Norway Day — Celebrate Norway’s
role in bringing cross-country skiing to Canada!
The Royal Norwegian Embassy, in partnership with the
National Capital Commission (NCC), is pleased to present NORWAY DAY in Gatineau Park,
this Sunday, March 5, 2006, from 11 am to 2 pm. The return of this popular
traditional Norwegian family outing celebrates the friendship between Canada and Norway and highlights both
countries’ passion for cross-country skiing.
This Sunday, cross-country skiers are invited to ski their
way to Huron Shelter, located along the Champlain Parkway, in the heart of Gatineau Park’s trail network, to discover and
appreciate Norwegian traditions. Norwegian Ambassador Tor Berntin Næss as well
as embassy staff will greet skiers. Free freshly made Norwegian vaffels and
warm solbærtoddy, hot blackcurrant toddy, will be served for all to enjoy!
Huron Shelter is accessible by ski trails from parking lots
#10, #9 and #7 (about 6 kilometers to reach Huron Shelter). Skiers wishing to
ski a longer distance can start at parking lots #5 or #8.
Did you know…
Norwegian immigrants introduced cross-country
skiing as a leisure activity in Canada
in the late 1800’s. The “father” of modern cross-country skiing in Canada is Herman Smith Johansen, also known as
“JackRabbit”, who arrived in Canada
in the 1920's and settled in the Laurentians.
Gatineau Park boasts one of North America’s
most extensive and popular trail networks and is known to offer skiers an
exceptionally long season each year. Close to 200 kilometers of groomed
cross-country ski trails wind through scenic forests and along frozen lakes and
river valleys. Hut-to-hut skiing, winter camping, snowshoeing, and hiking are
also popular ways to discover this internationally renowned winter destination.
For more information on Norway Day, please contact the Royal
Norwegian Embassy at (613) 238-6571 or visit the Embassy’s website at
www.emb-norway.ca. For more information on winter activities in Gatineau Park, please contact the National
Capital Commission at (613) 827-2020, 1 800 465-1867 or visit the NCC’s website
at www.canadascapital.gc.ca/winter.
