Nature looks completely different under a glittering blanket of snow. Why not strap on some snowshoes and experience Ontario Parks in a whole new way this winter?
Check out some winter parks with top-notch snowshoeing opportunities:
Pst! We recommend snowshoers stay on the trails. They’re designed to show off our parks’ picturesque spots (like the above view of Killarney’s Turtle Rock), while keeping both you and the environment safe.
Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park
West of Thunder Bay
The falls are spectacular in the winter. Enjoy the views from the boardwalks before heading out on the trails.
Explore the Mountain Portage Trail, an easy loop with excellent views of the falls, gorge, and river. For more of a challenge, try the Little Falls Trail.
Frontenac Provincial Park
North of Kingston
Nature-lovers come from around the globe to explore Frontenac Provincial Park‘s trails. Perched on the southern arm of the Canadian Shield, this park features granite outcrops, vast wetlands, scenic lakes and mixed forests.
The trail network boasts short loops for beginners, as well as 20 km+ routes for the seasoned adventurer.
Killarney Provincial Park
Southwest of Sudbury
Killarney’s iconic wilderness looks even more beautiful when blanketed in snow.
As you pass through mature pine forests, open fields and frozen marshlands, don’t forget to take a break and enjoy the serenity of this remarkable landscape.
Wasaga Beach Provincial Park
North of Barrie
Quiet winter wanderers of Wasaga Beach’s of snowshoe trails are rewarded with sights of wildlife, including white-tailed deer and winter birds. The Wasaga Beach Nordic and Trail Centre offers equipment rentals shelters to warm up a lunch on a crisp winter day.
If you are a technological snowshoe enthusiast, Wasaga Beach has trail keys throughout its trail system. Each key has a QR code that allows you to download the trail map onto your phone!
Silent Lake Provincial Park
Southwest of Bancroft
Bonnie’s Pond Hiking Trail is converted into a 3 km snowshoe trail during the winter season.
Algonquin Provincial Park
East of Huntsville
If you are trying snowshoeing for the first time, try Algonquin’s Logging Museum Trail, at Km 54.5 (Hwy 60). The trail is a loop, with a few gradual hills.
Looking for more of a challenge? Try the Hemlock Bluff trail at Km 27.2, a loop taking you to a cliff overlooking a lake.
MacGregor Point Provincial Park
Saugeen Shores on Lake Huron
Enjoy pristine views of the Ducks Unlimited Canada wetland as you snowshoe the Tower Trail at MacGregor Point. The Lake Ridge Trail offers a slightly greater challenge. This trail showcases the Nipissing bluff as it winds through a mixed forest landscape.
For the truly adventurous soul, snowshoeing through the giant snow drifts along Old Shore Road Trail is worthy of a bucket list for sure!
Lake Superior Provincial Park
The Visitor Centre, campgrounds and park roads (i.e., Mijinemungshing and Gargantua) are closed and gated. Visitors are welcome to ski, snowshoe and ice fish.
Springwater Provincial Park
North of Barrie
Spend an enjoyable day snowshoeing and wildlife viewing at Springwater.
Quetico Provincial Park
West of Thunder Bay
The Dawson Trail Campground has an excellent network of winter trails. A trail winding its way along the French Lake shoreline is a favourite with snowshoers.
Ski trails are shared trails. Snowshoers are asked to stay on the side of the groomed tracks.
Pro tip: Quetico’s three heated cabins all include two pairs of snowshoes to use during your stay. Call 1-888-668-7275 to book your trip.
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
East of Thunder Bay
Winter guests can snowshoe a variety of hiking trails while enjoying some great scenery and wildlife viewing. Popular trails include the Sea Lion, Sawyer Bay, and a portion of the Kabeyun Trail to Tee Harbour.
Pinery Provincial Park
Northwest of London
Pinery’s ungroomed trails and closed campground roadways are perfect for snowshoeing. A favourite is the Cedar Trail extension which has beautiful Lake Huron vistas.
Mashkinonje Provincial Park
Southeast of Sudbury
Mashkinonje is one of Ontario Parks’ best-kept snowshoeing secrets with 30 km of looped snowshoe trails to explore.
Bronte Creek Provincial Park
Between Oakville / Burlington
This GTA park (just minutes off the QEW) boasts 10 km of trails. Visitors take in beautiful natural landscapes and glimpse winter wildlife.
Rushing River Provincial Park
East of Kenora
Enjoy the peace and tranquility of Rushing River under a blanket of snow. Explore the park’s hiking trails by snowshoe.
Windy Lake Provincial Park
West of Sudbury
Being high on the edge of the Sudbury Basin, this park gets great snow. Windy Lake offers over 10 km of trails. One trail loops through the park on the high ground above the lakeshore, offering beautiful views. Another winds through the hilly terrain of the Onaping Falls Nordics Ski Club trails.
The club’s chalet is open weekends and offers snowshoe and ski rentals.
With all the wintry goodness, why not reserve one of Windy Lake’s heated roofed accommodations and enjoy a winter staycation?
No snowshoes?
Arrowhead, Frontenac, Pinery, Windy Lake, and Killarney rent snowshoes, and MacGregor Point sells them.