Bytown Raquette Runners

01/06/2026

Welcome Back for our 2026 snowshoe running season!

What a difference a year can make!

For this season, we are going to be changing it up a little to keep things simple.

For starters, our runs this year will only take place from our Bayview LRT Station start location on the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail.

We will also be switching to running on Thursday evenings and starting our runs promptly at 7pm.

We will not be offering trial snowshoes this year so you will need to bring your own. As we often run to our start location, carrying extra snowshoes for people that may or may not show up is burdensome and logistically too complicated at this time. We will reassess this in future years.

Our run schedule for 2026 is:

Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 7pm - Kichi Sibi Winter Trail
Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 7pm - Kichi Sibi Winter Trail
Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 6pm - Dion Ignite the night snowshoe race
Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 7pm - Kichi Sibi Winter Trail
Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 7pm - Kichi Sibi Winter Trail
Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 7pm - Kichi Sibi Winter Trail
Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 10am - Dion Summerstown Forest snowshoe race
Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 7pm - Kichi Sibi Winter Trail
Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 7pm - Kichi Sibi Winter Trail

Meet-Up: Meet us at the limestone semi-circle on the Trillium Pathway, just north of Bayview LRT Station. We will then snowshoe run to and along the Ottawa river using the KSWT. (Exact location is detailed on our Instagram page)

Trail: Our routes follow the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail with well-groomed paths and scenic river views

What to Expect:
Pace: Conversational and social—perfect for endurance building!
Distance: We usually cover 4-6km and aim for our runs to be 45mins to one hour in duration.
What to Bring: Dress appropriately for winter running, bring your lights, and get ready for a great night on the trails!

Nearby Parking Options:
Beyond The Pale (250 City Centre Ave)
Plant Recreation Centre (930 Somerset St. W.)
(Park at your own risk.)

So, that's it, this is the post. We look forward to running and racing with you all this season and encourage everyone to join us. We may come back here to post your pictures and race photos, but we otherwise wont really be monitoring our social channels this year.

Kyle & Kat

12/02/2025

We are so back for the 2026 season! Let's go!!!

We have lot's of exciting plans in the works for the upcoming season! From Dion Ignite the night race and Dion Summerstown Forest snowshoe race to plans for an exciting snowshoe marathon attempt, it's happening in 2026!

Based on feedback from members in previous seasons, we will be shifting to Thursday evenings for our weekly runs this year. We are also working on hosting at least one drop-in run session on a Sunday afternoon along the Rideau Winter Trail. Details to follow.

Get ready and mark it in your calendar, our first run will take place on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 7pm on the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail

03/03/2025

🌧️ Season Finale – March 5 Run Cancelled

Mother Nature has spoken! With warm temperatures and heavy rain in the forecast, we’ve made the tough decision to cancel our final scheduled snowshoe run on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. Unfortunately, this also marks the official end of our 2025 snowshoe running season.

We want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who joined us on the trails this winter! Your enthusiasm, energy, and love for snowshoe running made every week an adventure. We also want to give a special shoutout to Gilles Parisien and Dion Snowshoes for supplying our loaner fleet this season—your support made it possible for so many runners to experience the joy of snowshoe running for the first time.

Although our group runs are done for the season, there’s still some snow left to enjoy! We encourage you to get outside, soak up the fresh air, and take advantage of the trails while you can. Running during the daylight hours is a great way to squeeze in those last few winter miles!

🚨 We’ll be back for the 2026 season! Stay tuned for updates as we gear up for another year of adventure, community, and winter trail running. Until then, keep moving and enjoy the transition into spring!

See you next season! ❄️🏃‍♂️🔥

02/25/2025

❄️ The Best Time for Snowshoe Running is NOW! ❄️

With more daylight, comfortable temperatures, and plenty of snow left on the trails, there’s no better time to get out and enjoy snowshoe running! Join us this Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 7 PM for another great group run along the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail. Whether you’re training for a race or just looking for a fun way to stay active this winter, we’ve got you covered!

🗓️ Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2025
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM (we’ll depart shortly after for a ~5 km run)
📍 Meet-Up: Limestone semi-circle on the Trillium Pathway, just north of Bayview LRT Station

🏞️ Trail:
This week’s route follows the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail with well-groomed paths and scenic river views
Route details are available on Strava for those who’d like a sneak peek.

