Discover the Best Spots for Skating, Nordic Skiing, Snowshoeing & Fat Biking this Winter in Huntsville and Lake of Bays
Winter is a magical time in Huntsville and Lake of Bays. The snow-covered landscapes provide the perfect setting to get outside and rediscover the thrill of the season. This winter, Huntsville and Lake of Bays have once again transformed into winter playgrounds with magical spots set up for Skating, Nordic Skiing, Snowshoeing & Fat Biking. 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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Offering: Fat Biking, Nordic Skiing, Skating & Snowshoeing
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.
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.
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.
Skating
A skating rink near the Mew Lake Campground comfort station is in operation during winters in Algonquin Park, as weather conditions permit. If you are coming to Algonquin Park pack your skates and hockey sticks.
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.
Arrowhead Provincial Park
451 Arrowhead Park Rd, Huntsville
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Offering: Nordic Skiing, Skating & Snowshoeing
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.
Skating
Arrowhead’s best-known attraction, the ice trail, is a bucket-list item for many Ontarians. Glide through the forest on this 1.3 km skating trail. Be sure to check out our “Fire and Ice Nights” when the trail is lit up for a night time skate.
Snowshoe
Explore the 8+ km of marked snowshoe trails, as well as off-trail snowshoeing through the forest.
Baysville Oval Skating Loop
Baysville Narrows
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Offering: Skating
The Baysville Oval Skating Loop is an outdoor rink located near the Baysville dam.
Bondi Village Resort Trails
1260 Fox Point Rd, Dwight
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Offering: Nordic Skiing & Snowshoeing
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.
Dorset Ice Palace
Dorset, ON P0A 1E0
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Offering: Skating
The Dorset Ice Palace is an outdoor skating rink located at the Dorset Lions Centennial Park, main street, Dorset (beside the Algonquin Highlands Fire Hall, station 60). The rink is open daily until 11pm.
Dwight Beach Skating Trail
Dwight Beach Road, Dwight, ON
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Offering: Skating
The Dwight Beach Skating Trail is a short skating trail located at Dwight Beach.
Dwight Outdoor Rink
1011 Dwight Beach Rd, Dwight, ON P0A 1H0
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Offering: Skating
The Dwight Outdoor Rink is an uncovered outdoor rink that is open seasonally and weather dependent with lighting for evening use.
Fairy Falls Park
Fairy Falls Park, Baysville
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Offering: Snowshoeing
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
Offering: Nordic Skiing & Snowshoeing
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.
Limberlost Forest & Wildlife Reserve
1088 Buck Lake Landing, Huntsville
Website
Offering: Nordic Skiing & Snowshoeing
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
Lion’s Lookout Skating Rink
Lookout Rd, Huntsville, ON P1H 1R1
Website
Offering: Skating
The brand new Lions Lookout Skating Rink is now open! The rink can be accessed at Forbes Hill Drive and Camp Kitchen Road intersection, behind the Active Living Centre, at the Canada Summit Centre.
This winter, it’s time to head outdoors to enjoy the best of the season. Whether you are looking to go for a Fat Bike, Nordic Ski, Skate or a Snowshoe, Huntsville and Lake of Bays is full of unique and majestic locations that will leave you wanting more.
Need a place to stay to make the most of your visit to Huntsville and Lake of Bays? Check out these great accommodations nearby.