You’ve seen Wasaga Beach Provincial Park in the summer, but the winter season shows off a totally different side of the park.
Here are five reasons you need to plan a day trip this winter:
1. Exciting cross-country skiing trails
Wasaga Beach offers some of the best Nordic ski terrain in central Ontario, with over 30 km of groomed and track-set trails.
Whether you’re just starting or a cross-country ski veteran, there’s a trail for you.
Expert skiers can challenge themselves on the High Dunes Trail, while beginner skiers can choose the more leisurely Blueberry Trail. The park also offers designated trails with skate skiing options.
Check out the trail conditions online with the Ontario Parks Snow Report.
2. Snowshoeing opportunities
Wasaga Beach features a 7.5 km snowshoeing trail winding through a snow-covered forest.
The trail is split up into three sections for beginner, intermediate, and expert snowshoers.
3. Wildlife viewing
Skiers and snowshoers aren’t the only occupants of Wasaga Beach in the winter; much of the park’s wildlife stays active too.
Quiet winter wanderers on the snowshoe and ski trails may be rewarded with sights of animals, including White-tailed Deer, rabbits, squirrels, and — if you’re especially lucky — Fishers and Coyotes.
Keep your eyes to the sky as well! Black-capped Chickadees, Blue Jays, Northern Cardinals, various sparrows and owls, and even Bald Eagles call Wasaga Beach home.
4. Ice sheet formations
Shelf ice appears along the shoreline at Wasaga Beach, formed when waves push sheet after sheet of ice against the beach.
It’s a great opportunity to snag some fantastic photographs.
However, make sure you enjoy the view from the safety of the solid shore. Stepping out onto the ice itself is dangerous, as many hidden thin spots and ice tunnels mean you might accidentally fall into the frigid water.
5. Winter biking trails and rentals
Ever wanted to try winter biking? Come and explore 8 km of smooth trails with tight, winding single tracks through our Pine Oak Savannah Forest.
Winter biking can be a great alternative to cross country skiing or snowshoeing.
If you don’t have a winter bike of your own, no problem! Rentals are available at our Nordic Centre.
Plan a day visit today!
Wasaga Beach operates through the winter from mid-December to mid-March, weather permitting, and then in the summer from April to October.
The Wasaga Beach Nordic and Trail Centre is located at 101 Blueberry Trail, Wasaga Beach. Parking is available at the trailhead.
You can pick up ski and snowshoe trail passes at the Wasaga Beach Nordic and Trail Centre. Passes may be used for skiing, snowshoeing, and winter biking.
Trail fees are available here, and rentals are available at individual, family, and group rates.
Trail passes are sold on a per person basis. Wasaga Beach Provincial Park is located within the Town of Wasaga Beach, and this fee structure allows us to offer maintained winter trails in an area where many of our users have walk-in access.
Before you visit, be sure to check the local weather forecast, our Snow Report for trail conditions, and our social medias pages for any operational updates (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter).
