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Cottage Life

Enjoy happy hour with your pup at these pet-friendly restaurants and patios in cottage country

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We know docktails are an easy happy hour choice, but some beautiful summer days call for venturing into town to enjoy a patio. The hardest part? Figuring out what to do with your pup. We’ve rounded up a few pet-friendly restaurants and patios in cottage country so you never have to leave Fido back at the cottage again. Grab the leash, and let’s go.

El Pueblito in Bracebridge, Ont.

Bring your pooch to El Pueblito’s patio to indulge in delicious and authentic Mexican food like tostadas, tacos, and mole poblano. It’s open Tuesday through to Saturday from 3:00 to 9:30 p.m. While you’re there, make sure to keep your pup on a leash, and bring a water bowl for those hot, sunny days. 

Frosty Pint Pub in Gravenhurst, Ont.

Grab your furry friend (both cats and dogs!) and head down to the Frosty Pint Pub, Gravenhurst’s trendiest pub patio, open all year. Enjoy pub fare and local music events while sipping on what Frosty’s calls “beer so cold, it’s hard to hold!” 

Sawdust City Brewing Co. in Gravenhurst, Ont.

If you’re a beer enthusiast, you won’t want to skip out on Sawdust City Brewing Co’s pet-friendly restaurant and patio when the warm weather arrives. Not only do they brew their beer in-house, but they also offer cider, plus craft cocktails from Georgian Bay Spirit Co. 

Bonus: this brewery is a huge supporter of our furry friends and holds events in support of shelters like Carter’s Rescue in Dogtober. Stay tuned for when their patio opens. 

Carey’s Irish Pub in Gravenhurst, Ont.

Carey’s Irish Pub claims to have the best wings in town—but we’ll let you and your pup be the judge of that when you visit their outdoor patio. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., stop by and check out the features that rotate each week.

On the Docks in Huntsville, Ont. 

For a waterfront experience in the heart of downtown Huntsville, check out On the Docks when the weather gets warm. Enjoy the largest selection of draught beers or try a dish off of their ‘no fry’ menu while you and your dog soak up the sun on the lower deck patio. Open every day from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Plan ahead of time because it’s walk-ins only.

The Bobcaygeon Inn Restaurant in Bobcaygeon, Ont.

The Bobcaygeon Inn Restaurant welcomes you and your furry friends to the largest waterfront patio in the Kawarthas everyday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Enjoy fish and chips, hamburgers, and hand-cut fries on their private dock with a garden. 

Murphy’s Lockside Pub and Patio in Kawartha Lakes, Ont. 

Murphy’s Lockside Pub and Patio is no stranger to the pups in the area and always invites furry friends to enjoy a cold one (a cold bowl of water, that is!) on their patio in the spring and summer. Enjoy this fun and casual spot right on Lock 34 and taste their rotating special or brunch on the weekends. 

Quayle’s Brewery in Coldwater, Ont. 

For a unique, all-year experience, head down to Qualye’s Brewery, which has outdoor seating for you and your pooch from Thursday to Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. or 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Not only will you drink the beer at the farm where the hops are grown, but you’ll have a blast attending their family-friendly events. Plus, they offer jumbo pretzels, charcuterie boards, and soup and sandwich combos when you need a salty snack from all the sun. 

Carthew Bay Pub & Scoops in Orillia, Ont. 

Cool down in the summers at Carthew Bay Pub & Scoops with some ice cream, a cold one, and a pup cup for your furry friend. And, if you need a bigger bite to eat come lunch or happy hour, grab some chicken tenders or fish and chips here too. 

Tailwinds Georgian Bay in Parry Sound, Ont. 

Don’t miss out on Tailwinds Georgian Bay in Parry Sound. This pet-friendly restaurant has waterfront views and a wraparound patio for you and your four-legged friend to sit back and relax seven days a week, from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Enjoy a variety of vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options. Plus, catch the float plane landing out back. 

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15 maple syrup festivals and events you don’t want to miss

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What better way to spend the tail end of winter than by making your way through all the maple syrup events happening across Ontario? There’s an abundance of sugar bush farms with mouthwatering treats to sample, which means there’s no shortage of maple-themed fun to be had. 

Whether you’re a die-hard syrup enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out, there’s sure to be a festival or event near you. Dive into our list of the top 15 maple syrup events across Ontario and start planning your next sweet adventure today.

