Tag: winter activity

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Cottage Life

This is where to go cross-country skiing this year

Photo courtesy of Stokely Creek Lodge Facebook

With a learning curve not quite as steep as downhill skiing or snowboarding, cross-country skiing is a favourite winter activity for Canadians who still want to get their exercise outdoors in the winter. Some of the best cross-country skiing is in the heart of cottage country and can even be tied in with a winter getaway at a remote lodge or luxury resort. If you’re looking for more detailed guides, check out our in-depth look at popular cross-country areas like Algonquin Park or Sauble Beach.

Arrowhead Provincial Park, Huntsville, Ont.

A tried-and-true Muskoka staple, Arrowhead Provincial Park is a winter wonderland with many all-season activities, including an extensive network of groomed cross-country ski trails. Rentals are available on-site. Be sure to check the Ontario Parks website for trail reports and conditions.

Gatineau Park, Ottawa, Ont.

A quick drive from downtown Ottawa, Gatineau Park is a dream for both beginner and hardcore cross-country skiers. With tons of trails at varying levels of difficulty and wide paths for skate skiers, a visit to Gatineau Park for this sport is a no-brainer for those in the area.

Algonquin Park, Ont.

This multi-season provincial park boasts more than 110 kilometres of cross-country ski trails, some being multi-use and groomed regularly for easy access. Before heading out, check conditions on the highway leading into the park, as it can vary come winter. For the more adventurous, there’s also one wilderness ski trail that is not track-set (groomed).

Gravenhurst campground, Muskoka, Ont.

Another excellent Muskoka option, this popular campground run by the well-regarded KOA (Kampgrounds of America), offers more than 15 kilometres of groomed cross-country ski trails. You can buy or rent equipment on-site, and many other family activities are offered here throughout the winter months.

Bragg Creek, Calgary, Alta.

Situated about 40 minutes from Calgary, Bragg Creek is a small hamlet resting on the edge of the beautiful Kananaskis Provincial Park. What’s better than cross-country in an idyllic mountain setting? The West Bragg Creek Day Use Area is the starting point for many trails, which are heavily used by beginners and experienced skiers alike. There are also multiple skate-ski tracks available.

Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park, Ont.

A popular summer destination for its towering waterfalls, Kakabeka Provincial Park offers equally impressive options for Nordic skiers. Regarded as one of the best-kept secrets for excellent skiing in the area, you can enjoy more than 13 kilometres of groomed and ungroomed trails. To visit, you must purchase a day-use pass at the main parking lot, and be sure to bring your gear with you.

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, Thunder Bay, Ont.

With reliably heavy snowfall all year, Northern Ontario is one of the best areas in Canada—and arguably North America—for cross-country skiing. Insiders love Sleeping Giant Provincial Park for skiing, especially because many of the trails are sheltered by huge evergreen trees, shielding you from wind and harsh conditions. 

Monte-Saint-Anne Ski Resort, Quebec City, Que.

This world-class ski resort, about an hour’s drive from Quebec City, boasts one of the largest cross-country ski trail networks in North America. Anyone familiar with outdoor activities in this part of the country knows it can get brutally cold, but luckily, the trails around Mont-Sainte-Anne are equipped with shelters along the way. Some of them are built to accommodate overnight stays if you’re looking to make a trip out of your cross-country ski adventure.

Stokely Creek Lodge, Algoma, Ont.

Billed as an all-inclusive ski and snowshoe resort, Stokely Creek Lodge is a must-do for lovers of both of these winter sports. Located in the picturesque, remote area of Algoma, the endless networks of groomed trails offer excellent all-levels options. You don’t need to be a guest at the resort to use these trails, but if you’re interested in a winter getaway, it’s definitely worth looking into.

Kivi Park Lodge, Sudbury, Ont.

Located in the more than 400-acre area that spans Kivi Park, this lodge is a perfect launch point for the park’s cross-country ski, snowshoe, and winter hiking trails. The lodge also makes for an excellent getaway, but you can visit Kivi Park just for the day and rent your gear on-site as well.

