Winter is a magical time in Huntsville, Muskoka. Snow-covered landscapes provide the perfect setting to get outside and rediscover the spirit of the season. This winter, Huntsville once again transforms into a winter playground with incredible venues for you to get out, explore the forest, and go Nordic skiing. Wondering where to go? With provincial parks, nature reserves, and dedicated guiding services all within easy driving distance of downtown, Huntsville has you covered with unique cross-country ski sites where you can glide to your heart's content.
Arrowhead Provincial Park’s winter offerings are legendary across Ontario, and for good reason—it’s the ultimate destination for diverse winter fun. Specific to Nordic skiing, Arrowhead features 28 km of classic ski trails and 16 km of skate ski trails, ranging from beginner loops to expert challenges. Arrowhead provides beautifully maintained, track-set trails that wind through mixed forest and along the frozen river. And while you’re there, make sure to save time for their famous 1.3 km Ice Skating Trail, which makes a memorable addition to any visit.
For a true taste of backcountry adventure, consider a guided trip with Find Your Wild Muskoka. Their unique "Algonquin Ski" program offers a full-day guided 'skishoe' adventure using Altai 'Hok' skis. These specialized skis offer the stability and climbing ability of snowshoes combined with the forward glide of a ski, allowing for off-trail exploration. An experienced guide will lead your group into the deep snows of Algonquin's meadows, wetlands, and woodlands, setting a fresh trail each time and providing a unique, one-of-a-kind wilderness experience away from the traditional groomed paths.
Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve is a beautiful wilderness haven with over 10,000 unspoiled acres of mixed forest near Huntsville. Crucially, this private forest reserve contains more than 70 km of hiking, and skiing trails made available to the public at no charge. The Nordic skiing trails at Limberlost provide access to special natural features and tour several large lakes. The forest features 11 cross-country ski trails that are regularly groomed and maintained, making it a high-quality, accessible option for a day on the snow.
For a unique experience that blends outdoor activity with artistic wonder, head over to Sandhill Nursery. They have opened their sprawling grounds for winter days spent exploring the fresh air. You can glide along their dedicated cross-country ski path, which offers a charming perspective of the nursery’s landscape. The best part? Cross-country skiing is included in Sandhill’s Winter Activity Pass, which also grants access to their onsite skating and snowshoeing areas. Passes are available in-store for just $5 for Youth, $8 for Adults, and $5 for Seniors. If you are planning to stay late, Forest of Light ticket holders can even grab a discounted same-day activity pass to make the most of their visit.
Algonquin Provincial Park is a vast and fascinating place to visit in the winter. For many visitors, the deep snow, ease of viewing wildlife, and the vast solitude of Algonquin Park’s ski trail network and backcountry are appealing. The park maintains 85 kilometres of groomed and 32 kilometres of non-groomed cross-country ski trails available in several trail networks. These options range from shorter, easier loops to challenging overnight wilderness routes, perfect for those seeking the ultimate escape into Canada’s oldest provincial park.
Need to rent before visiting any of these venues? Finding the right gear is easy, as Huntsville is the gateway to the Algonquin wilderness. Algonquin Outfitters is the premier spot for winter equipment rentals. Not only do they offer high-quality classic and skate cross-country ski packages for all ages, but they also rent the specialized Altai Backcountry Skis (Hok Skis) favoured by guides, allowing you to venture off-trail. Beyond skiing, you can rent snowshoes for exploring the countless kilometres of dedicated snowshoe trails at Arrowhead and Limberlost, or pick up a Fat Bike for snow cycling on the Old Railway Bike Trail in Algonquin Park.
Huntsville offers a huge variety of activities to fill your winter vacation beyond the cross-country trails:
To truly experience the magic of Huntsville in the winter—from the first track-set trails in the morning to the twinkling lights of the downtown core—booking an overnight stay is essential. Huntsville boasts an incredible array of accommodations to suit every desire, from luxurious resorts to cozy, private cottages nestled in the woods. Settle in, relax by a fireplace after a day on the snow, and enjoy the unparalleled comfort and hospitality that defines a Muskoka winter getaway.