Tap into Maple in Orillia & Lake County 

Hit up the maple syrup trail in Central Ontario from March 3 to April 2 to visit some of the best maple syrup producers in Orillia, Oro-Medonte, Rama, Ramara, and Severn. With over 20 locations and 10 maple syrup producers, there will be sweet treats and maple-inspired cuisine and experiences.

Check out this handy map to plan your journey. 

Maple Madness 2023 at Cataraqui Conservation in Kingston Ont. 

Time to gear up for the 40th anniversary of Maple Madness. Sign up online to participate in the March Break events or visit the Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area each weekend, starting on March 4. You can take a tractor ride to the sugar bush and learn how to make maple syrup before sampling the sweets and stacks of freshly made pancakes. 

Activities run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and self-guided tours are also available. Register online today. 

Pefferlaw Creek Farms 2023 Maple Weekends

You’re in luck this year because Pefferlaw Creek is not only having one but eight weekends of sugar shack fun, plus tapping tours and hiking from March 4 to April 23. 

You don’t need to book ahead, but you do need to bring your appetite—Pefferlaw Creek Farms will serve a delicious pancake breakfast and many samplings on weekends. Admission is $5 per person or $20 for a family. Forest trails will close at 5 p.m.

Ferme Proulx et Érablière in Ottawa

Satisfy your sweet tooth all season long with a visit to Ferme Proulx et Érablière—festivities start March 5. You can partake in outdoor farm activities and sugar bush visits from 9 to 5 p.m. and enjoy smores kits and snacks alongside a pancake breakfast.

Virtual tours are available Tuesday to Thursday between March 1 to April 14. Call 613-833-2417 or email info@proulxfarm.com to reserve.

Maple Magic at Regal Point Elk Farm

Join the Rotary Club of Wiarton on the weekends of March 18 and 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a full day of food and fun. From fresh pancake meals and maple taffy on snow to activities and an elk tour, there is something for the whole family to enjoy. 

Stop by 462081 Concession 24 in Georgian Bluffs and bring a donation to enter, which helps support the Rotary Club and more events throughout the year. 

32nd Annual Sweetwater Harvest Weekends at Wyemarsh in Midland, Ont. 

What’s better than one weekend of festivities? Two weekends, of course! Head to Wyemarsh on March 18, 19, 25, and 26 to learn about the history of local Indigenous People’s traditional maple syrup-making practices and check out live historical demonstrations after you and the family wonder through the sugar bush, snacking on some liquid gold along the way. 

Purchase tickets through Eventbrite, and come early because there’s limited parking. 

Annual Kemble Maple Syrup Tour at Kemble, Sarawak & Zion Keppel United Churches 

Stamp your maple syrup passport by touring six local maple syrup operations on April 1 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Kemble, Ont. Munch down on a maple-themed meal at Kemble-Sarawak United Church from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., making room for Belgian waffles, local maple syrup, baked beans, coleslaw, and peameal bacon. 

Pick up your passport ahead of time at Kemble Post Office, Josie’s Fashions in Wiarton, Bayshore Country Feeds in Owen Sound, or Balmy Beach Convenience from March 4 to 25—get yours soon because space is limited.

Maple Sugar Festival at Brooks Farms

Need March Break plans? Take that sweet tooth to Brooks Farms and devour a delicious pancake breakfast, followed by a sugar bush tour every day over the break. (Tours are available throughout the day.) You’ll also have the chance to hop on a wagon ride, warm up at the campfire, and sample different maple syrup products.

Get your Maple Sugar Festival tickets here. 

Elmira Maple Syrup Festival

Join the Elmira community for a full day of demonstrations, activities, and pancakes with maple syrup (or maple syrup with a side of pancake) on April 1. Take a bus ride to explore the nearby sugar bushes to find out how to tap maple trees, collect the sap, and prepare it for tasting. 

Before the event, grab an Elmira maple syrup festival sap pail for $10 by contacting Kyle Bosomworth at 226-979-9146. 

Spring Tonic Maple Syrup Festival at Tiffin Centre for Conservation and Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Area

Check out the Spring Tonic Festival on April 1 and 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to catch a historical demonstration comparing how Indigenous People first maple syrup to how farmers make it today. Leave room for a yummy pancake and sausage breakfast with fresh syrup, and take part in various activities like a horse-drawn wagon ride. 

Download the self-guided maple syrup tour on your phone to explore Tiffin Conservation Area’s sugar bush.

