CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING AND SNOWSHOEING ON THE BRUCE PENINSULA

The Bruce Peninsula is a wonderous place to cross-country ski or snowshoe in the winter. With the beautiful vistas over-looking Georgian Bay, and the splendour of the Bruce Peninsula National Park - the Bruce Peninsula offers a world class cross-country ski experience ! The Bruce Trail is open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing during the winter months. Officials however do not recommend the more rigorous hiking paths north of Lion's Head. Dress in layers when skiing--remove or add layers as required. If skiing alone, always tell someone where you are going and what time you expect to return.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKI OR SNOW SHOE IN THE PARKS

Although the trails in the National Parks are neither marked, nor groomed - you can find many routes into these wonderful areas. The local ski enthusiasts use trails around the Lion's Head Provincial Park so most times you will find a trail to use. These trials offer peace and solitude. Be careful when you use these trails - let your accommodator know where you plan to go. Most times you can follow your own tracks out - but remember, if it snows it might cover your tracks!

CROSS-COUNTRY SKI OR SNOWSHOE TO CABOT HEAD LIGHT IN DYER'S BAY

The road to Cabot Head Lighthouse and park is closed during the winter - which leaves it open to skiers, snowshoers and snowmobiliers. The road to Cabot Head offers a beautiful view of Georgian Bay on the right, and the majestic Niagara Escarpment on the left. Again - this is not a groomed trail - but there is usually a trail carved going to the famous lighthouse.

THE BRUCE SKI CLUB

The Bruce Ski Club has 3 locations that provide you with groomed trails or you may want to venture on the fresh powder at one of the many parks in the Bruce Peninsula.

Colpoys ( map ) The Colpoy's Trail is groomed through gently rolling, sheltered woods and open fields starting just north of Colpoy's Bay. A part of this trail follows the well-known Bruce Trail and provides great views across the bay.

Rankin ( map ) The Rankin Trail provides well-groomed skiing through wind-sheltered, rolling woodlands. This trail is more for the novice skier with some nice hills on the north end. The trail can be accessed at the Amabel/ Albemarle Township line or the Red Bay Road or from Red Bay Lodge.

Sawmill ( map ) The Sawmill Trail, which starts 1km east of Suntrail Outfitters in Hepworth, is comprised of beginner to expert loops, well-groomed for both diagonal and skate skiing techniques. The trails are cut through rolling land, sheltered by hardwood and evergreen stands. There are gentle loops for beginners and challenging hills for the expert. This trail is used by clubs and schools for outings and races and also hosts a divisional race, the Suntrail Special.