Feel the burn on a cool winter trail in South Eastern Ontario

Laurie Weir

Why hibernate when you can embrace the trails and the great outdoors this winter?

South Eastern Ontario transforms into a stunning snowy wonderland, offering endless trails for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. From thrilling fat bike routes and scenic snowshoe loops to cross-country ski trails and winter hiking paths, this region has something for every adventurer. Whether you’re craving the challenge of rugged terrain or the serenity of a quiet, snow-dusted forest, pack your gear and dive into the season’s best adventures!

The area offers a variety of terrains that cater to all skill levels, and there’s a spot to suit your mood and skill level. Check out these areas where you can get in the groove this winter season.

1. Sandbanks Provincial Park, Prince Edward County

Activity: Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking
Trail Length: Various trails
Terrain: Coastal and forested paths
Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate
Pricing: Free
Details: If you’re familiar with the park in the nice weather, prepare to be taken aback. The snow seems to transform the area, creating a world of its own among the snow-covered trees.

Other trails to consider from Prince Edward County

Millennium Trail – 48 kilometres: various routes and entry points
Woodlands Trail – 6 kilometres
Cedar Sands Trail – 1.9-kilometre loop
Lakeshore Trail – 13 kilometres
The Dunes Trail – 2 kilometres

2. Potter's Creek Conservation Area, Bay of Quinte

Potters Creek is the place to go for fat biking. If the ice is thick enough on the bay, riders head out. Many are now opting for studded tires.
Trail Length: 6 trails totalling 6.6 kilometres.
Terrain: Flat, gentle inclines
Difficulty: Moderately difficult.
Pricing: $5 parking fee
Details: Potter’s Creek Conservation Area is just one of the many nature trails and hiking trails you can find throughout Ontario by using the search features of OntarioNaturetrails.com

3. K&P Trail (Kingston)

Activity: Fatbiking, hiking.
Trail Length: 22-kilometre loop
Terrain: The abandoned railway bed is now an activity trail with two loops – urban and rural.
Difficulty: Beginner+
Pricing: Free
Details: Perfect for a relaxed outdoor winter experience, offering easy flat trails for both fat biking and cross-country skiing with beautiful water views.
More information

4. Frontenac Provincial Park

Activity: Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing
Trail Length: 100 kilometres of trails
Terrain: Rugged, forested with hills
Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced
Pricing: Requires a park entry fee
Details: This park offers challenging trails through rugged terrain, ideal for more experienced skiers seeking adventure in the woods and lakes. Families can pack a lunch and spend the whole day outdoors.
More information

5. Gananoque

Activity: Hiking, cross-country skiing.
Trail Length: 12 kilometres of total trails (Lions Loop, Rogers Loop, River Loop, Great Lakes Waterfront Trail)
Terrain: Hilly, forested, rocky
Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate
Pricing: Free
Details: Lions Loop is both bicycle and wheelchair accessible. If you are looking for a hike that is a little more rustic, make sure you try out the Rogers or River Loops.

6. 1000 Islands Trails

Activity: Cross-country skiing, hiking, snowshoeing
Trail Length: 37 kilometres
Terrain: Hilly, forested, waterfront
Difficulty: Intermediate
Pricing: Free
Details: A variety of trails that are great for all ages and abilities, so you can explore hundreds of kilometres on foot. Take in local wildlife and immerse yourself in nature’s beauty.

7. Cataraqui Trail (Frontenac Arch Biosphere)

Activity: Cross-country skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, fat biking
Trail Length: 104 kilometres from Napanee to Smiths Falls
Terrain: Mixed, rolling hills
Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate
Pricing: Free
Details: A scenic trail that caters to outdoor enthusiasts looking to hike, ski, fat bike and snowshoe, offering a mix of easy to moderate terrain.
More information

8. Foley Mountain Loop Trail (Westport)

Activity: Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing
Trail Length: 6.4 kilometres
Terrain: Mixed
Difficulty: Beginner
Pricing: Pay to park
Details: A 49-kilometer trail that runs from Picton to Carrying Place, with hiking points in Wellington, Picton, Bloomfield, and Consecon.

9. Summerstown Trails (SDG Counties)

Activity: Fatbiking.
Trail Length: 20 kilometres
Terrain: Mixed
Difficulty: Beginner+
Pricing: Bike Rentals available.
Details: The trails are looked after by the Friends of Summerstown Trails, and are located on gentle rolling terrain, protected from the winds in the forest.

10. South Nation Conservation (SDG Counties)

The parks and recreational trails are open to various winter activities, including hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. This 25-kilometre network of groomed trails includes the following Conservation Areas and Municipal parks and trails.

Two Creeks Conservation Area, Morrisburg, 4 kilometres
Robert Graham Conservation Area, Glen Stewartkilometresters
Warwick Forest Conservation Area, Berwick, 6 kilometres.
J. Henry Tweed Conservation Area, Russell, .8 kilometre
W. E. Burton Conservation Area, Russell, 1.2 kilometres
Oschmann Forest Conservation Area, Ormond, 1.2 kilometres

11. Larose Forest (Prescott-Russell)

Activity: Fatbiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, skating, dog sledding, snowmobiling.
Trail Length: 29 kilometres
Terrain: Mixed
Difficulty: Beginner+
Pricing: Free.
Details: ski trails crisscross the various forest stands on relatively flat terrain. There are groomed trails for classic and skate skiing.

Whatever trail you choose, South Eastern Ontario offers plenty of places to make the most of the winter months. Whether you're gliding along the snow-covered paths on skis or riding over the fresh powder on a fat bike, there’s no shortage of adventure to be found here. From the rolling hills of Prince Edward County to the rugged terrain of the 1000 Islands, the possibilities are endless. So, grab your gear, head out, and explore the beautiful outdoors – winter fun is waiting just around the corner.