Ottawans eager for some fresh air, exercise and perhaps an escape from the home office during the COVID-19 pandemic have been flocking to a popular cross-country skiing trail along the Ottawa River in unprecedented numbers this winter. Between Feb. 1 and 7, the National Capital Commission (NCC) recorded an average 1,353 visits per day to the 18-kilometre-plus Sir John A. Macdonald (SJAM) Winter Trail, which runs parallel to the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway west of the city's downtown. - Dave Adams, head groomerDave Adams, the SJAM Winter Trail's head groomer, said more than 2,000 people flocked there Sunday. You're getting me through this horrible winter and you're my escape.' "That's what I'm doing, enjoying winter," said Camil Laprise, one of the skiers to hit the freshly groomed trail Tuesday.

Source: CBC News February 16, 2021 21:08 UTC