V 8N4

Craig Henry Park

Located in the heart of Nepean, Craig Henry Park offers a smaller hill that’s a great choice for young families that don’t want to trek out to the ‘burbs. The hill isn’t too hard to climb for little legs but still offers a fairly long and nicely open run to the west. Parking is available onsite at the high school but there’s no evening lighting.

Address: 133 Greenbank Rd, Nepean, ON K2H 6L3

Queenswood Heights Centennial Park and Community Centre

Families with younger children may want to check out the hill at Queenswood Heights Centennial Park and Community Centre (near the ball diamond). There’s a gradual slope with quite a bit of space at this smaller man-made hill in Ottawa’s East End.

Address: 1485 Duford Dr, Orléans, ON K1E 1G1

Details:

Safety Guidelines

Make sure you’re in control and safe! Report unsafe conditions to 311 and call 911 if there is an emergency.

Check the hill

• Make sure the hill is free of hazards like trees, rocks, bumps, fences and bare spots
• Check to see that there is a lot of room to stop at the bottom of the hill, away from rivers, roads or railroads
• Avoid ice-covered areas.

Check your gear

• Use proper sliding equipment. Inner tubes and plastic discs are difficult to control and can be dangerous.
• Avoid loose scarves, drawstrings and long ropes.
• Wear a helmet. Ski helmets are recommended since they’re made for cold weather and similar falls and speed.

Toboggan safely

• Kneel or sit on your toboggan. Don’t stand or lie down head first
• Slide down the middle of the hill and climb up the sides
• Make sure your route is clear before sliding
• All children should be supervised by an adult
• Please leave your pets at home. Pets may get excited, become hard to control and could cause injury.