With that winter chill setting in and the days getting shorter, it’s hard to get motivated to get outside. Need some inspo on what to do to beat the winter blues? Look no further! I’m your girl! In this post, I’ll be covering some of the best activities to do in and around Muskoka during the cold months. There is no shortage of outdoorsy activities to keep you warm and keep your mind happy. I haven’t done all of them YET. They’re all on my list for this season! So, consider this my winter bucket list. It’s so important to keep your mental health a priority during the winter months, and being outside has been proven to help keep you happy and healthy (no, seriously, I did a whole project on it, it’s science!). I hope you get some inspo to keep you happy, healthy in this post!
Hiking!
There is no shortage of beautiful hiking in the area, and the trails seemingly come alive in the winter! To say Muskoka is a winter wonderland would be an understatement! Here are a few trails to definitely check out in the winter!
High Falls
High Falls is one of my favourite places to go for a casual hike in Muskoka. It’s stunning all year round and turns into a winter wonderland come December! If you’re looking for a relatively easy hike with optimal views, this is the place for you! This location features several waterfalls, a beach with PNW vibes, and a forest that really feels like fairies could live there.
Limberlost
If you’re a more experienced hiker and you want a little bit of a more challenging hike, then Limberlost forest is up your alley! This conservation area has multiple day hikes ranging anywhere from 5-13km in length. There are stunning lookouts, calm lakes, and other surprises along each trail. The trails are stunning in the winter and are ideal for a day trip adventure!
Huckleberry
Huckleberry comes alive in the winter! With stunning views and fresh snow, you’ll be in awe of what this short trail has to offer. Catch a sunset here and see how the snow turns golden. During the winter months, the lookout is less crowded, making it a great place for some pictures and some relaxation.
Experiences!
Arrowhead Provincial Park:
There are several places to skate in the area, but the best known in the area is, of course, the Arrowhead Provincial Park skating trail. This trail winds through snow-covered pines, offering a truly magical experience. Arrowhead also offers camping and hiking year-round making this an amazing spot for a weekend getaway! They book up quickly in the winter, so make sure to save your spot in advance! The trails here are lovely in the winter. My favourite is Stubb’s Falls – a quick hike that features a lovely waterfall, and the opportunity to feed birds! Make sure to also check out Big Bend Lookout – the iconic view at Arrowhead.
Muskoka Lakes Winery:
This winery features a skating trail and pond hockey in the winter! Stay for a wine tour, sip hot mulled wine or cider and hike some of the trails on site. This winery is located in Bala and has something for everyone! It is open year-round, and their Bog to Bottle wine tasting is a Canadian Signature Experience! There is a cute cafe to warm up in after skating and a gift shop to browse for your favourite wine you tried while there!
Liv Outside Adventures:
Currently top of my list of things I HAVE to try out is an ice climbing experience with a local outdoors shop in Bracebridge. They offer multiple guided tours in the summer and winter. In the winter, they offer snowshoe rentals and guided hikes. They also offer an ice climbing adventure, and I am dying to give it a shot! It’s a little bit more on the pricey side so take that into consideration. They offer different prices per group size. You can find more on their website (linked below). I can’t wait to give this a try, and I’ll let you know how it goes!
The Beer Spa:
Looking for a winter vacay that is true to cottage country? Look no further than the Beer Spa in Torrance. They have cabins to rent out, and you can get a keg of locally crafted beer set up right in your room! The cabins are cosy and set up with classic VHS tapes and a fireplace to keep you warm. When we went there, they weren’t offering in house spa treatments because of COVID, but they did provide the info for several companies that would do house calls. In the winter there is a skating rink set up as well as a restaurant to enjoy! There are multiple hiking trails nearby, my favourite being Hardy Lake loop. The spa is also located right by the dark sky preserve, so make sure to step outside and enjoy some of the most breathtaking night sky views Muskoka has to offer.
Photography by Kresson Taylor & Dawson Taylor
