Beckwith, Ont. skating trail a winter gem in the Ottawa Valley

As Canada’s most famous outdoor skating trail gets set to fully open in downtown Ottawa, many skaters are enjoying a hidden gem located in the Ottawa Valley.

The Township of Beckwith has opened its one-kilometre skating loop, located in the forest behind its recreation complex at 1319 9th Line.

Now into its second year in operation, the skating trail opened for the season Jan. 10.

“We already had the walking trails and skiing trails, and it was just another feature to add to our park,” says Beckwith Township Reeve Richard Kidd.

“I’d seen one up in Renfrew County, a very small one, and thought that this was something that our residents would appreciate.”

Despite its length, the skating loop is serviced regularly, thanks to its proximity to the recreation complex.

“Because it’s right behind our arena, we can do the finishing touches and maintain it with our spare Zamboni, so it really adds a lot where you could do it with the Zamboni and do hot water on top.”

Skater Cassandra Beauchamp took to the loop Friday afternoon, preferring the trail in Beckwith to the 7.8-kilometres of skating on the Rideau Canal.

“It’s really nice. It’s a little bumpy in some spots, but other than that, it’s pretty good. I’m actually really impressed,” she told CTV News.

“I actually prefer this because it’s quieter, and I love that it’s in the forest. I love the outdoors, so it’s more secluded.”

This year, the township installed a hut that is accessible for putting on skates and storing footwear while skating the trail. Benches are also located on site.

Kidd says the skating loop also offers an economic boost to the area, attracting skaters to the small community outside of Carleton Place.

“It’s very popular I’d say, for a rural area. On the weekend, I wouldn’t say thousands, but there’s definitely hundreds of people that are here.”

The township adds that the skating trail is conducive to outdoor conditions which vary and advises visitors to skate to trail conditions.

The trail operates on a colour coded chart for maintenance. The colours will change throughout the season and will be displayed on the trail sign at the loop’s entrance:

• Green = Good Condition
• Yellow = Proceed with Caution
• Red = Trail Closed