Winter is officially here and the Simcoe Muskoka region is a four-season destination filled with many fun activities. Your North Life has highlighted a few different skating trails for you to get outside and try out this season.
Memorial Park Winter Village
In Downtown Bracebridge you will find a short skating trail that wraps around Memorial Park, in and out of Bracebridge landmarks. At nighttime visitors can enjoy a skate through the park with lit-up trees. This is a perfect place to enjoy some quality family time, work on your skating skills, or just enjoy some physical activity.
Arrowhead Provincial Park
The Arrowhead Provincial Park skating trail is a very popular destination for visitors and residents alike. This 1.3-kilometer trail takes you through the forest where you can enjoy views of snow-covered evergreen trees and catch a glimpse of some wildlife that live there. Along the trail, there are fireplaces where you can stop to warm up or take a break in their Muskoka chairs.
On Thursday nights they host a Fire and Ice Night where the trail is illuminated by hundreds of tiki torches. This is a perfect spot to enjoy a date night with that special someone or grab your girlfriends for that picturesque photo. Skate rentals are available for 10 dollars and admission is 17 dollars.
Cranberry Skating Trail
The Cranberry Skating Trail can be found at Muskoka Lakes Farm and Winery in Bala. The 1.2-kilometer loop travels through part of the cranberry farm that is spread over 12 acres. As you skate along the trail you will see the forest on one side and cranberry beds on the other. You can warm up with some hot mulled wine or hot cranberry apple cider and sit by the fireplace at the start of the loop.
On Saturday nights the loop is lit by 400 tiki torches for their Light the Night skating. Rentals are available upon arrival.
Woodview Moutaintop Skate Trail
This one-kilometer trail found in the Blue Mountains provides extraordinary views of the Niagara Escarpment. During the evenings the trail unveils thousands of interactive lights while you skate along the trail. You must book your skate ahead of time and rentals are available upon arrival. Admission rates will vary depending on which day of the week you choose.
Skating is a great way to get outside during winter, have some fun, and can be done with the whole family or group of friends. If you try out any of these skating trails don’t forget to tag us in your picture @yournorthlife.
-The BDAR Team