Winter Wandering in Cornwall and Prescott Russell

Rosanne Lake

A whimsical winter is within reach: get off the couch and into some new experiences and places while the snow is falling! We’ve done the work for you and put together a mini trip planner with a few suggestions on stops to make along the way. Cornwall and Prescott Russell are stunning in the winter - enjoy exploring these spots and discovering new favourites, too!

Shopping for the vintage lovers

Crush Lane Vintage - Cornwall
Find what speaks to you at Crush Lane Vintage in Cornwall. Curated vintage revival - clothing, accessories, jewellery and handmade jewellery. This is the real fashion deal so watch for exciting new drops and brilliantly-styled looks.

Rethink Vintage - Russell
Transforming furniture! From worn out, to updated and refreshed, Rethink Vintage in Russell breathes new life into vintage furniture pieces. From dressers to cabinets and from bookcases to nightstands, each piece is unique. Check out their socials to be blown away by the foresight and creativity behind each piece.

Juliette Vintage Boutique - Casselman
Treasures around every corner! Juliette Vintage Boutique, in the heart of Casselman village, is located in a house built in 1898. In this century house, you will find all kinds of antiques such as furniture, dishes, decorations, frames, sewing machines, jars and much more. A little stop at the boutique worth the journey – we hear they even have thousands of Halloween costumes!

Serendipity Boutique - Cornwall
This shabby chic thrift shop directly funds Maison Baldwin House, a Cornwall women’s shelter. Vintage pieces often come through the door at Serendipity Boutique like clutches, dresses, shoes, coats, even wooden trunks, vases and home décor items.

For the movers and adventurers

Larose Forest
This is the perfect spot for skiers, snowshoers, hikers and snowmobilers with thousands of acres to roam and explore! Trails showcase natural forest and allow visitors to enjoy in all four seasons. Strap on some snowshoes and hit the trails to experience the serenity.

Voyageur Provincial Park - Chute-a-Blondeau 

Explore a different side of a provincial park during winter! It’s open throughout the colder months for day use activities, like cross country skiing and snow shoeing. The park maintains a 10 km groomed and track-set cross country ski trail until mid-March, arranged in three different trail lengths: 3 km, 7 km and 10 km loops. Be sure to peek at the wild waters of the Long Sault Rapids, too!

Mush Larose Sled Dog Club - LaRose Forest Limoges
Exciting races throughout the winter make ways for the club welcoming dog owners who want to bring their canine companions to pull a sled. In Larose Forest near Limoges there are tails reserved just for dogs and their friends - it’s a great safe way to try it out! There is a season or weekend cost.

Alain Potvin Park - Clarence Rockland
The adorable ice path at the park is open for some winter wonderland appreciation! Be sure to pack a sled as well, as there is a sledding hill on site! Grab your friends and bring childhood memories of good old Canadian winters to life.

Get ahead on your sled - Snowmobiling 
The sledding is unbelievable here! The Eastern Ontario Snowmobile Club grooms and maintains more than 400 km of trails and this region offers some top notch snowmobiling, in addition to providing entry points to adjacent trails in Quebec. Make your mark on winter and create adventurous memories driving through lush forests and beautiful snowy scenes in Voyageur Provincial Park, the Alfred Bog and more.

Read more: For Sled Heads: Snowmobiling in Prescott Russell

For relaxation

Oase Spa - Russell
Whether for a massage or for facials, pedicures, manicures and more, Oase Spa in Russell is a local favourite known for its professional and skilled staff.

Luxurious treatments - Cornwall
Ease into the new year with boutique spas and classic day-spa experiences at places like Pure Organic Spa, which is praised for personal and professional service. For deep relaxation and stress relief, True REST Float Spa offers immersive and private salt-water float therapy to promote overall well-being. 

Get dinner out - Cornwall

Skip cooking and enjoy a cozy dinner at one of the city’s intimate restaurants like Edward's Bistro or Tauro Restaurant for a special meal. For a night out with great food and ambiance, try Birchwood Restaurant & Bar or Au Vieux Duluth Cornwall to make your meal memorable.

For the photo snappers

Nokomis Park - Limogoes
Officially part of Larose Forest, but Nokomis Park is on the other side of the village! It’s full of tall, straight white pines and when the snow flies the trails are wide and groomed all winter. It’s a great place for a quiet walk and unique photos with the towering trees.

Guindon Park - Cornwall
If you’re looking for forest look no further! Guindon Park in Cornwall protects 500 acres of forested land near the St. Lawrence River. With more than 12 km of trails for hiking, fat biking, snowshoeing and cross country skiing, it’s a great place to embrace winter and nature at the same time. It’s also the perfect place for winter hiking photos as the snow clings to the trees and there are lovely vistas. We hear this is also a key spot for birdwatching!

For the unique overnighters

Tiny Home at Hammond Hill
The tiny homes at Hammond Hill are perfect for a simple winter overnight! Not only are the homes fully functional with heating, water and electricity, but they’re also connected to skiing and snowshoeing trails, as well as snowmobile trails. In fact, guided snowmobile tours are available and visitors can even park their sleds right at their tiny home while renting!

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Casselodge - Casselman
This home away from home is the perfect stop for a cozy winter night! With a stone fireplace in the living room, beautiful view of the river, access to a sauna, relaxing massage chair and private accommodations, the hosts here are welcoming and keen to welcome you.

For a pick-me-up

Cafe Sur la Riva - Plantagenet
Take a moment for authentic connection and discover a relaxing coffee haven! At Cafe Sur la Riva, overlook the stunning landscape, embrace no wi-fi and truly chat with friends and family while enjoying the fantastic specialty coffee, tea, gelato or lunch.
 Vankleek Hill Vineyard
Experience a wine tasting in the winery cellar! This intimate setting makes for a special time learning about the winemaking process and unique characteristics of Vankleek Hill Vineyard’s wines. Each tasting is guided to ensure a personal and enjoyable experience. Be sure to call ahead to check winter hours!

Rurban Brewing - Cornwall

Wet your whistle at this small-batch, family-run and independent brewery that crafts unique, tasty and approachable premium beer! Stop into the tap room to experience sipping a flight of unpasteurized, unfiltered beer - the indie brewery is known for fantastic service.

Euphie D’ici Cafe and Smoothie Bar - Embrun
We can imagine the rich aromas as soon as you open the door: delight in artisan coffee, delicate pastries, matcha lattes, sweet and savoury treats. Euphie D’ici in Embrun is the place to go to indulge and feel sated. Arrive hungry - you’ll be glad you did!



For Fresh Family Finds

Downtown Delight Scavenger Hunt - Cornwall

Add a fun spark to any occasion, families can join a Downtown City Scavenger Hunt around Cornwall’s downtown to discover sites and enjoy a fun shared experience together! From discovering historic sites to learning more about the community, this hunt provides all the instructions and routes to take on any mobile device. Solve riddles and complete missions - all while enjoying beautiful waterfront views.

Unlock your geo-passport - Plantagenet
Where can you find 40 treasures and get a geo-passport? While geo-caching at South Nation Conservation Lands! Featuring geocaching sites that encourage outdoor exploration across 20 locations, South Nation Conservation Lands is the spot to search for hidden treasures, earn a Watershed and Historical Geo-Passport, and learn about the region’s forests along the way. Begin your adventure at Jessup’s Falls near Plantagenet!

The winter fun will warm your heart in Cornwall and Prescott Russell! Looking for more? Take a peek at this Cornwall Tourism blog featuring additional great winter pastimes in the region.

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