Photo via Ontario Parks
Ontario parks transform into magical winter escapes as the snow begins to fall, offering a charm that’s just as captivating as they are in the summer. When the days grow shorter and the urge to hibernate takes over, it’s the perfect time to shake off the lack of motivation with a little planning. Looking for inspiration? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! I’ve compiled a short list of Ontario parks that are still open and can be enjoyed even when snow blankets the region. And to make it even better, they’re about an hour away from the city.
According to Ontario Parks, Maiden’s Blush Trail, Trillium Trail, and Gateway Trail offer easy, picturesque strolls, some of which are wheelchair and stroller-friendly.
But if I were you, I’d take a short trip along the Trillium Trail loop. It’s one of the best places in the park to catch a breathtaking view of the valley floor.
It’s located behind the barns of Spruce Lane Farm.
The park also offers cross-country skiing with about 10 km of ungroomed trails that loop through the land, as well as snowshoeing and tobogganing.
Where: 1219 Burloak Drive, Oakville
Winter is a must at Darlington, which is open year-round for some snowy fun.
Pack your snowshoes and/or cross-country skis and this the trails.
Ontario Parks recommends the Burk Trail, which leads past fields, meadows and mature forest past a pioneer cemetery to a scenic lookout over Lake Ontario. Other trails to check out are the McLaughlin Bay Trail and Robinson Creek Trail.
Where: 1600 Darlington Park Rd, Bowmanville, ON
Though camping is closed at this park for winter, Presqu’ile Provincial Park still offers lakeshore vistas like ice cliffs.
And even in some years, ice volcanoes can be spotted.
Where: 328 Presqu’Ile Parkway, Brighton
Nestled on the south shores of Lake Simcoe, this park is a peaceful place to spend an afternoon hiking and enjoying a few winter activities.
In the winter, it is one of the most popular ice-fishing destinations in Ontario, according to Ontario Parks.
“Unorganized winter activities within the park include hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.”
Where: 26071 Park Road, Jackson’s Point
Explore its over 34 kilometres of groomed cross-country winter trails. They wind through “hardwoods, cedar swamps, and groves of White Birch.”
The snow-blanketed forests are also captivating and if you’re up for more, head over to Bonnie’s Pond Trail for some snowshoeing. The park has snowshoe rentals available, or you can bring your own.
Where: 1589 Silent Lake Park Road, Bancroft, ON
And there you have it! Don’t let the winter season keep you indoors – explore all these Ontario parks this chilly season.
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