Six links for making the most out of winter in Ottawa

We all complain about the cold and the bad traffic during winter – but really, Ottawa is a great city when it’s cold and snowy. Here are six links to OttawaStart Guides to help you make the most out of it:

  1. 
 [
  Toboggan Guide:
 ](http://ottawastart.com/toboggan.php)
 All you need is some warm clothes, and something to slide on — even a cardboard box will do.  All that hill climbing makes for a great work-out too.
   

   


  2. 
 [
  Ski & Snowboard Guide:
 ](http://ottawastart.com/ski.php)
 For snowboarders and downhill skiers, there are lots of hills to choose from in Quebec and Ontario, and we're within a day's drive from some great hills in northern Quebec and the eastern United States.  If you're a cross-country ski fan  If you're a cross-country ski fan, we have hundreds of kilometres of trails in the Greenbelt and along recreation pathways, not to mention the Gatineau Hills.
   

   


  3. 
 [
  Skating Guide:
 ](http://ottawastart.com/skating.php)
 There are over 200 outdoor rinks maintained on the Ottawa side of the river alone, and we have dozens of indoor rinks too.  And, of course, there's the
 [
  Rideau Canal
 ](http://ottawastart.com/rideau-canal.php)
 , the world's longest skating rink.
   

   


  4. 
 [
  Hockey Guide:
 ](http://ottawastart.com/hockey.php)
 Ottawa has a rich hockey tradition dating back over 100 years, and is the birthplace of the Stanley Cup.  Thousands of kids play organized hockey and thousands more push their nets into the street every day.  And most years at least one of our three major hockey teams - the Sens, the 67's and the Olympiques - has a winning season.
   

   


  5. 
 [
  Weather Guide:
 ](http://ottawastart.com/weather.php)
 Our collection of links to local forecasts, weather maps, and stats.  Did you know: The coldest day ever in Ottawa was on February 15, 1943 when the mercury plunged to -36.1C.  And that was without the windchill.
   

   


  6. 
 [
  Winterlude Guide:
 ](http://ottawastart.com/winterlude.php)
 This year's edition of the festival runs from February 4-21. Ice sculptures, a playground made of snow, performers and, I think we mentioned this already, the
 [
  Rideau Canal
 ](http://ottawastart.com/rideau-canal.php)
 , the world's longest skating rink.





How do you celebrate winter in Ottawa?