Check our day trip schedule during the season to see when we visit each of the following locations. 

Hardwood Ski and Bike

Located just north of Barrie, Hardwood Ski and Bike (or, Hardwood!) offers over 30 km of groomed trails for classic and skate skiers, 6 km of wilderness backcountry trails for classic skiers, and 10km of snowshoe trails. The ski shop is equipped with both recreational and performance ski or snowshoe rentals (Hardwood is a great option to try out higher end equipment). There's a caterer that offers one hot food option on weekends and the also have a limited selection of cold items (e.g. sandwiches, candy bars etc.).

Highlands Nordic

Located south of Collingwood, Highlands Nordic has over 20 km of trails groomed for both skate and classic skiing and 7km of snowshoe trails (with the Bruce Trail nearby). It has a chalet with delicious soups, chili, and sandwiches, an excellent ski shop, and good quality ski and snowshoe rentals.

Horseshoe Valley

Located just north of Barrie, Horseshoe Resort provides over 30 km of trails groomed for classic and skate and 8km of snowshoe trails. Rentals are available. Note that the chalet is reduced in size as they had to close the upper floor with the cafeteria. There is no food available. You can walk across the street to the Alpine resort for food if you wish. For this reason, we do not go to Horseshoe Valley often (or at all) right now. When they renovate the chalet (hopefully), we will go again.

Georgian Nordic

Located near Parry Sound, the Georgian Nordic Ski and Canoe Club maintains 30 km of groomed classic and skate trails on 200 acres of land atop the Canadian Shield. There is a beautiful 4.5km snowshoe trail. There is a heated lodge and a waxing hut with ski and snowshoe rentals, but no snack bar, so bring your own food.

Scenic Caves Nordic Centre 

Located at the top of the Blue Mountains near Collingwood, Scenic Caves has a total of 27 km of groomed classic and skate ski trails and 10km of snowshoe trails that take you across Ontario’s longest suspension footbridge. There are spectacular views of Georgian Bay. They have a chalet with hot and cold food options, and offer ski and snowshoe rentals. We always get a log cabin to use.

Arrowhead Provincial Park

Located just west of Algonquin Provincial Park near Huntsville, Arrowhead boasts 29 km of classic trails, 12 km of skate trails, and 6km of snowshoe trails. There is no ski shop, but there are ski and snowshoe rentals. There is a modern chalet, but no food options (there is water, coffee, tea).

Wasaga Beach (Blueberry Trails)

Wasaga Nordic has 30 km mostly classic ski trails (there’s about 10km of skate ski trails) and 8km of snowshoe trails in the 500-hectare wooded Dunes area of the Provincial Park. There is a small heated lodge with rentals. No food; bring your lunch.

Mansfield Outdoor Centre

Located one hour north of Toronto, Mansfield maintains 35 km of groomed classic trails, 10km groomed skate trails, and limited snowshoe trails through the Dufferin Woods. Enjoy the rustic lodge with a wood-burning stove and homemade soup from their small cafeteria. Ski and snowshoe rentals are available. We don't often schedule trips here anymore as they rarely get enough snow to groom more than a couple weekends a year.

Kolapore Uplands

The Kolapore Uplands Wilderness backcountry ski trails are located on the eastern edge of Beaver Valley near Collingwood. Approximately 50 km of marked, rugged, ungroomed trails are primarily designed for intermediate to advanced cross-country skiers. One section of trails is appropriate for beginners. There are no warm-up huts and no rental equipment. This location is ideal for the wilderness experience. Snowshoeing is not permitted. We visit Kolapore once a year.