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The Ottawa region is known for its recreational facilities, leisure activities and naturally attractive features. For example, Ottawa residents have the highest participation rate in golf and skiing in Canada with over 80 golf courses, and a wealth of ski resorts in the region.
 Boating, beach-going and water sports are also very popular because of the large variety of waterways. The Rideau River and Canal flow in a north-south direction through the middle of Ottawa. The Ottawa River flows east-west, between the Ontario and Quebec parts of the region.
The Gatineau River, hundreds of lakes and other waterways are all within or close to the region. There are numerous yacht clubs and marinas in the Ottawa region and an annual sailing championship on the Ottawa River. Several companies offer daily boat trips on the Rideau Canal and the Ottawa and Rideau rivers.
One of the longest networks of scenic recreational paths in any North American city (150 kilometres or 93 miles) runs parallel to the rivers. On Sunday mornings in summer, 25 kilometres (15 miles) of automobile parkways are closed to vehicle traffic, remaining accessible only for cyclists, joggers, in-line skaters and walkers. In total, there are over 300kms of bike trails and over 200kms of cross-country ski trails in the region.
A highlight of winter in Ottawa is the Rideau Canal Skateway, the world’s largest skating rink. The Skateway passes through the heart of downtown Ottawa on the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Skateway is 7.8 kilometres long, and begins just steps from Canada’s Parliament Buildings. The scenic skating rink extends to Dows Lake. In between, warm up at rest areas, where there are toasty fires, hot drinks and tasty snacks. Typically, the Skateway opens in January and, in February, many activities take place on the frozen canal during Winterlude.
Ottawa is within easy access of a number of recreation & sports facilities:
- Bungee jumping
- Equestrian facilities
- Family campground
- Flight schools
- Hang-gliding
- Hiking trails
- Hot-Air Ballooning
- Kayaking & Canoeing
- Marinas
- Mountain bike trails
- Rock climbing
- Sailing
- White-water rafting
- Wilderness outfitters and lodges
Ottawa is home to the Ottawa Senators ice hockey team of the National Hockey League. It has a major junior ice hockey team, the Ottawa 67’s. The city also supports many athletic associations, minor leagues and casual sporting activities.
Professional Sports Team 
Additional Major Sports Organizations/Teams
Sports Associations
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