Maple Grove Syrup Tours in Severn

You won’t want to miss the self-guided sugar bush tour, family-friendly activities and lots of maple syrup tastings at the Maple Grove Syrup Tours on April 1 and 2 at 2448 Burnside Line. 

Lunch and refreshments will be provided, along with a demonstration of turning sap into syrup. Grab your tickets on the website today. 

Belmore Maple Syrup Festival at Belmore Community Centre

After a three-year hiatus, Belmore Maple Syrup Festival is back and ready to welcome everyone with a pancake breakfast, live music, craft show, and kid’s room on April 6 and 8. Don’t forget to take a peak at the outdoor maple syrup demonstration. 

Grab your tickets at the door—children under five are free. All events are wheelchair accessible. 

Maple in Muskoka on Huntsville’s Main Street

It’s back again! On April 29, Maple in Muskoka is bringing the community together to celebrate the maple harvest from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entry is free and the day will be packed with a maple marketplace, game zone, live music, drumming circle, busker square, a Rotary Pancake Breakfast and more.

Stay the whole weekend and explore the Muskoka Maple Trail on your own, too!

Festival of the Maples in Perth, Ont.

Head on over to the Festival of the Maples on Saturday, April 29, to visit local vendors and sample all the tasty treats that Eastern Ontario offers. Enjoy a full day of entertainment, awards, and the sap-tapping and wood cookie competition.

Catch King of Swingers, Duke LeBold, and Jonathan Cao performing on the street and stock up on maple products to use in future recipes.

Elmvale Maple Syrup Festival 

If you need an excuse to eat more maple syrup, visit Elmvale’s Maple Syrup Festival on Saturday, April 29, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. All proceeds go to schools, music programs for children, and more. 

While you’re there, check out the Arts, Craft, and Quits Show, take your shot at the Annual Log Sawing Competition, stuff yourself full during the Pancake Eating contest, shop at the local vendors, and join in on the local tours.

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Try these accessible hiking trails across Canada

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The outdoors are for everyone, and there’s no shortage of trails across the country with accessibility features. From a salt marsh on the East Coast to a winding boardwalk through coastal rainforest, here are some must-do accessible hikes across Canada.

*Please keep in mind that some of these trails may not be as accessible (or at all) in the winter or early spring months.

Before you head out

  • In most provincial and federal parks, interpretive signs have braille. However, this may not be the case for every trail. Using the Open Government Portal, you can search “tactile maps” for an extensive library of maps that include accessibility features. 
  • Parks Canada also has detailed information on accessible camping, broken down by National Park—each link gives more details about the accessibility features at each park.
  • There are organizations across Canada that facilitate outdoor experiences for people living with disabilities, such as Rocky Mountain Adaptive or Recreation Nova Scotia. 
  • Both the Ontario Trails Council and Parks Canada keep an extensive list of accessible trails and central services, like BC Disability, Champlain Health Line (Ontario), or the Active Living Alliance (national). These provide information about local chapters and groups that facilitate outdoor recreation for people with disabilities. 

Ontario

Visa Trail at Dundas Valley 

Partial wheelchair access—Mostly soil surface

Located in Hamilton Region’s beautiful Dundas Valley Conservation Area, Vista Trail delivers on views, as per its name. An admission fee covers the other 40-plus kilometres of trails available.

Humber Arboretum & West Humber River Valley

Complete wheelchair access—Paved surface

Part of Toronto’s larger Discovery Walk, this 10-kilometre section of trail takes you through the beautiful Humber Arboretum, some ornamental gardens, and ecologically sensitive forests protected by the Toronto Conservation Authority. 

Rockwood Conservation Area Trails near Guelph

Partial wheelchair access—Soil and boardwalk surfaces

Located in Guelph Region, visitors love this area for the beautiful, diverse views on a network of well-trodden trails. In the winter, the trails are usually free (as the gatehouse is often closed), but in spring and summer, there’s a fee of $7 per person. 

Spruce Bog Boardwalk in Algonquin Park

Complete wheelchair access—Soil and boardwalk surfaces

A boardwalk trail means no worrying about muddy, wet, or otherwise unfavourable conditions to trod through—no wonder this trail is a favourite in Algonquin Park. This 1.5 km loop shows off—as per the name—two typical Northern spruce bogs.