🎿 Try Dion Running Snowshoes!
Curious about running snowshoes? Give them a try with our Dion Running Snowshoe demo pairs!
🔹 To Reserve: Send us a DM to secure your demo pair.

🕖 What to Expect:
🏃‍♂️ Pace: Conversational and social—perfect for endurance building!
🌬️ What to Bring: Dress appropriately for winter running, bring your lights, and get ready for a great night on the trails!

🚗 Parking Options:
✅ Beyond The Pale (250 City Centre Ave)
✅ Plant Recreation Centre (930 Somerset St. W.)
(Please park at your own risk.)

Don’t miss out—there are only a few weeks left to make the most of winter running! See you Wednesday! ❄️🏃‍♀️🔥

02/18/2025

Enough snow for ya?!

This Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at 7 PM, we’re heading back to Hurdman LRT Station for a scenic snowshoe run featuring a mix of terrain, stunning river views, and great company.

📍 Starting Point: Hurdman LRT Station (see exact location pinned in IG profile)
🏞️ Trails: Explore the
🕖 Duration: Our snowshoe runs are thoughtfully planned to last around 45 minutes
🗣️ Pace: We maintain a conversational pace, perfect for building endurance and friendships!
🌬️🧤 Dress Code: Equip yourself for the chilly adventure! Don't forget your snowshoes, lights, and appropriate winter gear.

Try Dion Running Snowshoes!
Don’t have running snowshoes? No problem! We’re thrilled to offer demo pairs of Dion running snowshoes for participants to borrow during the run. If you’d like to reserve a pair, send us a DM so we can set a pair aside just for you. Availability is limited, so don’t wait!

Parking is available a short distance from Hurdman LRT Station at the lot for Cancer Survivors Park located on Alta Vista Drive just south of its intersection with Industrial Ave. Park at your own risk.

Join the Bytown Raquette Runners and transform your winter evenings into snowy adventures! ❄️🌟

Join us on Strava for routes and details: https://www.strava.com/clubs/BytownRaquette

02/11/2025

🎶❄️ BRR x Rockin’ Run: Snowshoe & Jazz Night! ❄️🎶

Get ready for a one-of-a-kind winter adventure! This Wednesday, February 12, at 7PM, Bytown Raquette Runners is teaming up with Rockin’ Run for a snowshoe-powered collab along the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail—and you won’t want to miss it!

🗓️ Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2025
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM (we’ll depart shortly after for a 4.5 km snowshoe run)
📍 Meet-Up: Limestone semi-circle on the Trillium Pathway, just north of Bayview LRT Station
🎷 Après-Run Jazz at Bar Robo!
The fun doesn’t stop after the run! Warm up with live jazz at Bar Robo, just a short LRT ride away (or carpool).
🕖 What to Expect:
🏃‍♂️ Run or snowshoe—your choice! Kyle will lead a snowshoe group, while Rockin’ Run keeps the runners moving.
🌬️ What to Bring: Dress warmly, bring your lights/headlamp and snowshoes!
🎿 Try Dion Running Snowshoes!
Curious about running snowshoes? Now’s your chance to try a pair of Dion Running Snowshoes for the evening:
🔹 To Reserve: Send a DM to secure your demo pair.
🔹 Availability: Limited pairs available—don’t wait to reserve!
🚗 Parking Options:
✅ Beyond The Pale (250 City Centre Ave)
✅ Plant Recreation Centre (930 Somerset St. W.)
(Please park at your own risk.)
Come for the snow, stay for the music! See you there! ⛄🔥🎵

02/06/2025

Meet Your Bytown Raquette Run Leaders: Kat & Kyle! ❄️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

If you’ve joined us for a snowshoe run, chances are you’ve met Kat and Kyle—the heart and soul behind Bytown Raquette Runners (B.R.R.)! After nearly a decade of participating in snowshoe races each winter, they wanted to create a place to train and grow the sport together. B.R.R. as a welcoming space for snowshoe runners and winter fitness enthusiasts to train together, embrace the season, and explore Ottawa’s incredible winter trails.

📸 Throwback to 2022 at the Dion Summerstown Forest Snowshoe Race!
We’re gearing up for this event once again—happening this Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 10 AM! And, it's not too late to sign up!
https://www.healthandadventure.com/dion-summerstown-forest-snowshoe-ra?srsltid=AfmBOopwaJkI4Qj7xcyp3hRiOUPei51_yTWRsmGRxGESh74XuAAiCj9z

And of course, the winter adventures don’t stop there! Join us back in Ottawa for our next weekly snowshoe run on Wednesday, February 12, at 7 PM from Bayview LRT Station.

