Winter Fun Muskoka Lakes

Winter is a magical time of the year! Embrace the cooler weather, grab your gear and get ready to make the most of winter in Muskoka Lakes.

We encourage you to use the hashtag #MuskokaLakesWinterFun and #EmbracetheChill to help spread the word about winter recreation opportunities!

Township Winter Activities

Snowshoeing on a Muskoka Lakes Trail

Go snowshoeing on one of 4 Muskoka Lakes Trails

Hardy Lake Trails - Hiking/Snowshoeing

Muskoka Road 169, Torrance, ON

Hardy Lake Provincial Park Trails provide hiking access to the shores of Hardy Lake. Characteristic of the lake-studded Precambrian rock landscapes of the Muskoka region, Hardy Lake has a picturesque rugged shoreline.

3km and 8km
Moderate to Difficult

Huckleberry Rock Lookout Trail - Hiking/Snowshoeing

1057 Milford Bay Rd, Bracebridge, ON

Huckleberry Rock has been well known locally for over 100 years as a magnificent scenic lookout. Rocks on this trail are some of the oldest in the world, well over a billion years old. The effects of glaciation, timber harvesting, erosion and fire have removed the thin mantle of soil, exposing the surface of the pink granite rock.

2.5km Loop
Moderate

Hazelwood Trail - Hiking/Snowshoeing

Hazelwood Road, Port Carling, ON

The historic Hazelwood Trail once linked Port Carling to Port Sandfield. The trail is named after the Hazlewoods, a pioneer family who settled on Lake Rosseau. The Hazlewoods took this trail to Port Carling. The trail includes some moderate to steep climbs through mature hardwood forest. Towards the end of the route, the trail runs beside a large beaver pond, well known for its bird life!

2.5km one way (5km total)
Moderate

Skeleton Lake Fish Hatchery Trail - Hiking/Snowshoeing

Fish Hatchery Road, Utterson, ON

The trail winds past the hatchery ponds, which have now been naturalized and along the river, which flows from Skeleton Lake. The trail passes by several habitats: meadows, deciduous forests, flood plain forests, river shorelines and wetlands. Skeleton Lake Trail also includes views of small waterfalls and rapids.

1km
Easy

Winter Walking at Hanna Park and the Bala Sports Park

Enjoy the crisp winter air walking on the

cleared paths at Hanna Park in Port Carling and the Bala Sports Park in Bala.

Hanna Park - 40 Bailey Street

Current Status - Open

200m

Bala Sports Park - 3224 Muskoka Rd. 169
Current Status - Open

200m

Cross-Country Skiing or Snowshoeing at the Milford Manor Golf Course - Closed

Current Status - Open cross country skiing

Operating for the first time, the Township in partnership with local volunteers is offering a cross-country ski trail at the Milford Manor Golf Course. The trail is approximately 1km in length, groomed once a week, and open as long as possible in the winter. Typically right after New Years as soon as the weather allows until March break!

This is a free trail to use, open to the public. There is snowshoeing available around the outside of the path. There is a portable washroom on site, but no indoor facilities.

Thank you for all the help from local volunteers! Donations can be made on site.

Public Skating at a Local Arena

Current Status - Open

Grab your skates and head to the rink to enjoy skating all winter long.

Bala Sports Centre

1009 Maple Ave.
Bala, ON P0C 1A0

For availability contact the arena directly at 705-762-5390.

Public Ice Skating in Bala - November 21, 2022 - March 28, 2023
Day	Time	Cost
Tuesday's	10:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m.	Free
Saturday's	1:00 p.m. - 2:20 p.m.	$2.80/person
Sunday's	1:00 p.m. - 2:20 p.m.	$2.80/person

Port Carling Arena

3 Bailey St.
Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0

For availability contact the arena directly at 705-765-5725.

Public Ice Skating in Port Carling - November 21, 2022 - March 28, 2023
Day	Time	Cost
Wednesday's	10:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m.	Free
Sunday's	2:30 p.m. - 3:50 p.m.	$2.80/person

Hanna Park Skating Trail - Closed

Hanna Park Skating Trail Facebook Page
Current Status - Closed

A local 200m free skating trail located at Hanna Park in Port Carling. Run by volunteers and open as long as possible in the winter. Typically right after New Years as soon as the weather allows we get it open, and try to keep it going until March break!

This is a free trail to use, open to the public as part of the offerings of Hanna Park. There is also a walking trail that is maintained by the Township that runs around the outside of the skating trail. The skating trail is lit until 10:00 p.m. and there is a portable washroom on site, but no indoor facilities. The trail is run by volunteers and shovels are left for anyone to help out if it is snowing while you are skating.

Light up the Night - View the Holiday Lights

The Township has added additional holiday

lights in an effort to help bring festive cheer. These light compliment the tremendous efforts from local community groups and businesses who help decorate across the various communities. Take a self-guided tour for a fun adventure boasting great scenery and fantastic family fun. Make sure you have your phone and camera ready, take lots of pictures and share online using the hashtags #MuskokaLakesWinterFun and #EmbracetheChill.

Popular locations

Downtown Bala
Downtown Port Carling
Village of Windermere

Snowmobile across Muskoka Lakes

Muskoka Lakes is home to hundreds

of kilometers of groomed snowmobile trails. With the efforts of the Muskoka Sno-Bombers and Muskoka Lakes Snow Trails Association these trails are maintained and marked for your safety. Snowmobiling is a great way to experience Muskoka Lakes and there are several operators willing to suit you up and take you out onto the trails.

Map of Township Winter Activities

Taste, Stay, Shop, and Play Muskoka Lakes

As snow begins to fall and lakes begin to freeze, there are some great activities for the whole family to enjoy, including cross country skiing, snowshoeing, skating, snowmobiling and ice fishing. Visit the Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce, Muskoka Tourism or Explorers' Edge to find local winter attractions, and places to dine, stay, shop and play.

Looking for a business? View the Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce business directory or click below.

Muskoka Lakes Chamber

Muskoka Tourism

Explorers' Edge