Balsam Lake Lookout Trail in the Kawarthas

Partial wheelchair access—Soil and boardwalk surfaces

A lovely trail in the Kawarthas, Balsam Lake is popular for the fact that it shows off several landscapes: a cedar swamp, a deciduous forest, and an open meadow that’s breathtaking in the spring. Please note that this trail is subject to seasonal closures if the conditions become too difficult; check before you go. 

Millenium Trail

Complete wheelchair access—Soil and boardwalk surfaces

Known for its “emerald” forest and lake scenery, the Millenium Trail near Petawawa in the Ottawa Valley packs a punch. Interpretive signs along the way and some unique traditional structures make this a great outdoor museum-style experience.

Western Canada

Sundance Canyon Trail in Banff

Partial wheelchair access —Soil and paved surfaces

With the majority of this trail being on a paved road, it’s a great option of decent length in the heart of Banff National Park. It’s wheelchair accessible until you approach the canyon, where there’s a short, steeper loop that involves some climbing and brings you closer toward it.

Lake Annette Loop in Jasper National Park

Complete wheelchair access—Soil and paved surfaces

Jasper National Park is home to some of the most stunning nature in Alberta, and Lake Anette is no exception. This short, mostly paved path offers a great view of Lake Anette, and hikers also love it as a picnic spot. 

Elbow Falls Loop & Recreation Area in Kananaskis

Complete wheelchair access—Paved surface (*on main trail)

While crowds flock to Banff National Park, Kananaskis often has fewer people, and locals love the area for its quiet, rugged beauty. Elbow Falls is a great spot for a picnic, with a path along the river with views of the rushing water.

Inland Lake Trail in Powell River

Partial wheelchair access—Paved, soil and boardwalk surfaces

Best used in the late spring or summer, this lovely 12-kilometre trail in beautiful Powell River winds around a gorgeous lake. The trail features many spots to dip in and cool off and can be made as long or short as you like. 

Grasslands Loop in Kamloops

Partial wheelchair access—Soil and gravel surfaces

The unique topography of this region often flies under the radar compared to the sea and soaring mountains of B.C., but there’s a unique beauty in the more arid areas of the province, as showcased in this short Kamloops trail. Note that the terrain can get muddy when wet, and some parts can be grown in with weeds and tall grasses. 

Shorepine Bog Trail in Tofino

Partial wheelchair access—Boardwalk surface (*boardwalk can be narrow and uneven at points)

Beautiful Tofino has no shortage of stunning views, and the Shorepine Bog Trail—which has boardwalks constructed throughout to keep you off the perpetually wet ground—is a great option! At just under one kilometre, this easy trail dips you right into the unique coastal rainforest environment of the area. 

Valley Trail in Whistler

Complete wheelchair access—Paved and boardwalk surfaces

An excellent way to see both the village of Whistler and its surrounding beauty, the Valley Trail is a dedicated car-free path looping through the area that is paved, with some bridges and boardwalks along the way. 

Northstar Rails to Trails, Kimberley to Cranbrook

Complete wheelchair access – Paved and soil surfaces

A 25-kilometre adventure between the cities of Kimberley and Cranbrook, this trail is an awesome bucket-list item that offers unmatched views. Popular with hikers and cyclists, the trail gets its name from the fact that it makes use of decommissioned railway lines to connect the two mountain towns. 

East Coast

The Bog Trail in Cape Breton National Park

Complete wheelchair access—Boardwalk surface

The Cabot Trail is a bucket list item for the East Coast, and this boardwalk is a great go-to loop. If you’re lucky, you’ll have a chance to see some unique wildlife in the region, such as colourful dragonflies, green frogs, and even moose.

Salt Marsh Trail in Cole Harbour

Complete wheelchair access—Paved and boardwalk surfaces

Popular in this region, the Salt Marsh Trail will have you feeling like you’re part of this unique habitat, with a paved road and boardwalk that gives you a panoramic view of the marsh. 

North Beach at Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park

Complete wheelchair access—Ramp/boardwalk surface (*does not encompass whole beach area)

Getting to sea level to be among the stunning Hopewell Rocks was once only possible by a long staircase, but a wheelchair-accessible ramp was built a few years ago, allowing users to enjoy the natural beauty up close.