🌟 Whether you’re a seasoned racer or new to the sport, Kat and Kyle can’t wait to welcome you to the trails!

📍 Will we see you at the race or our next run? Drop a comment below! 👇

02/05/2025

Join us this weekend at the Dion Summerstown Forest Snowshoe Race!

Race Conditions are looking spectacular for this weekend's Dion Summerstown Forest snowshoe race. Registration is available until Friday at 8pm. Don't miss out!
https://www.healthandadventure.com/so/95PJMb9xN?languageTag=en

02/02/2025

❄️ Winter is in full swing, and with Winterlude well underway, there’s no better time to embrace the season! ❄️

Ottawa is a winter playground, and what better way to experience it than with a snowshoe run through the Rideau Winter Trail? Whether you’re training for a local race or just looking for a fun and active way to enjoy the outdoors, Bytown Raquette Runners (B.R.R.) has you covered!

This Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at 7 PM, we’re heading to Hurdman LRT Station for a scenic snowshoe run featuring a mix of terrain, stunning river views, and great company.

📍 Starting Point: Hurdman LRT Station (see exact location pinned in IG profile)
🏞️ Trails: Explore the stunning
🕖 Duration: Our snowshoe runs are thoughtfully planned to last around 45 minutes to 1 hour
🗣️ Pace: We maintain a conversational pace, perfect for building endurance and friendships!
🌬️🧤 Dress Code: Equip yourself for the chilly adventure! Don't forget your snowshoes, lights, and appropriate winter gear.

Try Dion Running Snowshoes!
Don’t have running snowshoes? No problem! We’re thrilled to offer demo pairs of Dion running snowshoes for participants to borrow during the run. If you’d like to reserve a pair, send us a DM so we can set a pair aside just for you. Availability is limited, so don’t wait!

Parking is available a short distance from Hurdman LRT Station at the lot for Cancer Survivors Park located on Alta Vista Drive just south of its intersection with Industrial Ave. Park at your own risk.

Join the Bytown Raquette Runners and transform your winter evenings into snowy adventures! ❄️🌟

Join us on Strava for routes and details: https://www.strava.com/clubs/BytownRaquette

01/27/2025

This week, we’re back at our Bayview location for an exciting run to Remic Rapids on the beautiful Kichi Sibi Winter Trail. If you don’t have a pair of running snowshoes, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! You can now reserve a pair of Dion Running Snowshoes and experience the difference they make on snowy trails. ❄️

🗓️ Date: Wednesday, January 29, 2025
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM (we’ll depart shortly after for a ~6.0 km run)
📍 Meet-Up: Limestone semi-circle on the Trillium Pathway, just north of Bayview LRT Station https://maps.app.goo.gl/h1HETvgtU5P8wAXT6
🏞️ Trail: This week’s route will take us along the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail to Remic Rapids. Expect a solid base of snow and ice, with stunning views along the Ottawa River. Route details are available on Strava for those who’d like a sneak peek!

Try Dion Running Snowshoes!
Snowshoe running curious? Don't have snowshoes? Take this opportunity to borrow a pair of Dion running snowshoes and experience their superior performance firsthand!
To Reserve: Send us a DM to confirm availability and we will bring a pair for you to try!

What to Expect:
🕖 Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour
🌬️ What to Bring: Dress for the weather, bring your lights, and get ready for a winter adventure!

🚗 Parking Options:
Beyond The Pale (250 City Centre Ave)
Plant Recreation Centre (930 Somerset St. W.)
Park at your own risk.

🌟 Don’t miss this chance to enjoy Ottawa’s stunning winter trails, connect with other runners, and try some of the best snowshoes on the market. See you there! ❄️

01/22/2025

BRR is heading to Summerstown! Send us a DM if you need rideshare from Ottawa.

Only 2 weeks left to sign up for this year’s Dion Summerstown Forest snowshoe race. If you don’t have snowshoes and want to give this race a try, we have you covered, secure your snowshoes during registration.
Chances of winning a pair of Dion Snowshoes are really good. Thank you Spafford Health and Adventure, the Counties of SDG and Cornwall Tourism. Register at
www.healthandadventure.com

Photo credit goes to the talented Joe McNamara