More Unique Snowshoe Trails in the Great Canadian Wilderness Just North of Toronto
A couple years ago, we told you about 5 Unique Snowshoe Trails in Ontario’s cottage country. Turns out, there’s way more.
There’s been a little snow lately (!) so there’s no better time to get out and explore this regional winter wonderland. And with so many trails in the area to choose from, both newbies and seasoned explorers will find lots of places to check out. Here is a just a partial list of some unique places you may not have heard of:
Buck Lake Trail – Huntsville
The Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve in Muskoka is fast becoming one of the region’s favourite spots for outdoor adventures, particularly the 8.5 km Buck Lake Trail.
The Buck Lake Landing, which is where your adventure begins, was cleared at the turn of the 19th century to store logs that had been harvested, and from there they were then sent floating across Buck Lake to be transported and milled.
In the warmer months you may come across an abandoned beaver damn or a secluded bird sanctuary. A rest cabin on the south end of Buck Lake awaits your arrival to warm up inside.
This trail is ranked “easy to moderate,” making it suitable for all skill levels and great for a family outing.
High Lake Trail – Huntsville
Also at the Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve you’ll find the 9 km High Lake Trail, where if you’re lucky you might spot some wildlife out and about.
Whether it’s a herd of white tail deer in the mature hemlocks on the west side of the lake, or a family of otters that’s made its home in the north-west corner, there’s a strong chance you’ll get a glimpse of some of the creatures calling this neck of the woods home. This trail is also ranked “easy to moderate.”
For a complete list of trails at the Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve, click here.
Big Pines Trail – Algonquin Park
Big Pines Trail in Algonquin Park is a straightforward 2.9 km trail that’s only a stone’s throw from the main drag, Highway 60.
This snowshoe adventure will walk you through some of Algonquin Park’s history as you stumble across scattered remnants of an old 1880’s logging camp, or stand beneath ancient white pines that have been towering in the wind for centuries. If the iconic logging history of Algonquin Park interests you, come back in the warmer months and check out the Algonquin Logging Museum, or consider returning in spring to walk the trail and notice how much the scenery changes with the seasons. This trail is ranked “moderate” in terms of difficulty, so be prepared for a few challenges.
Track and Tower Trail – Algonquin Park
If you snowshoe for the view, Track and Tower Trail in Algonquin Park is a 7.5 km loop that offers a stunning view of Cache Lake from a peak where a fire tower once stood.
Here you’ll find yourself walking along a retired rail bed. Though you may have to search for it a little harder underneath the snow, if you look closely you can spot exposed railway ties and footings from an old trestle bridge that once crossed the Madawaska River.
This trail is ranked “difficult”, but the challenge is worth the view!
Moose Mountain Trail – South River
You will find the 2 km Moose Mountain Trail in the beautiful Almaguin Highlands is filled with plenty of spectacular vistas, so make sure the batteries in your phone/camera are all charged up.
Though not technically a mountain, it will still have you shoeing upwards, and when you reach the top you’ll be treated to a stunning view of Loxton Lake. This trail is ranked “moderate to difficult.”
Rose Point Trail – Parry Sound
Owned by Seguin Township and managed by the Park to Park Trail Association, the Rose Point Trail is a popular 8 km trail suitable for all skill levels, and is part of a greater 230km multi-use trail system. Originally built as a rail bed by logging tycoon J.R. Booth in the late 1800’s, it has now been transformed into a beautiful trail for outdoor enthusiasts to use in all four seasons. This trail is ranked “easy to moderate.”
Devil’s Gap Trail – Gravenhurst
Devil’s Gap Trail in Muskoka is an old colonization road that was built to connect Gravenhurst with Bala.
Legend has it that on this 6 km trail a farmer was driving a wagon lead by a team of oxen, but during this routine commute the wagon had gotten stuck between a gap in a rock. After trying all he could to free his wagon he decided to leave it behind and call on the nearest household for assistance. Upon his return and to his dismay, the wagon and the team of oxen had both disappeared without trace. Since then, this trail has been known as the Devil’s Gap in reference to this strange event. So maybe leave your oxen at home.
This trail is ranked “moderate” in terms of difficulty.
For more information on trails and rentals in the region, click here.
To plan your snowshoe getaway to Ontario’s cottage country, click here.