Gulf Shore Way East & West in Prince Edward Island National Park

Complete Wheelchair Access—Boardwalk and paved surfaces

These trails encompass a 10-kilometre paved pathway that offers unparalleled views of the North Shore of P.E.I., where you’ll catch sights like the red sandstone cliffs of Cavendish, the Covehead lighthouse, and numerous beaches that are popular for swimming. 

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Amazon Prime Early Access Sale deals for your next movie night

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Do you love spending quiet cottage nights huddled around your favourite family movies? It’s time to up your cottage movie night experience—all you need is a few of our picks from the Amazon Prime Early Access Sale. Whether it’s a projector to set up a big screen outside for summer viewing or blankets and snacks for a movie marathon, these special deals will make the ultimate movie night. Here are our Amazon Prime Early Access Sale movie night picks:

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Cottage Life

Everything you have to do this fall

Photo by Jenny Bertrand

Looking for something to do this weekend? Fall is one of the best seasons to get out and explore—everything is a little less busy than summertime, and the weather is always refreshing. Whether you want to see the leaves changing colour, pick a pumpkin, or eat a delicious butter tart, we’ve rounded up our favourite fall activities for you.

Go apple picking at one of these orchards

Visit a cranberry bog

Head to a pumpkin patch

Visit one of Canada’s spookiest destinations

Go to a fall fair

Drive to see the fall foliage

Go on a butter tart driving tour

Or head to one of the best bakeries

Spend the cool fall morning in a cozy coffee shop

Grab a donut to go with your coffee

Head out for a hike in Muskoka

Explore caves and grottos

Take a canoeing trip in Algonquin

Enjoy one of cottage country’s best sandwiches

Eat an ooey-gooey hot cinnamon bun

Spend a rainy day at an antique store

Grab your bike and hit some trails

Catch a fall sunset—the colours are gorgeous

Pick up some fish and chips

Pack up for a multi-day hike

Or just head out for a day hike

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Cottage Life

Get your sugar rush at these cottage-country candy stores

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When you’re stocking up on treats for the cottage, is candy on your list? Because we think it should be. After all, life is pretty sweet at the cottage, and your snacks should reflect that. Here are some of our favourite candy stores in Ontario to grab some sugary goodness.

The Candy Shoppe, Orillia

There used to be bright, colourful outlets of this popular spot on both sides of Highway 11, but the shop reduced its footprint to the southbound side only. (If you’re heading north but still want a sugar fix, there’s a turnaround just past the Tim Horton’s on the north side of 11 and another turnaround just south of the store to get going north again.) The Candy Shoppe sells candy, of course, and lots of it, but they also have collectibles of all shapes, sizes and materials. And really, who doesn’t want to combine a pit stop with candy and toys?

The Rideau Candy Shoppe, Perth

This popular spot in downtown Perth has something for everyone: British candies, Japanese candies, Easter baskets, gummies galore—not to mention cotton candy and ice cream. Many of the treats are made in-house, including custom-designed candy bars and favours for all sorts of special days. And for those who like the sweet without the sugar, there’s a generous selection of sugar-free candies as well.

Boo-Bah-Lou Candy Corner, Kagawong, Manitoulin Island

Candies from all over the world—think tons of flavours of KitKat bars—and a generous helping of nostalgia make Boo-Bah-Lou a popular place on the Island. In case you don’t feel like hyping your kids up on sugar, the shop also has a nice selection of toys. Stymied by all the choices? Let the friendly, helpful staff make some recommendations—after all, they’re candy experts.

The Nutty Chocolatier, Huntsville (and other locations)

Handmade truffles, candies, and fudge are the Nutty Chocolatier’s stock-in-trade, but there’s lots more to this Huntsville spot. Feel like jelly beans? They have pretty much every flavour available by the scoop. Have a craving for nostalgic candies like Nerds? They’ve got you covered. If the sugar isn’t enough to pep you up, they also serve coffee and other hot drinks.

Sweet Retro-Spect, Dunnville

Being a kid in a candy store is easy at Sweet Retro-Spect—even if you’re, ahem, on the older side. Maybe it’s the pink popcorn—one of 34 different popcorn flavours on offer. Maybe it’s the selection of candies from the age of ’80s neon, like Pop Rocks, WarHeads, and Laffy Taffy. Or maybe it’s the selection of Peeps—everything from classic yellow to chocolate-dipped. Regardless, you’re pretty much guaranteed to come out of Sweet Retro-Spect feeling several years younger. And sweeter.

