Nature looks completely different under a bright blanket of snow. Why not strap on some snowshoes and experience Ontario’s parks in a whole new way this winter?
Check out some winter parks with great snowshoeing opportunities:
Pst! We recommend snowshoe lovers stay on the trails. They are designed to showcase the scenic spots in our parks (like the top view of Killarney’s Turtle Rock), while keeping you and the environment safe.
Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park
West of Thunder Bay
The falls are spectacular in winter. Enjoy the views from the boardwalks before hitting the trails.
Explore the Mountain Portage Trail, an easy loop with great views of the falls, gorge, and river. For a bigger challenge, try the Little Falls trail.
Frontenac Provincial Park
North of Kingston
Nature lovers come from all over the world to explore the trails of Frontenac Provincial Park. Located on the southern arm of the Canadian Shield, this park features granite outcrops, vast wetlands, picturesque lakes and mixed forests.
The trail network has short circuits for beginners, as well as 20 km+ routes for the experienced adventurer.
Killarney Provincial Park
Southwest Sudbury
Killarney’s iconic wilderness looks even more beautiful when covered in snow.
As you pass through mature pine forests, open fields and frozen marshes, don’t forget to take a break and enjoy the serenity of this extraordinary landscape.
Wasaga Beach Provincial Park
north of barrie
Peaceful winter hikers who hit Wasaga Beach’s snowshoe trails are rewarded with views of wildlife, including white-tailed deer and snowbirds. The Wasaga Beach Nordic and Trail Center offers equipment rental shelters to warm up a lunch on a cool winter day.
If you’re a tech snowshoe enthusiast, Wasaga Beach has trail keys throughout its trail system. Each key has a QR code that allows you to download the trail map to your phone!
Silent Lake Provincial Park
Southwest of Bancroft
Bonnie’s Pond hiking trail becomes a 3 km Snowshoe route during the winter season.
Algonquin Provincial Park
East of Huntsville
If this is your first time trying snowshoeing, try the Algonquin Lumber Museum Trail at mile marker 54.5 (Highway 60). The trail is circular, with some gradual hills.
Looking for more challenges? Try the Hemlock Bluff Trail at 27.2 km, a loop that will take you to a bluff overlooking a lake.
MacGregor Point Provincial Park
Saugeen Shores on Lake Huron
Enjoy pristine views of the Ducks Unlimited Canada wetland while snowshoeing the Tower Trail at MacGregor Point. The Lake Ridge Trail offers a slightly greater challenge. This trail showcases the Nipissing Cliff as it meanders through a mixed forest landscape.
For the truly adventurous soul, snowshoeing through the massive snowdrifts along the Old Shore Road Trail is certainly bucket list worthy!
Lake Superior Provincial Park
The Visitor Center, campgrounds and park roads (i.e. Mijinemungshing and Gargantua) are closed and fenced. Visitors can ski, snowshoe and ice fish.
Springwater Provincial Park
north of barrie
Spend an enjoyable day snowshoeing and wildlife watching in Springwater.
Quetico Provincial Park
West of Thunder Bay
Dawson Trail Campground has an excellent network of winter trails. A trail that winds along the shoreline of French Lake is a favorite among snowshoers.
The ski slopes are shared routes. Snowshoers are asked to stay next to groomed trails.
Pro tip: Quetico’s three heated cabins include two pairs of snowshoes for use during your stay. Call 1-888-668-7275 to reserve your trip.
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
East of Thunder Bay
The sea lion
Winter guests can snowshoe a variety of hiking trails while enjoying great scenery and spotting wildlife. Popular trails include Sea Lion, Sawyer Bay and a portion of the Kabeyun Trail to Tee Harbour.
Pinery Provincial Park
North West London
Pinery Campground’s neglected trails and closed roads are perfect for snowshoeing. A favorite is the Cedar Trail extension, which has beautiful views of Lake Huron.
Mashkinonje Provincial Park
Southeast Sudbury
Mashkinonje is one of the best-kept snowshoeing secrets in Ontario parks, with 30 km of loop trails to explore on snowshoes.
Brontë Creek Provincial Park
Between Oakville and Burlington
This GTA park (just minutes from QEW) has 10km of trails. Visitors enjoy beautiful natural landscapes and glimpses of winter wildlife.
Rushing River Provincial Park
East of Kenora
Enjoy the peace and quiet of Rushing River under a blanket of snow. Explore the park’s hiking trails on snowshoes.
Windy Lake Provincial Park
West of Sudbury
Being high on the edge of Sudbury Basin, this park snows very well. Windy Lake offers over 10 km of trails. A trail runs through the park on high ground above the lake shore and offers beautiful views. Another winds through the mountainous terrain of the Onaping Falls Nordics Ski Club trails.
The club chalet is open on weekends and offers snowshoe and ski rentals.
With all the goodness of winter, why not book one of Windy Lake’s heated roof rooms and enjoy a winter vacation?
Without snowshoes?
Arrowhead, Frontenac, Pinery, Windy Lake and Killarney rent snowshoes and MacGregor Point sells them.