While Muskoka is often thought of as a summer destination, there is so much to do here in the winter! Winter is a magical time of the year. As snow begins to fall and lakes begin to freeze, there are some great activities for the whole family to enjoy, including cross country skiing, snowshoeing, skating, snowmobiling and ice fishing.
Centrally located in the middle of Muskoka’s ‘big three lakes’ (Muskoka, Rosseau and Joseph), the Muskoka Lakes area is well known for its great waterways, iconic cottages and historic towns and villages. This winter, the Muskoka Lakes region is once again providing numerous winter adventures for you to enjoy!
You won’t want to miss these winter activities happening around Muskoka Lakes.
Winter Walking
Conveniently located in the urban centres of Bala and Port Carling, Hanna Park and the Bala Sports Park offer fabulous opportunities to go for a winter walk and take in that fresh winter air. Each park offers a cleared 200m walking path for the pubic to use.
Snowshoeing
Muskoka Lakes is home to some of the coolest trails in the area and winter is the perfect time to explore and see them with a different view. Snowshoeing is available at the Huckleberry Rock Lookout, Hazelwood, Fish Hatchery and Hardy Lake Trails.
Cross-Country Skiing
The Township in partnership with local volunteers, offers a cross-country ski trail at the Milford Manor Golf Course in Milford Bay. The trail is approximately 1km in length, groomed once a week, and open as long as possible in the winter. Typically right after New Years as soon as the weather allows until March break!
This is a free trail to use, open to the public. There is snowshoeing available around the outside of the path. There is a portable washroom on site, but no indoor facilities.
Skating
Grab your skates and head to the rink to enjoy skating all winter long. Public skating is regularly scheduled at the Bala and Port Carling Arenas.
A local 200m free skating trail is also located at Hanna Park in Port Carling. Run by volunteers and open as long as possible in the winter. This is a free trail to use, open to the public as part of the offerings of Hanna Park. The skating trail is lit until 10:00 p.m. and there are washroom facilities on site.
Due to weather conditions the skating trail is currently closed. Please follow the Facebook page for updates.
Snowmobile
Muskoka Lakes is home to hundreds of kilometers of groomed snowmobile trails. With the efforts of the Muskoka Sno-Bombers and Muskoka Lakes Snow Trails Association these trails are maintained and marked for your safety. Snowmobiling is a great way to experience Muskoka Lakes and there are several operators willing to suit you up and take you out onto the trails.
Embrace the cooler weather, grab your gear and get ready to make the most of winter in Muskoka Lakes. A full list of Township winter activities and locations can be found by visiting www.muskokalakes.ca/winterfun.
