Skiing and snowboarding are very popular activities during the winter, but for those who love to just stroll the trails why not try out snowshoeing. There are so many trails to choose from in and around Simcoe County and Muskoka. Snowshoeing is for everyone from beginners to experts and Your North Life has highlighted just a few trails you’ll enjoy this Winter.
Hardwood Ski and Bike
Located in Oro-Medonte Hardwood Ski and Bike have several different snowshoeing trails to choose from that each range between two and three kilometers. A couple of their trails are for more experienced snowshoers, but trails are always marked with difficulty levels. The East loop, Lynx, and Fox trails are easier trails with more flat terrain and are shorter in length, whereas the Western Loop, Beaver, and Lookout trails are slightly harder because of the steeper terrain.
For those wanting to try snowshoeing, but not sure where to start, Hardwood recommends dressing in layers so that if you get too warm you can always take off layers. Avoid wearing cotton clothes and opt for something that’s more breathable in case you sweat and lastly dress in warm snow pants. Snowshoe rentals are available on site.
Scenic Caves
You can walk across Ontario’s largest suspension bridge overlooking a 10,000-kilometre view of Georgian Bay. They also have a variety of different trails to enjoy that travel through the park and you can take in the old-growth forest that surrounds you. At Scenic Caves, they have one easy trail that is only a kilometer long, six kilometers of moderate difficulty trails, and one expert trail that is 12 kilometers long.
Snow Valley
Snow Valley has easily accessible trails for beginners and those more advanced, and they allow you to bring your pet along for the stroll. A unique feature they have is the Interpretive Trail which is a 1.6-kilometer-long self-guided trail that brings you through two different types of forests and eight different locations. At each location, you will learn some unique facts about the wetlands, wildlife, streams, and history. This is a great educational activity for kids and something that the whole family can enjoy.
Once you finish strolling the trails, you can warm up by the bonfire and enjoy a warm beverage and donuts from the Snow Nut Hut.
Snowshoe rentals are available but must be booked in advance.
Muskoka Lakes Farm and Winery
The Muskoka Lakes Farm and Winery is a four-season destination. They boast over 10 kilometers of trails that are groomed by snowmobiles. The Cranberry Trail is short, but what makes this trail so fun is that you get to experience 14 interpretive cranberry stations. Additionally, the Orville Nature Trail is a little more advanced and winds through the forest. As you stroll along you can read the 25 different eco fact signs for some educational fun.
Gravenhurst/Muskoka KOA Recreation
Although there are no specific trails at Gravenhurst/Muskoka KOA, visitors are welcomed to roam throughout the 785-acre park on snowshoes. As you roam through the forest you will see many different species which live there and enjoy the peacefulness of the wilderness.
Snowshoe rentals are available on-site upon arrival.
Arrowhead Provincial Park
There are plenty of winter activities to enjoy at Arrowhead Park like Cross country skiing, skating, and snowshoeing. There are eight kilometers of marked snowshoe trails for visitors to enjoy that are groomed each day, but you can also venture off-trail through the forest to explore and enjoy nature.
Snowshoe rentals are available upon arrival.
The Greater Simcoe Muskoka region is a beautiful place to explore during every season, so get out there and experience everything it has to offer. If you try out any of these trails, don’t forget to tag us @yournorthlife on Instagram and Facebook.
-The BDAR Team