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Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
in Ontario, Canada
Stokely Creek Lodge & Ski Touring Center (705/649-3421, www.stokelycreek.com) in the town of Goulais River, ON is close to the Ontario/Michigan border. For a full page of info click Stokely Creek Lodge. There are 130 km of groomed trails on 10,000 acres of protected land. Lessons, xc ski and snowshoe equipment rentals are available. Solitude, excellent cuisine and quality staff service are featured at this premier resort. CCSAA member
Gatineau Park has one of North America’s largest and most popular trail networks only 15 minutes from Parliament Hill in Ottawa (www.gatineaupark.ca; 800-465-1867; 819-827-2020). With more than 250 kms of various trails that wind through the Park’s forests and along frozen lakes and river valleys Gatineau has 10 shelters, 100 kms of trails for skating, 45 kms of snowshoe and backcountry trails, respectively. Click here for a full page about Gatineau and for nearby accommodations click Wakefield Mill Hotel & Spa.
Hardwood Ski & Bike (800/387-3775, www.hardwoodskiandbike.ca) in Oro Station, ON is one of the most popular xc ski areas in eastern Canada. There are 36 km of groomed trails for classic and skate skiing and another 12 km of separate snowshoe trails. Lessons, xc ski and snowshoe rental equipment are available. Full cafe service. Hardwood has lighted skiing on 3 km of trails. CCSAA member
The Niagara Escarpment in Ontario offers two xc ski areas. Scenic Caves Nordic Center (705/446-0256, www.sceniccaves.com) near Collingwood, ON offers 28km of groomed trails. Lessons, xc ski and snowshoe equipment rentals are available, and there are sleigh rides and dogsledding. Highlands Nordic (444-5017, www.highlandsnordic.on.ca) in Duntroon provides great views of the Georgian Bay and offers 18 km of groomed trails. Lessons, xc ski and snowshoe equipment are available. CCSAA member
Bear Trail Couples Resort and Algonquin Park (613/637-2662, www.couplesresort.ca) is a resort on the shores of the Galeairy Lake and Madawaska River that combines luxury accommodations with remote wilderness of the 7,500 square mile Algonquin Park. The Couples Resort is 3 hours from either Toronto or Ontario. There are more than 40 km of groomed trails and another 60 km in the park, half of which are backcountry ski trails. Expect snow to fly early and last thigh-deep into late March. There are snowshoe rentals available at Couples Resort and also dog sledding and snowmobiling services available on site or nearby. Skating rink on the lake under the lights.
Algonquin Eco-Lodge (905/471-9453, 800/776-9453, www.algonquinecolodge.com) at the south end of Algonquin Park has 30 km of groomed trails and 30 km of wilderness trails. There are xc ski and snowshoe equipment available for rent. Extensive wildlife abounds in the park and the lodge is amidst the home of a resident pack of wolves. There are dog sledding trips on most weekends. The Canadian Tourism Commission selected Eco-Lodge as on of the "Best Winter Packages in Canada."
Sault Trails & Recreation (800/361-1522, www.soofinnishnordic.com) in Sault Ste Marie, ON has 38 km of groomed trails within the Hiawatha Highlands Wilderness Preserve. There is a 2 km lighted trail for night skiing. Lessons, xc ski and snowshoe equipment rentals are available. Only 20 minutes from the Michigan border. CCSAA member
