Who said that winter is the �off season�?� Not at Ontario Parks!� Whether you are looking to hit the trails, take part in winter programs or get away for the weekend � we�ve got you covered.
Trailblazers can take advantage of either groomed, marked trails or rugged backcountry trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or hiking in 18 different provincial parks.� The Ontario Parks online ski report provides up-to-date information on trail conditions, the number of kilometres of groomed trails, and trail grooming updates.
Be adventurous and try winter tent camping at many provincial parks, or enjoy the comfort of a yurt at Algonquin, MacGregor Point, Pinery, Quetico or Silent Lake.
Check out our winter programs and special events.�
- Learn about winter camping during instructional weekends at Frontenac Provincial Park.
- Join nearly 1,000 people of all ages and abilities at the popular Nordic Sibley Ski Tour on the first weekend in March at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.
- Ski, mush or skijor (skiing cross-country pulled by dogs) across Quetico Provincial Park�s beautiful lakes at the annual �Cross Quetico Lakes Tour,� taking place mid- to late March.
- Go dogsledding with commercial operators in parts of Algonquin Provincial Park.
Ontario Parks has plenty of winter activities and special programs to participate in.� Visit our website for more listings, opening and closing dates and winter camping accommodation details.
Winter has arrived – enjoy Ontario�s natural winter wonderland!
I’m extremely disappointed that trail grooming for cross country skiing has been cancelled at Awenda this year. I’m assuming that this is strictly related to budget cutbacks by the Ministry? Please advise if this is the case and are ther any alternatives to having this restored through volunteers and/or Friends of Awenda. There is so little cross country skiing available close to the GTA that doesn’t cost $20.00 or more per person to go, whereas a family of four could go to Awenda on a seasons pass or $10.00 parking. We only ever go out for a few hours and the commercial places charge day or half day rates at very high prices, regardless of the conditions. Groomed trails are essential for the premium experience and workout that cross country skiing provides and if Ontario is serious about helping keep people healthy and active in winter, the trail grooming should be resumed. It is a very worthwhile expenditure.
Thank you for your consideration
Nice site. I am one of many friends that winter camp. I find that its a problem getting information from park sites that allow this. We have no problem paying or reserving sites. This time of year is good for camping with no bugs!
Winter is a great time for RVers…and tenters…and yurt users… we have been winter camping in Ontario Parks for many years and find it is just great. Mew Lake (Algonquin), MacGregor Point (Port Elgin) and the Pinery (Grand Bend) are all open for winter camping. We are currently at MacGregor Point and enjoying all the snow…Park does a good job of plowing the roads and opening up campsites… try it… you will like it!!!!
This is in response to brian peterkin.
We visited Awenda Park twice this year and did not found the absence of the groomed trails disappointing at all. The trails are well-marked and the tracks are visible. And because there were no grooming, we could bring our dog with us. And the $6 per vehicle price is un-beatable.
And GTA area is blessed with inexpensive cross-country skiing sites. Just to name few, you can ski in the near-by Wasaga Beach, Albion Hills, Hilton Falls, Mount Nemo Conservation Area. They all are from $6 to $14 a day, less for half-day.
Hi there,
Anyone been to Killarney and rented a heated yurt? Know how we can see a photo and/or map of the trails and where the yurts are?
Hello,
has anyone tried the dogsledding provided by the commercial opperators at Algonquin? How do they compare to the doglsedding operators at Haliburton Forest?
Thanks