Categories
Cottage Life

This is where to go cross-country skiing this year

Photo courtesy of Stokely Creek Lodge Facebook

With a learning curve not quite as steep as downhill skiing or snowboarding, cross-country skiing is a favourite winter activity for Canadians who still want to get their exercise outdoors in the winter. Some of the best cross-country skiing is in the heart of cottage country and can even be tied in with a winter getaway at a remote lodge or luxury resort. If you’re looking for more detailed guides, check out our in-depth look at popular cross-country areas like Algonquin Park or Sauble Beach.

Arrowhead Provincial Park, Huntsville, Ont.

A tried-and-true Muskoka staple, Arrowhead Provincial Park is a winter wonderland with many all-season activities, including an extensive network of groomed cross-country ski trails. Rentals are available on-site. Be sure to check the Ontario Parks website for trail reports and conditions.

Gatineau Park, Ottawa, Ont.

A quick drive from downtown Ottawa, Gatineau Park is a dream for both beginner and hardcore cross-country skiers. With tons of trails at varying levels of difficulty and wide paths for skate skiers, a visit to Gatineau Park for this sport is a no-brainer for those in the area.

Algonquin Park, Ont.

This multi-season provincial park boasts more than 110 kilometres of cross-country ski trails, some being multi-use and groomed regularly for easy access. Before heading out, check conditions on the highway leading into the park, as it can vary come winter. For the more adventurous, there’s also one wilderness ski trail that is not track-set (groomed).

Gravenhurst campground, Muskoka, Ont.

Another excellent Muskoka option, this popular campground run by the well-regarded KOA (Kampgrounds of America), offers more than 15 kilometres of groomed cross-country ski trails. You can buy or rent equipment on-site, and many other family activities are offered here throughout the winter months.

Bragg Creek, Calgary, Alta.

Situated about 40 minutes from Calgary, Bragg Creek is a small hamlet resting on the edge of the beautiful Kananaskis Provincial Park. What’s better than cross-country in an idyllic mountain setting? The West Bragg Creek Day Use Area is the starting point for many trails, which are heavily used by beginners and experienced skiers alike. There are also multiple skate-ski tracks available.

Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park, Ont.

A popular summer destination for its towering waterfalls, Kakabeka Provincial Park offers equally impressive options for Nordic skiers. Regarded as one of the best-kept secrets for excellent skiing in the area, you can enjoy more than 13 kilometres of groomed and ungroomed trails. To visit, you must purchase a day-use pass at the main parking lot, and be sure to bring your gear with you.

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, Thunder Bay, Ont.

With reliably heavy snowfall all year, Northern Ontario is one of the best areas in Canada—and arguably North America—for cross-country skiing. Insiders love Sleeping Giant Provincial Park for skiing, especially because many of the trails are sheltered by huge evergreen trees, shielding you from wind and harsh conditions. 

Monte-Saint-Anne Ski Resort, Quebec City, Que.

This world-class ski resort, about an hour’s drive from Quebec City, boasts one of the largest cross-country ski trail networks in North America. Anyone familiar with outdoor activities in this part of the country knows it can get brutally cold, but luckily, the trails around Mont-Sainte-Anne are equipped with shelters along the way. Some of them are built to accommodate overnight stays if you’re looking to make a trip out of your cross-country ski adventure.

Stokely Creek Lodge, Algoma, Ont.

Billed as an all-inclusive ski and snowshoe resort, Stokely Creek Lodge is a must-do for lovers of both of these winter sports. Located in the picturesque, remote area of Algoma, the endless networks of groomed trails offer excellent all-levels options. You don’t need to be a guest at the resort to use these trails, but if you’re interested in a winter getaway, it’s definitely worth looking into.

Kivi Park Lodge, Sudbury, Ont.

Located in the more than 400-acre area that spans Kivi Park, this lodge is a perfect launch point for the park’s cross-country ski, snowshoe, and winter hiking trails. The lodge also makes for an excellent getaway, but you can visit Kivi Park just for the day and rent your gear on-site as well.

Categories
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.