Tubing in Ottawa: Your Ultimate Guide to Sliding Through Winter
Why Go Tubing in Ottawa?
Tubing is winter fun at its purest—no skills required, just sit down, hold on, and let gravity do the work! Unlike skiing or snowboarding, tubing is all about speed and laughter, making it one of the most accessible and exciting winter activities for families, friends, and thrill-seekers alike.
Ottawa’s tubing hills offer high-speed runs, soft landings, and convenient lift services, so you can maximize your time on the slopes without exhausting yourself climbing back up. From the thrilling runs at Edelweiss to the family-friendly chutes at Mont Cascades, Ottawa’s tubing scene has something for everyone.
Whether you’re flying solo, racing your friends, or linking up with a chain of tubes, tubing delivers that pure adrenaline rush in a relaxed, low-stress setting.
Benefits of Tubing
✅ Fun for All Ages – No skills or equipment required.
✅ High-Speed Thrills – Reaches speeds up to 40 km/h on some hills.
✅ Low Impact – Safe for joints and muscles.
✅ Stress-Free – No need for training—just sit and go!
✅ Affordable – Costs less than skiing or snowboarding.
✅ Social Activity – Perfect for groups and families.
“You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy a tube pass—and that’s pretty close!”
Top Tubing Hills Near Ottawa
Ottawa is home to some of the best tubing hills in Eastern Canada. Here are the top tubing destinations for winter fun:
🛟 Edelweiss Tubing Park (Best for Speed and Size)
📍 Location: Wakefield, Quebec (30 minutes from Ottawa)
- Number of Runs: 4
- Run Length: Up to 200 meters
- Lift: Magic carpet lift
- Difficulty: All levels
- Highlights:
- Fast, steep runs for maximum speed.
- Well-groomed and maintained slopes.
- Link up with other riders for group tubing.
- Heated lodge with food and drink available.
- Family-friendly atmosphere.
🏆 Pro Tip: Hit the hill early in the day for the fastest conditions before the snow softens.
🛟 Mont Cascades Tubing Park (Best for Family-Friendly Tubing)
📍 Location: Cantley, Quebec (30 minutes from Ottawa)
- Number of Runs: 8
- Run Length: Up to 250 meters
- Lift: Tow lift
- Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate
- Highlights:
- Long, wide lanes perfect for kids and beginners.
- Moderate slopes with a smooth finish.
- Designated “family” lanes for slower speeds.
- Linked tubing allowed for group rides.
- On-site snack bar and heated lodge.
🏆 Pro Tip: Try the “Mega Slide” lane for an extra burst of speed!
🛟 Calabogie Peaks Tubing Hill (Best for Scenic Views)
📍 Location: Calabogie, Ontario (1 hour from Ottawa)
- Number of Runs: 3
- Run Length: 150 meters
- Lift: Magic carpet lift
- Difficulty: All levels
- Highlights:
- Stunning views of Calabogie Lake and the Ottawa Valley.
- Gentle and fast runs available.
- Tube rental included with lift ticket.
- Well-lit for night tubing.
- Relaxed, small-park vibe.
🏆 Pro Tip: Bundle tubing with skiing or snowboarding for a full day of fun!
🛟 Le Domaine de L’Ange-Gardien (Best for Group Tubing)
📍 Location: L’Ange-Gardien, Quebec (30 minutes from Ottawa)
- Number of Runs: 6
- Run Length: 180 meters
- Lift: Rope tow
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Highlights:
- Ideal for group tubing with linked runs.
- Steep runs with quick turns.
- Fast track for experienced riders.
- On-site lodge and café for warming up.
- Snowmaking ensures consistent conditions.
🏆 Pro Tip: Form a “train” of 4–5 tubes with friends for extra momentum!
🛟 Pakenham Tube Park (Best for Kids and Beginners)
📍 Location: Pakenham, Ontario (40 minutes from Ottawa)
- Number of Runs: 4
- Run Length: 100 meters
- Lift: Magic carpet
- Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate
- Highlights:
- Ideal for young children and new tubers.
- Gentle inclines and soft landings.
- Linked tubing allowed.
- Friendly staff and well-organized hill.
- Hot chocolate available at the base lodge.
🏆 Pro Tip: This park is great for family outings—bring a sled for younger kids!
🛟 Centre de Plein Air du Lac-Beauchamp (Best for Night Tubing)
📍 Location: Gatineau, Quebec (20 minutes from Ottawa)
- Number of Runs: 3
- Run Length: 120 meters
- Lift: None (walk-up only)
- Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate
- Highlights:
- Night tubing under lights.
- Smaller crowds for a relaxed atmosphere.
- Free access (donations accepted).
- Natural, scenic setting surrounded by forest.
🏆 Pro Tip: Pack a headlamp for extra visibility during night tubing!
Types of Tubing Experiences
Tubing comes in different styles—each delivering a unique thrill:
🏔️ High-Speed Tubing (For Thrill Seekers)
- Steep hills with long straightaways.
- Fast speeds and quick drops.
- Often includes linked group rides.
- Found at Edelweiss and Calabogie.
🏔️ Family-Friendly Tubing (For Beginners and Kids)
- Gentle inclines and soft finishes.
- Slower speeds for safety and comfort.
- Controlled lanes for small children.
- Found at Mont Cascades and Pakenham.
🏔️ Group Tubing (For Maximum Fun)
- Linking tubes together increases speed.
- Best for friends and family outings.
- Works best on wide, open hills.
- Found at Le Domaine de L’Ange-Gardien.
🏔️ Night Tubing (For Extra Atmosphere)
- Tubing under lights creates a cool vibe.
- Often less crowded than daytime.
- Found at Centre de Plein Air du Lac-Beauchamp.
Essential Tubing Gear
You don’t need much to go tubing, but a few key items make the experience better:
✔ Warm Clothing – Wear moisture-wicking base layers and insulated outerwear.
✔ Gloves and Hat – Protect your hands and head from the cold.
✔ Snow Boots – Waterproof boots with good grip for walking on ice and snow.
✔ Neck Gaiter or Scarf – Keeps your face warm on fast runs.
✔ Helmet (Optional) – Recommended for young kids and high-speed hills.
✔ Goggles (Optional) – Reduces wind chill at high speeds.
🏆 Pro Tip: Wear bright colors to be more visible in low-light conditions.
Tubing Safety Tips
🛟 Follow Hill Rules – Every park has specific guidelines.
🛟 Use Official Lanes – Avoid off-trail runs or natural hills.
🛟 Check Ice and Snow Conditions – Icy conditions increase speed.
🛟 Keep Distance Between Tubes – Prevent collisions.
🛟 Hold On Tight – Keep both hands on the handles.
🛟 Avoid Running Starts – Let gravity do the work.
Final Thoughts: Grab a Tube and Hit the Hill!
Tubing in Ottawa delivers the perfect mix of speed, fun, and winter adventure. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline at Edelweiss or linking up with friends at Mont Cascades, Ottawa’s tubing hills offer endless winter excitement.
💬 Where’s your favorite tubing spot? Share your story! #OttawaActiveTubing #SlideFastLaughHard