Approximately one hour from Sir Sam’s Inn and Spa in Eagle Lake, you will find Ontario’s largest and oldest provincial park. Algonquin Park is 7,000 square kilometres and has been a favorite destination for outdoor recreation since its inception in 1893. The park’s natural environment includes the headwaters of five rivers, dense forests, diverse plants, and abundant wildlife. All of these features make Ontario’s oldest park one of the best places for winter adventures. Whether you want to snowshoe in the backcountry or look for wildlife, there are endless things to do in Algonquin Park during the winter months.
1. Cross-Country Skiing
Algonquin has over 1,000 kilometres of groomed and ungroomed trails for cross-country skiing throughout the park. The tranquility of XC skiing allows you to experience the beauty of nature up close and personal. Fen Lake and Leaf Lake are the two most popular groomed ski trails, and you can check trail conditions here before you go.
2. Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is very similar to cross country skiing, except snowshoeing is generally easier and requires less equipment. One of the other main benefits of snowshoeing is the opportunity to explore ungroomed trails basically anywhere in Algonquin Park. If you prefer to stay on marked trails, no worries, there are over a dozen trails available to explore.
3. Wildlife Watching
One of the best things to do in Algonquin Park during the winter months is searching for wildlife on the nature trails. The park is home to 55 animal species, 32 reptiles and amphibians, and over 140 bird species. The snowy landscape provides the perfect opportunity to spot birds and see animal tracks. We recommend the Spruce Bog Boardwalk Trail for bird watching and the Opeongo Road to look for deer, moose, fishers, and foxes.
4. Ice Skating
Every winter, the parking lot at Mew Lake Campground transforms into an ice skating rink. They do not rent skates on-site, so make sure to pack your own skates. The rink is located right next to a hot tent and a campfire pit for you to warm up afterward.
5. Fat Biking
Fat biking is an excellent way to get outside and zoom down the snowy trails at Algonquin. Rent a fat bike for a half or full-day from Algonquin Outfitters in Huntsville. The Old Railway Bike Trail is the best option for fat biking and extends 16 kilometres on a historic route. This trail is considered easy and can be enjoyed by any age or skill level.
Plan a Winter Vacation in Ontario
There are so many things to do in Algonquin Park during the winter months that you are sure to find an activity everyone will love. After your winter adventures, make the drive back to Sir Sam’s Inn and Spa to unwind. Return to your room and warm-up in front of your personal fireplace, or dissipate the chill at our on-site spa. Start planning your vacation in Ontario today and discover everything Algonquin Park has to offer this winter.