Tastely Box, Apsley

Tastely Box has a storefront in Apsley where you can browse their wares in person (although it may be limited to curbside pick-up as pandemic restrictions change), but they also shine online, creating curated boxes of candy from Japan, Mexico, the UK, and other spots around the world. Feeling adventurous? Try one of their Mystery Boxes—you may not know what you’re going to get, but you can bet it will be sweet.

The Tobermory Sweet Shop, Tobermory

When you open the Tobermory Sweet Shop’s website, the first thing you see is an enormous, close-up picture of what looks like the most delectable caramel corn ever. Go, now. This spot specializes in handmade brittle, caramel corn, fudge and chocolate—so whether you’re feeling like something chocolatey or just sweet, you’ll find it. They’ve also got ice cream—a perfect treat to enjoy as you watch the boats in Little Tub Harbour.

Candy Safari, Port Colborne

Located with a great view of the Welland Canal, Candy Safari is the perfect place to pick up some sweet treats and watch the ships as they make their way up or down the canal. Kids born in the ’80s will appreciate the selection of nostalgic toys and candy, including Strawberry Shortcake dolls, AirHeads, and Big League Chew. And since Candy Safari was named Niagara’s number one spot for ice cream, it would also be a shame to stop by and not indulge in one of their Kawartha Dairy flavours.

Out-of-province special mention:

Anne of Green Gables Chocolates, Charlottetown, PEI

A little further afield is the lovely Anne of Green Gables Chocolates in, you guessed it, Charlottetown, PEI. There are many treats with an Anne twist to choose from here, including Cow Chips (chocolate-covered potato chips), chocolate-covered gummy lobsters, and, of course, raspberry cordial. Add to those a whole selection of handmade chocolates, and all your sweet needs will be met—even if your name isn’t Anne.

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Cottage Life

Ice skating trails to lace up and try this winter

Photo by Karen Burgess/Shutterstock

Though skating has always been a staple winter pastime, skate trails—areas carved out within natural environments—have become popular in recent years, especially in cottage country. And for a good reason, skating through a forest covered in a dusting of snow makes for an idyllic winter experience. The options on this list are public skating areas, but if you’re looking to skate on the lake right outside your door, be sure to brush up on how to do so safely.

Patinage en Foret, Lac Des Loups, Que.

About an hour’s drive from Ottawa, this skating trail is a popular winter day trip. The name ‘skating through the forest’ is apt, as you weave in and out of tall trees, making it feel like a magical winter wonderland. You can buy either a daily pass or season’s pass, and prices vary based on age and group size.

RiverOak skating trail, Ottawa, Ont.

A beautiful location within Ottawa’s city limits, RiverOak is a year-round event venue hosting weddings, conferences and more. It’s located on a small waterway that makes for the perfect skating loop in the winter. The trail is shorter than other places on this list, so it’s a good option for youngsters and beginners.

Arrowhead Ice Skating Trail, Huntsville, Ont.

This is a classic if you’re familiar with the area! Arrowhead Provincial Park has great offerings for skating and other winter activities like cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. This popular spot gets very busy, especially on weekends, so make sure to plan and check conditions beforehand.

MacGregor Point Provincial Park, Port Elgin, Ont.

Billed as a ‘best kept’ winter secret, this 400-metre skating trail near the shores of Lake Huron is an easy getaway that can accommodate skaters at all levels. There are trail lights used at night so that you can skate until as late as 10 p.m. There’s also a large ice hockey area and warming huts for when you need some rest.

Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh trail, Bala, Ont.

You may be familiar with this cranberry marsh as a popular fall activity in Muskoka, but did you know the farm also has a skating trail come winter? This 1.2-kilometre loop takes you around the 12 acres of cranberries and its surrounding forest. Weather permitting, the trail lights up with 400 tiki torches for what’s known as a ‘Light the Night’ skate each Saturday.

Kivi Park, Sudbury, Ont.

While this all-season park is known for its Nordic skiing, it unveiled a skating trail called Nina’s Way Skating Path this past season. A 1.3-kilometre long trail that loops through the park’s tall birch trees, the path is open at night and lit up, and there are skate rentals and warming cabins on site.

Lake Louise, Alba.

Although it takes place on an open lake rather than a trail, we couldn’t talk about the best winter skating spots without naming the beautiful, iconic Lake Louise. Skating on the lake typically starts around mid-December, but always be sure to check conditions in advance. You can also skate at night for an even more magical experience.

