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Ontario parks open for winter fun

Winter is actually a great time to visit Ontario's 26 provincial parks that are open for the season with activities like skating, skiing and snowshoeing, and cosy overnight stays in roofed accommodations
20190104 Skating at Algonquin Park
Newmarket's Carlie Moxham and friend Bronwyn Kuehl enjoy Fire and Ice Night last week on the 1.3-km skating trail at Arrowhead Provincial Park. Supplied photo/Carrie Moxham

Winter is an ideal time to visit one of Ontario's 26 provincial parks open for the season, with classic activities like skating, skiing and snowshoeing offered, as well as overnight stays in cosy roofed accommodations.

Events to enjoy this winter season include:  

New Arrowhead Provincial Park Visitor Centre

Home to the world-famous 1.3-kilometre skating trail through the forest, Arrowhead Provincial Park is the hub of winter activity at Ontario Parks. A new visitor centre features a large warm-up area with a lounge, fireplace and a ski, skate and snowshoe rental shop.

New roofed accommodation option at Windy Lake Provincial Park

Ten provincial parks now offer roofed accommodation throughout the winter, including a new cabin at Windy Lake Provincial Park. The cabin is set on the shores of the lake and provides space to enjoy a cosy, winter adventure. The park also offers ice fishing equipment rental packages and snowshoe rentals. The local ski club grooms more than 20 km of ski and snowshoe trails within the park and offers ski rentals.

Events for the whole family

  • Winter in the Wild at Algonquin Provincial Park - The Feb. 16 to 18 Family Day weekend festival offers guided bird walks, guest speakers, snowshoe excursions, skating, winter camping demonstrations, marshmallow roasting and a special evening program.
  • Winter Weekend at Killarney Provincial Park - Enjoy the winter beauty of Killarney Feb. 16 and 17. Enjoy a guided snowshoe hike, guest speakers and guided star-gazing at the Killarney observatory in Ontario Parks' first dark sky preserve.
  • Ontario Parks Ski Report provides up to date trail conditions for provincial parks.

Visit the Ontario Parks website for information on programs, reservations, day-use and seasonal passes.