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Top Winter Activities – Lake of Bays

December 14, 2020

Located southeast of the incredible Algonquin park, Lake of Bays provides visitors with the spirited communities of Dwight, Dorset and Baysville. While the Lake of Bays area is known for its scenic beauty, it is also one of Ontario’s top winter destinations. With skating, snowshoeing, hiking, sledding, ice fishing, skiing and dog sledding all nearby, Lake of Bays truly offers winter enthusiasts an incredible array of activities!

Skating

One of the most popular activities can be found at Arrowhead Provincial Park where 1.3km of frozen, fairy-tale trails await your best pirouette! As the sun goes down, tiki torches illuminate the trails on either side, providing the coziest ambiance, earning the name “Fire & Ice”. Wind through the thick, snow covered forest mid-day with the whole family, or at night for the perfect, romantic date experience! 

Snowshoeing

If you are looking for a change of pace, snowshoeing is an absolute must try winter activity. Whether you are taking the dog for a walk, or want to experience the true beauty of Muskoka while getting some exercise, snowshoeing is for you! You can either blaze your own trail or visit Limberlost Trails and hike through their series of interconnected loops!

Hiking

One of the most popular hiking trails in the Muskoka region takes place at Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve. With many different trails ranging from scenic outlooks, unrestored trails and link trails, you are sure to find something that suits your needs. More than two-thirds of the trails are groomed and are in great condition, perfect for all ages. With over 70 kilometres of extensive trails, feel free to hike or jog through the beautiful Canadian wilderness!

Sledding

If you are looking for more of an exhilarating activity, look no further than snowmobiling! With over 1,600kms of the OFSC snowmobile trails that travel all throughout the Muskoka region, you are sure to get your fill of adrenaline! There are plenty of day trips to choose from such as the Lake of Bays Watch Tour. This tour is approximately 200km long and will lead you through the towns of Baysville and Dorset.

Ice Fishing

Ice fishing should be on everyone’s bucket list this winter season! Lake of Bays offers 230 feet of water at its deepest, with fish ranging from whitefish, lake herring, smallmouth bass and lake trout. The town of Dwight rests where two rivers join – a hotspot for fish during the winter months! Whether you are a first timer or an experienced fisher, many places rent out the equipment needed to have an amazing day out on the lake! 

Downhill Skiing

Skiers and snowboarders listen up! Hidden Valley Highlands is your ultimate winter activity! With 11 runs catering to all skill levels, a terrain park, ski club, and kids camp, this ski resort is a fan favourite during the Muskoka winters! Grab your helmet and snowsuit and we will see you on the hill!

Dog Sledding 

Dog sledding, also known as “mushing” is Muskoka’s best kept secret! Dog sledding has been used in the Arctic for over 2,000 years and was absolutely vital to the development and survival of populations inaccessible by other methods. Come experience the transportation used during the fur trade and gold rushes of the early 19th and 20th century! Ranging from one hour long tours to half and full day excursions, this experience is sure to be a lifelong memory!

Visit Discover Muskoka for more information!

Located southeast of the incredible Algonquin park, Lake of Bays provides visitors with the spirited communities of Dwight, Dorset and Baysville. While the Lake of Bays area is known for its scenic beauty, it is also one of Ontario’s top winter destinations. With skating, snowshoeing, hiking, sledding, ice fishing, skiing and dog sledding all nearby, Lake of Bays truly offers winter enthusiasts an incredible array of activities!

Skating

One of the most popular activities can be found at Arrowhead Provincial Park where 1.3km of frozen, fairy-tale trails await your best pirouette! As the sun goes down, tiki torches illuminate the trails on either side, providing the coziest ambiance, earning the name “Fire & Ice”. Wind through the thick, snow covered forest mid-day with the whole family, or at night for the perfect, romantic date experience! 

Snowshoeing

If you are looking for a change of pace, snowshoeing is an absolute must try winter activity. Whether you are taking the dog for a walk, or want to experience the true beauty of Muskoka while getting some exercise, snowshoeing is for you! You can either blaze your own trail or visit Limberlost Trails and hike through their series of interconnected loops!

Hiking

One of the most popular hiking trails in the Muskoka region takes place at Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve. With many different trails ranging from scenic outlooks, unrestored trails and link trails, you are sure to find something that suits your needs. More than two-thirds of the trails are groomed and are in great condition, perfect for all ages. With over 70 kilometres of extensive trails, feel free to hike or jog through the beautiful Canadian wilderness!

Sledding

If you are looking for more of an exhilarating activity, look no further than snowmobiling! With over 1,600kms of the OFSC snowmobile trails that travel all throughout the Muskoka region, you are sure to get your fill of adrenaline! There are plenty of day trips to choose from such as the Lake of Bays Watch Tour. This tour is approximately 200km long and will lead you through the towns of Baysville and Dorset.

Ice Fishing

Ice fishing should be on everyone’s bucket list this winter season! Lake of Bays offers 230 feet of water at its deepest, with fish ranging from whitefish, lake herring, smallmouth bass and lake trout. The town of Dwight rests where two rivers join – a hotspot for fish during the winter months! Whether you are a first timer or an experienced fisher, many places rent out the equipment needed to have an amazing day out on the lake! 

Downhill Skiing

Skiers and snowboarders listen up! Hidden Valley Highlands is your ultimate winter activity! With 11 runs catering to all skill levels, a terrain park, ski club, and kids camp, this ski resort is a fan favourite during the Muskoka winters! Grab your helmet and snowsuit and we will see you on the hill!

Dog Sledding 

Dog sledding, also known as “mushing” is Muskoka’s best kept secret! Dog sledding has been used in the Arctic for over 2,000 years and was absolutely vital to the development and survival of populations inaccessible by other methods. Come experience the transportation used during the fur trade and gold rushes of the early 19th and 20th century! Ranging from one hour long tours to half and full day excursions, this experience is sure to be a lifelong memory!

Visit Discover Muskoka for more information!

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