Discover the Best Spots to Nordic Ski, Snowshoe and Fat Bike this Winter in Huntsville and Lake of Bays
Winter is a magical time in Huntsville and Lake of Bays. Although it may look a little different this year, the snow-covered landscapes provide the perfect setting to get outside and rediscover your own backyard this season. This winter, Huntsville and Lake of Bays have transformed into winter playgrounds with magical spots set up for you to Nordic Ski, Snowshoe and Fat Bike. Wondering where to go? Read on to see the guide to Nordic Skiing, Snowshoeing and Fat Biking in the region.
Algonquin Provincial Park
ON-60, Ontario, Canada
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Algonquin Park is a fascinating place to visit in the winter. For many visitors the deep snow, ease of viewing wildlife, and the vast solitude of Algonquin Park’s ski trail network and backcountry are appealing.
Nordic Ski
Algonquin has 85 kilometres of groomed and 32 kilometres of non-groomed cross-country ski trails available in several trail networks. Trails range in degree of difficulty from easy to difficult. View the latest ski trail conditions to ensure you are prepared.
Snowshoe
Snowshoeing enthusiasts can go virtually anywhere in Algonquin. If you prefer to stay on marked trails, try out the interpretive walking trails or either of the two longer overnight backpacking trails. Algonquin’s network of portages (Canoe Routes Map) also makes a great snowshoeing alternative – but ice travel is not recommended. The multi-use Old Railway Trail is a great snowshoeing location too.
Fat Bike
Many people enjoy pedaling Algonquin’s Old Railway Bike Trail during spring, summer and fall, but it’s actually open all year. The trail is groomed a distance of approximately 12 km from Pog Lake to Cache Lake throughout the winter as a multi-recreation trail. Following the old rail bed in the park, this flat trail is a great ride even for those new to the sport. Riders can choose their desired length of ride through snow-covered conifer forests. Cycle past frozen lakes and pedal over river bridge crossings. Look for wildlife tracks left by foxes, hares, wolves and other forest friends, and listen to the songs of winter birds.
Arrowhead Provincial Park
451 Arrowhead Park Rd, Huntsville
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Arrowhead’s winter offerings are well-known across Ontario, and for good reason – there’s nowhere better to go to experience Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and skating through the forest, all in one spot.
Nordic Ski
Featuring 28 km of classic ski trails and 16 km of skate ski trails, ranging from beginner to expert level.
Snowshoe
Explore the 8+ km of marked snowshoe trails, as well as off-trail snowshoeing through the forest.
Bondi Village Resort Trails
1260 Fox Point Rd, Dwight
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During the winter months, Bondi Village Resort has approximately 15 km of trails groomed and track set for Nordic skiing.
Use of the trails is primarily for registered guests of Bondi Village Resort, however if you are not a Bondi guest, you can register at the office prior to using any trails. There is a fee for non-registered guests ($10 /person), that goes toward trail maintenance. Please always check with the Bondi Village Resort office regarding trail conditions.
Fairy Falls Park
Fairy Falls Park, Baysville
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Fairy Falls Park is a short snowshoeing trail located in Baysville that leads to small falls along the Muskoka River.
Limited parking. Porta-potty available at the trail head.
The Frost Center
20130 ON-35, Algonquin Highlands
Website
The Frost Center ski and snowshoe trails offer adventure and discovery for the whole family. Ski or snowshoe to cliff-top lookouts and spectacular ice falls. Experience a winter wonderland of rugged Canadian Shield, majestic hardwood forests, old growth white pine, hemlock and yellow birch.
Nordic Ski
The Frost Center features 22 km of classic cross-country beginner to expert level ski trails with eight stacked loops ranging in length from 1.2 km to 6.5 km. Families can explore the Fox, Bunny, Bear, Beaver and Otterslide trails, while more experienced skiers can try out the longer, more remote backcountry – Deer trail! Several trails offer technical downhill sections for advanced skiers.
Snowshoe
Snowshoers can trek 11 km of stacked loop trails, located just across the road from the ski trails. Fees are by donation with donation boxes and maps located at the trailhead. In addition, all Frost Centre hiking trails serve as snowshoe trails in the winter. With 38 km of trails at 10 different trailheads, there are numerous possibilities.
Huntsville Downs Golf Course Trails
182 Golf Course Rd, Huntsville
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Huntsville Downs Golf Course has converted their 18-hole golf course into a winter adventure destination with track set Nordic ski trails set in the magnificent scenery of Muskoka! They are now open for Classic Nordic Skiing on trails of 2km – 6km in length.
Limberlost Forest & Wildlife Reserve
1088 Buck Lake Landing, Huntsville
Website
The Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve is a wilderness haven with twenty private lakes and more than 10,000 unspoiled acres of mixed forest near Huntsville. The private forest reserve contains more than 70 km of hiking, skiing and snowshoeing trails made available to the public at no charge.
Nordic Ski
The trails at the Limberlost Forest provide access to innumerable special natural features and tours around a number of large lakes.
Ski trails on the Limberlost Reserve are groomed and qualify as high-quality trails.
Trails:
- Fairway Ski Trail: 0.3 km
- Ascension: 2.8 km Loop
- High Lake Ski Trail: 3 km Loop
- Barlow Ski Trail: 13.6 km Return
- Statue Trail: 1.1 km Loop
- Spaniel Ski Trail: 8 km Loop
- Helve Ski Trail: 5 km Loop
- Buck Lake Ski Trail: 3 km Loop
- Pointe Ski Trail: 1km
Winter Adventure Park
641 Grandview Drive, Huntsville
Website
The brand-new Winter Adventure Park is a multi-activity outdoor winter playground at the Inn Course at Grandview. The Winter Adventure Park is home to Nordic ski trails, fat bike trails, and snowshoe trails available daily for free public use.
Come night, a portion of the trails will be illuminated with lights to create a unique outdoor experience.
- Long Course: 1.8 km Loop
- Short Course: 150m Loop
- Night Lit Trail: 150m Loop
Open daily for free public use.
This winter, it’s time to rediscover your own backyard, and head outdoors to enjoy the best of the season. Whether you are looking to go for a Nordic Ski, Snowshoe or a Fat Bike, Huntsville and Lake of Bays is full of unique and majestic locations that will leave you wanting more.