MUSKOKA IN THE WINTER: THINGS YOU CAN DO

Winter is undoubtedly cold. It is a fact. It can be pretty comfortable when you get outside to play and dress accordingly. 

Muskoka Winter Activities

Our Winter Sampler takes us to Huntsville, Ontario. Huntsville, located in cottage country, has been ranked by National Geographic #1 as 

Muskoka, Canada’s premier cottage region, attracts celebrities such as Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, Steven Spielberg, and Tom Hanks. But contrary to popular belief, it does not close down after the leaves have fallen.

Winter in Muskoka can be magical.

Our Winter Sampler started with Three Guys and a Stove.

Chef Jeff Suddaby served us a menu sampler that included fresh pasta filled with Ricotta Cheese, fresh Blackened Yellowfin Tuna, Pumpkin, and Sweet Potato Soup, and a crisp, mixed green salad.

Cedar Grove Lodge

We checked into Cedar Grove Lodge after a delicious meal for three nights of fun in the snow. Cedar Grove Lodge is part of the Resorts of North Muskoka, which are independently owned and operated.

The smaller resorts offer a more intimate atmosphere with the same amenities as the four-star hotels.

The cabin was spacious and had a stone fireplace with a wood-burning fire, a heated slate floor in the bathroom, and a jet bath. The cabin’s perfect location on the lake was a wonderful retreat.

Snowshoeing, ice skating, and other activities were available.

Before dinner, we played minor hockey! We sat on Muskoka chairs, huddled up by the fire, and watched the sunset while we waited until the dinner call at 6:00 pm.

Snowshoeing in Algonquin Park

Snowshoeing in Algonquin Park was one of the highlights of my trip to Muskoka.

We visited Algonquin only in the summer, but seeing it during winter was a completely different experience.

In the heart of this famous Provincial Park, snowshoers can hike through several loops.

Gord Baker, adventure blog and guide extraordinaire, was our guide. Gord is the type of guy we like.

His laid-back approach was a perfect combination with his confidence.

We felt comfortable following him on the frozen lake or along the snow-covered trails beside rushing waterfalls.

Gord’s jump into the snow on the trail was our favorite moment. You may need to be aware that snowshoeing is done to prevent people from sinking up to their waists in the snow.

Snowshoes are a great way to stay above the snow. If you don’t use them, you will look like this.

Algonquin Outfitters can provide you with all the equipment you need to cross-country ski or snowshoe in the park. They also have maps and suggestions on where to go.

Stop at the park headquarters and introduce yourself to the friendly staff. You’ll be able to find out what trails are open and which ones are in good condition.

Although snowshoeing can be a great workout, some people might want to add a bit of motorized assistance.

This is the perfect place to learn how to snowmobile. There are hundreds of kilometers of marked trails in the area known as Explorers’ Edge.

Snowmobiles have many modern features, such as heated handlebars.

No more worrying about your hands getting cold when you ride. You’ll stay warm all day long with a pair of toe warmers.

Muskoka Trails Snowmobiling

Don’t worry if you need the right gear. Backcountry Tours offers sleds for rent, including winter coats, snow pants, and insulated helmets.

The great Canadian adventure is snowmobiling, so give it a go!

The choice is what we like most about the Explorers’ Edge Region. The region has 11 provincial parks, which cover an area bigger than many European countries.

Algonquin Provincial Park and Arrowhead Provincial Park are both open year-round!

Dogsledding and cross-country skiing are both available. Its unique features include fat biking and skating on the ice trails.

Ice Trail at Arrowhead Provincial Park

Arrowhead Provincial Park is an excellent place for couples and families alike!

The 1.5 km long ice skating path is the main attraction, allowing you to skate in the forest.

Even a Zamboni is on hand to take care of the ice. They had just reopened after three days of grooming.

The ice is in perfect condition, especially for an outdoor arena.

This ice trail is much better than the Rideau Canal, where the ice was choppy.

You can also have a lot of fun by taking a break at picnic tables and warming stations. After you’re done, head to a cabin where you can warm up by the woodstove fire.

Fat Biking

Snowtubing is a great activity for kids and adults. Maybe, by the end of next year, you will be riding Fat Bikes just like Dave and me.

It was a great experience, and we are sure it will become the new big thing for winter sports.