Most people think of Wasaga Beach as a summer town, but it’s also a surprisingly incredible winter destination. This park offers over 30km of winter hiking trails, activities, wildlife and stunning views of the frozen coastline.
For cross-country skiers, Wasaga Beach Provincial Park offers some of the best Nordic skiing in central Ontario. There are 9 groomed and groomed trails of varying length and difficulty that lead you through forests and along the beach.
Intermediate skiers will love the High Dunes Trail, a 3-mile, machine-groomed Black Diamond trail. Beginners or those looking for some leisurely skiing may prefer the Blueberry Trail, an easy 4km loop.
The park offers equipment rentals, refreshments, and instruction at The Wasaga Beach Nordic and Trail Center throughout the winter. However, the stock of equipment is limited, so check before you arrive!
Other winter activities in the park include snowshoeing and fat biking. A 7.5km snowshoe trail meanders through the forest for all levels of experience. If you’ve always wanted to try fat biking, there’s also a dedicated winter bike path.
It is not uncommon to see wildlife in the park throughout the winter. White-tailed deer and winter birds are plentiful and are often sighted when you’re calm. Rabbits, squirrels, coyotes, and even bald eagles are also occasionally spotted in the off-season.
One of the best parts of Wasaga Beach in winter is visiting the beach itself. When the shoreline freezes over, ice shelf formations are formed as waves push one sheet of ice against the other. The result is breathtaking and no two days are the same.
If you intend to visit the park, there is a daily fee of $15 for adults. The park also keeps an up-to-date report on snow conditions to help you plan your trip.