The health benefits of hiking are head-to-toe. A walk in the woods can help alleviate mental fatigue, and improve creative thinking. Hiking is also great for cardiovascular health and muscle tone.
But is hiking an option in the winter? Absolutely.
We’ve collected a list of eight parks with stellar options for winter rambles:
Sibbald Point Provincial Park
Maidenhair Fern Trail: 2 km, 1-1.5 hours, easy
Ramble through a winter forest on trails and boardwalks at Sibbald Point Provincial Park, just 40 minutes north of Newmarket.
Fancy an evening journey lit only by fire and the stars? On designated winter nights, the park offers Fire and Stars Torchlit Trail hikes! Guided and self-guided experiences available.
Darlington Provincial Park
Burk Trail: 1.25 km, 30 minutes, moderate
This trail at Darlington Provincial Park moves through fields, meadows and mature forest past a pioneer cemetery to a scenic lookout over Lake Ontario. Located just off Highway 401, minutes from Oshawa, Darlington is a lovely GTA destination, and winter visitors should also check out McLaughlin Bay Trail and Robinson Creek Trail.
Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park
Boardwalk Trail: 750 m, linear, easy
Only 30 minutes west of Thunder Bay, Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park’s Boardwalk Trail affords excellent views of the frozen gorge. Got extra energy? Cross the bridge, strap on your snowshoes, and explore the Mountain Portage Trail or Little Falls Trail.
MacGregor Point Provincial Park
Tower Trail: 3.5 km return, 1.5 hours, easy
Mild winter temperatures in Southwestern Ontario create great winter hiking opportunities at MacGregor Point Provincial Park. The park’s boardwalks offer a great winter walk if you’re visiting Bruce County!
Algonquin Provincial Park
Spruce Bog Boardwalk (Km 42.5, Highway 60): 1.3 km, 1 hour, easy
Spruce Bog at Algonquin Provincial Park offers a very easy hike through a beautiful bog. Snow-clad spruces provide shelter for many birds and animals, which are regularly seen on this trail. Birds, such as Black-capped Chickadees and Canada Jays, are often seen here.
Bat Lake Trail (Km 30 on Highway 60): 5.8 km, 3.5 hour, moderate to difficult
This trail goes through a variety of habitats, including pine, spruce and hemlock stands, hardwood forests, over small creeks and past a wetland. From the peak, enjoy a spectacular view of a frozen lake.
Frontenac Provincial Park
Doe Lake Loop: 3 km loop, 1 to 1.5 hour, easy to moderate
Hike along the shores of South Otter Lake and Doe Lake with a lookout over Doe Lake. Explore Frontenac Provincial Park’s 5,355 ha on the southern edge of the Canadian Shield, only 40 minutes north of Kingston.
Forks of the Credit Provincial Park
Trans Canada – Kettle – Meadow Loop: 3 km loop, 40 minutes, easy to moderate
A short hike on relatively easy terrain, the area is very open and has a small lookout down towards Kettle Lake. Forks of the Credit Provincial Park is located just south of Orangeville.
Trans Canada – Bruce Trail – Meadow Loop: 5 km, 1-1.5 hours, easy
Enjoy a small lookout on Kettle Lake. Travel over easy terrain, through open meadow areas and some denser forested areas.
Mono Cliffs Provincial Park
The Carriage – Spillway Loop: 5 km, 1 hour, easy
A short hike with mostly flat terrain through a densely forested area. Enjoy cliff-face views and old-growth White Cedars. Mono Cliffs Provincial Park is located just north of Orangeville.
Walter Tovell – Cliff-Top Side Trail Loop: 10 km, 2.5 hours, moderate to difficult
This is a long hike with various types of terrain, including some steep hills and boardwalks. Viewing platform and between the cliffs boardwalk area are included in loop,
This hike is recommended for individuals with winter hiking experience.
Don’t forget your permit!
Permits are still required in the winter. You can purchase your permit up to five days in advance.
Remember: while you may be able to purchase a permit at the gate in some cases, most parks have limited winter office hours, while others — like Mono Cliffs and Forks of the Credit — have automated gates that scan your permit. We recommend purchasing your permit in advance when you head out for a winter walk.
Winter hiking safety
Always remember to give yourself enough time to complete the trail before dark, and bear in mind that hikes may take longer after heavy snowfalls. Check the starting time and length of the trail before you start – if you don’t think you have enough time, don’t start!
Winter temperatures can be very cold, and even colder overnight. Avoid frozen bodies of water and do not go onto the ice. Ice conditions can be unpredictable. And — of course — dress for the weather.
Happy trails!
