Winter is a particularly magical time on the trails. The forest is quiet, the trees sparkle and you can hear the crunch of the snow under your feet. In Orillia & Lake Country you will find many amazing trail systems, perfect for enjoying the beauty of winter.
Refresh yourself with a relaxing walk alongside expansive lake views, get your blood pumping with an exhilarating fat bike ride through the woods, glide the day away on cross country skis, or strap on some snowshoes and head out early to be the first to lay tracks. Whatever your interests, these Lake Country trails will leave you energized and ready to take on the new year.
Copeland Forest
Boasting 4,400 acres of provincially protected landscapes, Copeland Forest is made up of rich foliage, cold water streams, and rolling hills, located in Oro Medonte. Featuring over 75-kilometres of trails, this greenspace is perfect for hiking, snowshoeing, and fat biking (rentals available at nearby Horseshoe Resort), or simply immersing yourself in nature. For the cross-country skiing enthusiast, check out the 30km of groomed trails in the forest maintained by Horseshoe Resort. An extensive trail map can be found on the Copeland Forest Friends website here, or if you’re new to exploring, try out Horseshoe Resort’s well-marked trails with one of their trail passes here.
Grants Woods
Located just outside of Orillia in Severn, Grants Woods is the perfect destination for those seeking a respite in nature. This 52 acre nature reserve is home to a network of 4 km looped walking trails, with connecting footbridges and interpretive kiosks. This easy to navigate terrain takes you through a mature forest of towering maples and pines, some dating back 200 years. Don’t forget your camera, as the diverse flora and fauna of Grant’s Woods make for great photographic opportunities. If you are quiet, you might even spot an owl! A map of Grants Woods can be found on the Couchiching Conservancy website here.
Scout Valley
Located on the outskirts of Orillia, Scout Valley is a 230-acre oasis of nature that includes three well-maintained trails. You will find varying terrain including some good inclines to get the heart pumping. Wander through towering forest, stop to enjoy the sounds of the stream and keep an eye out for birds and other wildlife. View the Scout Valley trail maps on the City of Orillia’s website here.
Hardwood Ski and Bike
If you prefer cross-country skiing, visit Hardwood Ski and Bike, where 40 kilometres of groomed routes across rolling hills of maple and pine forests await to be explored. Not a skier? Hardwood also offers 11 kilometres of snowshoe trails, fat-biking routes, and groomer tours. Full gear rentals and passes are available to pre-book on their website here.
George Langman Sanctuary
George Langman Sanctuary is a protected area located in Oro-Medonte. When you arrive you will be greeted by a variety of unique bird species that call the sanctuary home. A system of 6 kms of looped trails take your through stunning, dense forest. Trees weighted under a blanket of snow create inviting tunnels for you to be enveloped in. Enjoy the flat terrain and newly constructed boardwalks, including one that will lead you to a viewing platform overlooking the beautiful, diverse marsh.
The Millennium Trail
The 9.5-kilometre shared recreational-use Millennium Trail in Orillia, is part of the Trans Canada Trail and remains maintained all winter long. This paved trail meanders along the shores of Lake Couchiching. It will take you through some of the city’s most scenic waterfront parks including J.B. Tudhope Memorial and Couchiching Beach Park. The trail visits several historical sites, including the Stephen Leacock Museum, and a collection of stunning bronze sculptures in honour of the great Gordon Lightfoot. A map of the trail can be found on the City of Orillia’s website here. If you’re an early riser, bring your phone or camera, Lake Couchiching sunrises are always a special sight.
Looking for ways to get outside this winter? Check out our list of the Top Winter Activities in Orillia & Lake Country.
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