- Dates: February 10-23, 2026
- Canada: Gatineau, Quebeci province
- USA: Hayward, Wisconsin state
- Gatineau Loppet: 27 km / 53 km free and classic technique
- American Birkebeiner: 29 km classic and free technique / 53 km classic / 50 km free
The group is currently full.
Please register for the waiting list, we’ll let you know right away if a spot opens up for you.
If you’re traveling to the other side of the world, why not make the most of it with multiple skiing experiences in one go? Our USA-Canada ski tour brings together the most popular ski marathons from both countries, all part of the prestigious Worldloppet series.
For passionate skiers, this could also be a milestone event—the moment of becoming a Worldloppet Master! To earn this title, you must complete at least one of the ten required marathons on a different continent.
Trip itinerary
Our flight from Tallinn departs on February 10, taking us to New York, where we will spend one day before continuing by car to Ottawa, Canada. On February 14 and 15, we will participate in the marathon events. The day before the marathons will be dedicated to exploring Ottawa – we will go ice skating on the world’s largest natural rink, the Rideau Canal, and visit the Canadian Museum of Civilization.
The next day, after the Gatineau Loppet, we will travel to Toronto, where we will visit the CN Tower and Niagara Falls.
By the evening of February 17, we will arrive in Chicago, where new travel companions who have chosen the American Birkebeiner-only package will join us. The following day will be spent exploring Chicago.
Next, we head to the Birkebeiner Marathon in the state of Wisconsin, arriving on February 19. This is the largest marathon in North America and the third-largest in the world by the number of participants. Marathon days in the United States are February 20 and 21. The day after the marathons, on February 22, we will return to Chicago to catch our flight back to Tallinn.
Entry to the United States requires an ESTA travel authorization, which must be completed individually at least two months before departure. The ESTA fee is $21. To apply, click HERE. Registered participants will receive detailed instructions and necessary information for completing the ESTA application.
Gatineau Loppet, Canada
The Gatineau Loppet takes place in Gatineau Park, just a 15-minute drive from Ottawa. Both the classic and freestyle races are 50 km long, following a point-to-point course. The finish line is at Mont-Bleu Sports Center, where you can cross it with pride.
For those looking for shorter distances, Gatineau also offers a 27 km classic race on Saturday and a 27 km freestyle race on Sunday.
American Birkebeiner
The American Birkebeiner is the largest marathon in North America and the third-largest in the world. The course runs up and down across highly varied terrain. The trail, which is up to 20 meters wide in some sections, winds through beautiful North American forest landscapes. Alongside the climbs, skiers can also enjoy longer descents.
The classic Birkebeiner course is 53 km, while the freestyle course is 50 km. These ski races take place on February 21, but on the previous day, there is also an opportunity to participate in 29 km ski marathons in both techniques.
All races, both shorter and longer distances, count toward the Worldloppet ski passport.
Accommodation
We have selected hotels in prime locations in New York City (NYC), Ottawa, Niagara Falls, and Chicago. All accommodations are in the heart of each city, within walking distance of major attractions. Breakfast is included in all hotels.
In NYC, we will stay at Hampton Inn by Hilton, located right in the heart of Manhattan, at Times Square. Famous movie locations, entertainment, and shopping opportunities are all within reach. In Ottawa, Canada, we will stay at Homewood Suites by Hilton Ottawa Downtown, centrally located just 500 meters from Parliament Hill and within 2 km of ByWard Market and the Rideau Canal.
At Niagara Falls, you can admire the breathtaking waterfalls right from your hotel window, as we will be staying at Hyatt Place Niagara Falls, just 250 meters from Niagara Falls State Park. In Chicago, our accommodation is the high-quality RIU Plaza Hotel, also centrally located. A short walk will take you to Millennium Park, the Magnificent Mile shopping streets, and other key city attractions.
One trip, many experiences
This journey takes us through two different Canadian provinces and eight U.S. states. Along the way, we will see three of the Great Lakes.
Up to four marathons
You have the opportunity to participate in up to four marathons, but you can also choose to do just two. All races are part of the Worldloppet series.
Simple and convenient
A fully organized trip! Everything you need—and more—is taken care of, so you can enjoy a stress-free skiing holiday.
Package options
You can choose between several trip packages. One with participation in Gatineau Loppet and American Birkebeiner or the second one only with participation in American Birkebeiner.
Also your package is created based on your starting point – if you are departing from Tallinn, Estonia, you can choose a full package that includes flight tickets. In case you are traveling from another country, please arrange your own flights and choose the most suitable meeting point in the registration form (Helsinki, New York City or Chicago). Specific meeting times will be shared with registered participants.
Package number 1
February 10-23: Participation in Gatineau Loppet and American Birkebeiner.
- Flight tickets: Tallinn – New York – Chicago – Tallinn
- Accommodation in twin room for 12 nights with breakfast
- Local transportation
- Ski gear transport
- Travel organization service and a supportive group leader
- Pre-trip consultation
Package prices:
Full package with flights from Tallinn, Estonia: 2685 EUR / early bird price 2585 EUR.
Package without flights: 1925 EUR / early bird price 1850 EUR.
The package price does not include the marathon participation fee, which will be added according to the selected marathons and distances. If you choose a package without flights, you can mark your preferred meeting point (Helsinki or New York City JFK airport) in registration form.
Early bird price applies, if you register before July 10, 2025 (incl.).
Package number 2
February 17-23: Join the group later and participate in the American Birkebeiner.
- Flight tickets: Tallinn – Chicago – Tallinn
- Accommodation in twin room for 5 nights with breakfast
- Local transportation
- Ski gear transport
- Travel organization service and a supportive group leader
- Pre-trip consultation
Package prices:
Full package with flights from Tallinn, Estonia: 1955 EUR / early bird price 1855 EUR.
Package without flights: 1225 EUR / early bird price 1130 EUR.
The package price does not include the marathon participation fee, which will be added according to the selected marathons and distances. If you choose a package without flights, you can choose your preferred meeting point (Helsinki or Chicago airport) in registration form.
Early bird price applies, if you register before July 10, 2025 (incl.).
Additional costs to consider: lunches and dinners, ESTA or visa fee for traveling to the USA, ski waxing, entrance tickets to museums and attractions, insurance (both travel disruption and health insurance), post-trip services (if needed), local public transportation tickets (if necessary).
Flexible payment options: After registration, we will send you the booking invoice (€600 per person), which confirms your travel spot. You can choose how to pay the remaining balance of the travel package on the registration form: you can pay the full amount in one installment 40 days before the trip or in two installments. In the two-installment option, 50% of the cost is due 75 days before the trip, and the remaining amount is due 40 days before the trip.
Group leader Jüri Marcinkevicz
Jüri is an active sport enthusiast whose experience includes over 150 international marathons in various sports (skiing, running, mountain biking, road cycling, and more). He is not driven by achievements, but by the experience of pushing his limits and the opportunity to discover different countries through active movement. He definitely has a lot of tips and useful recommendations to share.
The group is currently full.
Please register for the waiting list, we’ll let you know right away if a spot opens up for you.