Fort Whyte Alive, Winnipeg, Man.

This large, impressive nature area transforms into a winter paradise each year, with skating, snowshoeing, and hiking available. There is a fee for day-use of the site and a check-in spot where you can find ice trail conditions and the best options for your group and experience level.

Lake Windermere Whiteway, Invermere, B.C.

Clocking in at 29.98 kilometres, this ice skating trail is the longest in the world! Not sure if you can skate that  far? The track is also open to cross-country skiers and skate skiing. There are three entry points to the Whiteway with maps and a donation box: at Kinsmen beach in Invermere, Invermere Bay Condos, and at Windermere Beach.

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Cottage Life

The most beautiful day hikes across Canada

Photo by Michael L Brown/Shutterstock

The arrival of cooler temperatures across the country means perfect hiking weather, not to mention colourful, vibrant views. With solid evidence that hiking can do wonders for your mental health, there’s more reason than ever to hit the trail this season before the snow flies. Together with input from Cottage Life readers, we’ve put together a list of some fantastic day hikes from coast to coast.

Old Fort Point in Jasper, Alta.

Jasper National Park is home to some of the most intense and technically difficult hikes in Canada, but Old Fort Point is one for all levels that still packs in stunning views. Winding through the forest and opening to a panoramic view of the Athabasca Valley, this hike is a relaxed crowd-pleaser.

Green Gardens Trail near Rocky Harbour, N.L.

Located in the world-renowned Gros Morne National Park, the Green Gardens trail offers an expansive look at the features that make this park so unique. An out and back trail clocking in at about four kilometers, it’s an option to accommodate all hiking abilities.

Johnston Canyon in Banff, Alta.

This is one of the best-known hikes in Banff National Park, and for good reason. With a variety of options and lengths, plus a cafe and gift shop at the trailhead, it has something for every kind of adventurer. Follow the path along the river to see the diverse landscape within the canyon. A longer route will take you to the ink pots, a cluster of ponds nestled in a mountain valley with varying shades of blues and greens caused by mineral deposits.

Skyline Trail in Cape Breton, N.S.

Many are familiar with the driveable Cabot Trail, which you can see on foot from this beautiful, easy hike. Situated in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, which is home to an extensive trail network, Skyline is a great way to take in its gorgeous sights even if you just have one afternoon.

St. Mark’s Summit in Vancouver, B.C.

Though Vancouver is surrounded by some of the most incredible natural playgrounds, you don’t have to go far outside the city to partake. This moderate day hike can be accessed just outside the city limits and gives incredible views of the Howe Sound. At about 11 kilometers, it’s on the longer side but has ample stopping points throughout.

Rock Dunder near Kingston, Ont.

Located in Ontario’s beautiful Frontenac region, Rock Dunder gives a taste of the natural spoils this part of cottage country has to offer. After an ascent that should get your heart pumping, the summit opens to a breathtaking view of the lake and forest. You may need a day permit to access this trail, so be sure to check before you go.

Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park, B.C.

This trail is just one section of the larger network that exists in the beautiful MacMillan Provincial Park on Vancouver Island. Cathedral Grove is one of its most famous areas; an accessible, easy walking trail where you can marvel at some of the country’s oldest stands of trees. 

Centennial Ridges Trail in Algonquin Park, Ont.

Situated in one of Ontario’s most popular parks, close to its most iconic cottage country, Centennial Ridges Trail is a long hike with varied terrain that shows off the best Algonquin Park. You can follow it as long as you like, with many open vistas that are ideal to stop at for a break.

Big Beehive in Lake Louise, Alta.

Get beyond the crowds taking photos at Lake Louise’s main vantage point and climb up this moderate, stunning hike that gives a bird’s eye view of this iconic lake and the surrounding mountains. About halfway up you’ll come across the Lake Agnes tea house, a charming wood cabin where you can buy hot drinks and baked goods to enjoy on the shores of a beautiful mountain lake.  

Wilson Carbide Ruins in Gatineau Park, Que.

Just a short drive from downtown Ottawa, Gatineau Park is a serene natural paradise for hikers, cyclists, campers and more. This easy trail brings you to a set of ruins in the forest near Meech Lake, the remnants of an old fertilizer plant owned by eccentric inventor Thomas Leopold Wilson. If the day is warm enough, you might find people taking a dip at the base of the small waterfalls.

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