Tips from a trail manager: prepping for the perfect cross-country ski day

Ready for a day of cross country skiing? Preparing your skis properly can make a big difference in whether you have a fun outing – or a frustrating one.

Peter Crooks, the trail manager for Kamview Nordic Ski Centre in Thunder Bay, has been cross-country skiing for nearly half a century.

Here are his top 7 tips on how to “read” the snow and use the right waxes for your classic skis:

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Winter adventures at Rushing River Provincial Park

Today’s post comes from Isabella Schives, a Senior Park Clerk from Rushing River Provincial Park.

Now that the seasons have changed and snow blankets the ground, the natural beauty of this vibrant and popular summertime park takes on an incredible transformation.

Icicles begin hanging from trees and buildings, fresh snow crunches underneath your feet, and the brisk, cold air provides a refreshing feeling with every breath.

Each step takes you further away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life as you relax into the tranquility and peace of wintertime at Rushing River Provincial Park.

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Fun for all at the Sleeping Giant Loppet

Today’s post comes from Peter Gallagher, coordinator of the annual Sleeping Giant Loppet.

Looking to ski your winter blues away?

The annual Sleeping Giant Loppet is a mass participation cross-country skiing festival on the spectacular trail system of Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.

The Loppet is a longstanding winter tradition for many northwestern Ontario families. Mark your calendars: the 44th edition of the event is on Saturday, March 4, 2023!

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Health benefits of cross-country skiing

Staying active in the winter isn’t always easy. For some of us, it’s tempting to stay in, cuddle up, and spend the long winter months binging Netflix under a warm blanket.

Cross-country skiing boasts a wide array of benefits for your physical and mental health. Here’s why you should strap on some skis and spend your winter gliding through frozen forests and snow-covered trails:

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Who’s the Big A?

This one’s been brewing for a while.

An epic showdown.

A frosty rivalry.

A battle between wintry giants.

Finally, we put the question to you, our visitors: which park, Algonquin Provincial Park or Arrowhead Provincial Park, is the winter destination park in the region?

Which one deserves the title of The Big A?

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Winter adventures at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park

With its breathtaking, snow-covered landscapes and kilometres of ski trails for all skill levels, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park stands out in northwestern Ontario as a snowy paradise.

Here are four awesome reasons to visit this winter wonderland, only an hour east of Thunder Bay:

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Your guide to winter yurt and cabin camping

So, you still haven’t had enough of the outdoors, even though winter has arrived?

Neither have we!

Day-tripping to your favourite park is a great way to get outside, but maybe you’ve decided to try an overnight stay in the winter. Great choice!

Yurt and cabins are a popular way to experience winter at Ontario Parks. Stay warm and cozy while you enjoy all a park has to offer in the winter, from watching early morning sunlight reach across fresh snow, to skiing or snowshoeing through the forest as the snowflakes drift down.

Here’s everything you need to know for your winter adventure.

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10 ways to enjoy winter at Quetico

Today’s post comes from Quetico Superintendent Trevor Gibb.

Quetico Provincial Park is primarily known for its world class backcountry canoeing opportunities.

However, once the lakes freeze and snow blankets the forest, the park transforms into a wilderness winter wonderland.

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