You’ve seen Wasaga Beach Provincial Park in the summer, but the winter season shows a totally different side of the park.
Here are four reasons why you need to plan a day trip this winter:
1. Exciting cross-country ski routes
Wasaga Beach offers some of the best Nordic skiing terrain in central Ontario, with over 30 km of groomed and piste trails.
Whether you’re just starting out or a cross-country skiing veteran, there’s a trail for you. Expert skiers can challenge themselves on the High Dunes Trail, while beginner skiers can choose the quieter Blueberry Trail. The park also offers designated trails with skating and skiing options.
Check trail conditions online with the Ontario Parks Snow Report.
2. Snowshoeing opportunities
Wasaga Beach features a 7.5 km snowshoe trail that winds through a snow-covered forest.
The trail is divided into three sections for beginner, intermediate and expert snowshoers.
3. Wildlife observation
Skiers and snowshoers aren’t the only occupants of Wasaga Beach in the winter; Much of the park’s wildlife also remains active.
Lazy winter hikers on the ski and snowshoe trails may be rewarded with views of animals, including white-tailed deer, rabbits, squirrels, and, if you’re especially lucky, fishermen and coyotes.
Keep your eyes on the sky too! Black-capped chickadees, blue jays, northern cardinals, various sparrows and owls, and even bald eagles call Wasaga Beach home.
4. Ice sheet formations
The ice shelf appears along the coast of Wasaga Beach, formed when waves push layer after layer of ice against the beach.
It’s a great opportunity to take some fantastic photographs.
Photo: Enrique Photo Art
However, be sure to enjoy the view from the safety of the solid shoreline. Going out on the ice itself is dangerous, as many hidden thin spots and ice tunnels mean you could accidentally fall into freezing water.
Plan a day visit today!
Wasaga Beach operates during the winter, from mid-December to mid-March, weather permitting, and then in the summer, from April to October.
The Wasaga Beach Nordic and Trails Center is located at 101 Blueberry Trail, Wasaga Beach. Parking is available at the trailhead.
You can purchase ski and snowshoe passes at the Wasaga Beach Nordic and Trail Centre. Passes can be used for skiing, snowshoeing and winter biking.
Trail rates are available here and rentals are available at individual, family and group rates.
Trail passes are sold per person. Wasaga Beach Provincial Park is located within the City of Wasaga Beach, and this fee structure allows us to offer maintained winter trails in an area where many of our users have walk-in access.
Before your visit, be sure to check the local weather forecast, our snow report for trail conditions, and our Twitter page for any operational updates.