Winter Adventure in Huntsville and Lake of Bays
Winter has arrived across Huntsville and Lake of Bays which means it’s time embrace the spirit of Canadian adventure and head outdoors to enjoy the best of the season. Whether you are looking for snowy exploration or fun for the whole family, Huntsville and Lake of Bays is packed with unique experiences that will leave you wanting more.
Keep reading below to discover seven incredible outdoor activities available to you this winter across Huntsville and Lake of Bays!
Walk a Circular Path of Light
Brand new to the winter scene in Huntsville, is the incredibly unique and interactive Eclipse “Walk with Light” through the forested Muskoka Heritage Place. At Eclipse, participants walk a circular path of light, where they encounter unique heritage buildings and illuminated soundscapes linked to the seasons of the year, and the cycles of the day and moon. There is music, spoken word and thousands of interactive lights that respond to sounds created by the visitors themselves.
Throughout January, February and March, special activities are planned at Eclipse:
- Monday Nights – Snow Yoga
- Tuesday Nights – Goat Walks
- Thursday Nights – Horse Drawn Wagon Rides
- Friday Nights – Music / Buskers
- Saturday Nights – Music / Buskers
*Dates & activities may change.
Tickets are available for just $5 for adults, while 12 and under get in for free! All special activities noted above are included with general admission to Eclipse.
Visit a Winter Playground
If you are after the quintessential Muskoka winter adventure, look no further than Huntsville’s Arrowhead Provincial Park. The park’s star attraction is the winter skating trail. Bring your skates or rent them at the park and glide through 1.3 km of snow covered forest. Friday and Saturday’s Fire and Ice Nights are pure magic, with the entire trail lit by torches. However, Arrowhead has so much more to offer in winter than just the ice trail. The park grooms and maintains more than 28km of classic and 16km of skate Nordic ski trails for you to enjoy. There are a variety of trails for hiking and snowshoeing including the popular Stubbs Falls trail. All you need to bring are your winter gear and your sense of adventure!
Hit the Slopes
Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area has been a Huntsville winter tradition for more than 40 years. A family favourite destination, the resort has 15 trails serviced by three quad chair lifts as well as a beginner hill with handle tow. Hidden Valley has an excellent ski school program with lessons for all ages and abilities with their fun and friendly certified snow pros. Check their website for special events and pack up the family for a day or weekend of winter fun.
Throw An Axe in the Forest
Bush Poker Axe Throwing provides an outdoor variation of the wildly popular sport of axe throwing. Located just outside Huntsville, you will learn rules and different methods of axe throwing followed by games and challenges surrounded by their beautiful hardwood forest.
Discover a Giant Skating Rink Among Spectacular Vistas
A brand new Olympic Sized Skating Rink has arrived at Lion’s Lookout Field in Huntsville. Skating is quickly becoming one of winter’s hottest attractions, and the spectacular views at this unique location allow you to enjoy everything outdoor rinks have to offer this winter. The rink can be accessed at Forbes Hill Drive and Camp Kitchen Road intersection, behind the Active Living Centre, at the Canada Summit Centre.
Uncover a Winter Gem
If you are searching for something more “off the beaten path,” the Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve is the destination for you. The reserve is a publicly accessible private year-round wilderness haven boasting 20 private lakes and more than 10,000 acres of unspoiled mixed forest. In the winter there are 25 kilometres of groomed trails for Nordic skiing that are free for public use. Ski at your own pace around lakes, through the forest and past some of the reserve’s unique natural features. Bring your skis or rent from the Algonquin Outfitters store in Huntsville. There are also several trails open for snowshoeing in this snow covered paradise.
Cozy Up with a Romantic Evening Sleigh Ride
What could be more romantic than cuddling under warm blankets on a horse drawn sleigh through winter trails lit by glowing lights and lanterns? Back of Beyond Equine Centre will take couples, families or groups through snow covered forest trails, where you will sense how the forest has a special feeling at night; peaceful, mysterious and tranquil. End up at a crackling private campfire where a warm beverage awaits. Roast some marshmallows and warm your toes.
Need a place to stay to make the most of your visit to Huntsville and Lake of Bays? Check out these great accommodations nearby.