The charming snow bears have made their annual return to the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail in Ottawa, much to the delight of the community. For skiers, snowshoers, and walkers exploring the Kitchissippi woods, the reappearance of these whimsical sculptures signals a beloved winter tradition is in full swing.
The Bear Lady's Winter Mission
Created by Westboro resident and semi-retired artist Maggie Glossop, known affectionately as the "Bear Lady," the sculptures have become a fixture of the local landscape for approximately nine years. Glossop places many of her creations along the trail just west of the Champlain Bridge underpass. Some bears return to the same spot each season, a familiar sight that brings comfort. "It’s like seeing an old friend, and that’s always fun," Glossop remarked.
This season's installation required determination. On the afternoon of Monday, January 3, 2026, after a bout of freezing rain ended, Glossop worked diligently to position both old favorites and new creations. She described the process as working like a "busy beaver." The weather has posed a significant challenge this year. Despite ample snowfall in Ottawa over the past month, conditions have been less than ideal for bear-making.
"It’s not been a great year," Glossop admitted. The snow has often been too cold, white, light, and fluffy to pack effectively. For perfect bear-building, she needs temperatures close to 0°C or slightly above to achieve the right snow consistency.
Origins and Evolution of a Trail Tradition
The snow bear tradition is intrinsically linked to the trail's own history. Glossop's brother, Peter Edmison, was one of the instigators behind creating a wooded path alongside the river trail, offering a warmer, wind-blocked alternative. Once the trail was established, Edmison suggested they build a snowman or something similar to welcome visitors.
Glossop embraced the idea, drawing from a past experience making a large snow dog with her grandchildren. That project ended humorously when they discovered other dogs had used it as a landmark. This led to a key design principle: any sculpture for the public trail must be placed above "dog height," which is why the bears are often nestled in trees or on stumps.
The forest itself has shaped the bears' placement over time. The devastation caused by the Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive beetle, has led to the loss of many ash trees. This forces Glossop to constantly scout for new, stable locations among the changing woodland. "There are a lot of down trees in the woods, I’m finding that old trees are not there anymore or in different locations, so I find new places for new bears," she explained.
Community Favorites and Personal Joy
One particularly cherished bear has made a comeback this year. First created during the pandemic, it was originally known as "Captain COVID" or "Bench Bear." It stood behind a bench, pointing to each end to indicate social distancing. This season, due to snow conditions, it returns as a smaller bear sitting directly on the bench, continuing to bring smiles to trail users.
For Glossop, the project is a profound source of personal fulfillment. "It gives me a reason to be outside," she said. While she enjoys walks with friends, the solitary activity of bear-making draws her into the peaceful woods, where she often feeds chickadees, cardinals, and woodpeckers that gather around her. The snow bears, therefore, are more than just sculptures; they are a testament to community spirit, artistic perseverance, and the simple joy of connecting with nature during an Ottawa winter.
