The University of Ottawa’s International Office and the National Capital Commission recently enabled dozens of students from the four corners of the world to brave freezing temperatures for their initiation into the joys of the Canadian winter and the unmissable experience of Gatineau Park.
“I’ve never seen so much snow!” Estela Garcia from Spain declared. Anne-Cécile Raymond and Charlotte Raulin, from France, were just as enthusiastic. “This is the first time we have gone snowshoeing and we loved it! We are here to find out about Canada and make the most of the winter, with all we have heard of everything there is to do here. We even slept in a tepee yesterday!”
After a general presentation at the Visitors’ Centre on the Park and winter sports, the participants went outside for some snowshoeing on the surrounding trails. With a National Capital Commission employee as their guide, the international students were awestruck by the wondrous landscapes and received lots of information about the fauna and flora which inhabit the Park and Canada as a whole.
Before taking the bus back to the University, the students warmed up with a well-deserved cup of hot chocolate.
For anyone who is interested, the fifth edition of this popular activity will take place on Tuesday, February 7. A few places are still available. Please contact the International Office’s reception (room M386, Tabaret Hall) to sign up for just $5. You will also find more information on the Facebook page.
***
If you know a student who has done something interesting and who would be willing to share his or her story with the University community, please contact Nadia Gervais, E-Communications Officer.
