12 places to go snowshoeing near Toronto

Dec 7 2016, 2:22 am

Oh the weather outside might be frightful, but we find the cold weather delightful!

And during the winter months, the Greater Toronto Area is actually the perfect place to embrace the elements.

From skating and skiing to tubing and snowshoeing, Ontario is the perfect place to enjoy winter sports.

Below you will find our top choices for snowshoeing all within a few hours of the city.

Scenic Caves Nature Adventures – Collingwood

Head 2.5 hours north of Toronto and you’ll discover scenic Caves Nature Adventures. Here you can explore the grounds or snowshoe across a 420 ft suspension bridge that offers stunning views of the picturesque Georgian Bay. The trails found here contain varying levels of difficulty, making it suitable for all experience levels.

Address: 280 Scenic Caves Road

Coronation and Batter Park – Downtown Toronto

If you’re looking for an easy trail and you don’t want to leave the city, look no further than coronation and Battery Park. Located just east of Ontario Place, this scenic series of trails run along Lake Ontario, providing unparalleled views. If you don’t own your own snowshoes, Mountain Equipment Co-op on King Street offers snowshoe rentals.

Address: 789 Lake Shore Blvd

Albion Hills – Caledon

Located in picturesque Caledon, the Albion Hills Conservation Area is filled with 26 km of various trails that are suitable for all levels of expertise. The scenic hills and trails are perfect for snowshoeing and make for a great way to stay active in the winter while enjoying the outdoors.

Address: 16500 Peel Regional Rd 50

Ganaraska Forest – Port Hope

Located within an hour’s drive of Toronto, Ganaraska Forest is made up of 35 kms of clearly marked trails winding through pine and hardwood forests. The Ganaraska Forest Centre also offers training and events throughout the year for beginner snowshoers and even has guided treks through the forests available.

Address: 10585 Cold Springs Camp Rd

Christie Lake Conservation Area – Hamilton

Head an hour west of the city and you’ll discover one of the best kept snowshoe trails for beginners. Here you’ll find easy trails that weave in and out of forests, and with no shortage of signs and directions means you can spend an entire day exploring this beautiful conservation area. 

Address: 1000 Hwy 5 West

Snow Valley – Barrie

Located just an hour north of Toronto is a beginner snowshoer’s dream come true. Here you’ll be able to explore the scenic landscapes of Snow Valley. Offering 14 km of trails ranging from easy to difficult, Snow Valley is the ideal place to go snowshoeing and offers something for everyone.

Address: 2632 Vespra Valley Rd

Crawford Lake – Milton

Discover the origins of snowshoeing in the unique setting of Crawford Lake’s reconstructed 15th century Iroquoian village. The winding trails along the scenic Niagara Escarpment and being located just an hour west of Toronto makes Crawford Lake a perfect day trip for beginner snowshoers.

Address: 3115 Conservation Rd


Hardwood Hills Nordic Ski Centre – Barrie

Hardwood Hills Nordic Ski Centre boasts 11 km of dedicated snowshoe trails that are designed for all ability levels. Just under two hours from Toronto, Hardwood Hills comes equipped with everything you would need to get through an afternoon of outdoor adventure. There’s a small chalet serving up snacks and drinks, as well as a rental shop for those who don’t own their own gear.

Address: 402 Old Barrie Road West

Algonquin Park – Nipissing

Algonquin Park is truly a winter wonderland, with its frozen rivers and lakes covered in snow is truly one of the most beautiful sights to see. The park offers snowshoers a vast network of trails and even tours for those looking for some guidance.

Address: Hwy 60, P.O. Box 219

Snowshoeing Adventures Humber Arboretum –  Toronto

Starting in January, the Humber Arboretum offers guided group snowshoe tours which explore the 250 acre grounds. The guided tours are weather permitting, so if an event gets cancelled you can round up your own group and go on your own excursion.

Address: 205 Humber College Boulevard

Wye Marsh – Midland

Wye Marsh features guided nature tours that lead snowshoers along a three-hour snowshoe experience that goes deep into the 3000 acre wooded area. Here you’ll learn about the ecosystem, the surrounding grounds and the animals that live there. Be on the look out for wild animals, as beavers, deer, and chickadees are common to the grounds.

Address: 16160 Highway 12 East

Muskoka Back Country – Muskoka

Muskoka might be the ideal summer vacation spot in Ontario, but it’s also a popular winter destination as well. Muskoka’s back country is made up of acres upon acres of unspoiled forests that are filled with various trails. Muskoka receives a lot of snow during the winter months, making conditions perfect for snowshoeing. 

Address: Various locations

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