Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of winter activities, or a newbie hoping to avoid frost-bite, snowshoeing is a great way to explore areas that may not be accessible by walking alone. This invigorating exercise can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Not special skills required. Two legs, a sense of adventure and a warm cup of cocoa or apple cider waiting for you at the end, are all you need to enjoy snowshoeing.  Oh, yah and a few must bring a long’s for safety of course!  Bruce County has endless amounts of trials and sights for you see while out in about.  Here is a direct link to our top Bruce County Outiftters in the area to rent or buy snowshoes.

To help you narrow down your search here is just a selection of popular snowshoeing trials:

1. The Grotto- Bruce Peninsula National Park Cyprus Lake. Located in Tobermory, park at the main gate, as the road does not allow for further travel by car. Pay the day use fee, and take the Cyprus Lake Trail to the Georgian Lake Trail. As you shuffle along, take in gorgeous views of the crystalline blue lake, otherworldly ice formations, and fill your lungs with fresh crisp air. 4-5 hours is the average time allotted for this trek.
   
   
2. Linsday Tract- located just south of Millar Lake, on Highway 6. Enjoy the newest trail to hit Bruce County. With 6 km of trail to trek through mixed forest, this is one to tick of your winter adventure checklist.
   
   
3. Sauble Ski Trails- 1 km north of Sauble Beach. Renowned for it’s stellar Nordic ski trials, Sauble Ski Trails now offers 10 km of meander paths. Start at the chalet and take your pick of varying length loops. From the 250 m Short Loop to the 2.4 km Listers Loop.
   
   
4. MacGregor Point Provincial Park- Just 5 km south of Port Elgin, right off Highway 21, this park is nestled alongside Lake Huron. Although there re not set snowshoeing trials, all unplowed roads in the park are suitable for use. Day use fees apply.
   
   
   
5. Brant Tract – 5 minutes south of Paisley.  Conveneient parking for your car  entrance with 800 acre’s of County forest (30 km of well marked trails) through a variety of forest types and river valleys.

When you decide to embark on your snowshoeing excursion, here is a list of items that will make this experience a fantastic one;

•    Good pair of snowshoes. If you don’t have a pair of your own, Suntrail and Thorncrest Outfitters are great places to rent a pair for a reasonable price.

•    If you plan on a long trek, or are a beginner, a set of ski/hiking poles could be useful

•    Trail Map. Most places are well marked, but because of snow fall, it’s always a goo idea to have a back up in case signs are covered.

•    Backpack. Having water, and some hardy snacks on hand are important during physical activity.

•    Pant Gators, GPS, and cell phone are also great options to bring along with you.

Things that will make or break a memory of the trip

1. Make sure not to plan a snowshoe trip with kids more then 1hr.  They tend to get bored and tired if not entertained.
2. Make sure to bring ski poles of correct height for each person.  It makes it so much easier.
3. Putting your snowshoes on when you get out of the car can be difficult sometimes, so get them set up at home before you get to location.
4. Bring snacks to keep blood suger up and candies for kids.
5. Bring a backpack to put a blanket in so that you can sit down half sometimes beside the trail.
6. Plan ahead of time where your going to eat after, becuase you are going to want to be served.  For example, after I went to the Sauble Ski Trails, I headed over to Sauble Beach which was 10 min away to the Sauble Dunes Restaurant (11 Southampton Parkway, (519) 422-2745) for a hot meal. 

Subscribe via E-mail:

Enter your e-mail address

Posted on: 31/12/69