ICE SKATING AND CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING CLOSE TO HOME
Face it and embrace it” is how true Canadians survive winter. Although southern Ontario has become synonymous with unpredictable weather in recent years, winter has decided to settle in after all. For all diehard fans of the white stuff, we are pleased to present Look Local’s recommended snow and ice destinations.
Cross-Country Ski Trails
Gliding through nature on skis is a great workout that warms the body and soul. Terra Cotta Conservation Area in Halton Hills has over 6 kilometres of groomed trails. Those at Crawford Lake in Milton range from easy to moderate. Mountsberg’s ungroomed Pioneer Creek Trail is more challenging, but firepits are available — and if you go during the Maple Syrup Festival you can refuel with pancakes slathered in sweetness.
Other local favourites are Hilton Falls, with scenic trails ranging from moderate to difficult, and Bronte Provincial Park’s 10 kilometres of ungroomed trails (the park also boasts a truly epic toboggan hill, with panoramic views of the area).
Outdoor Skating Rinks
If the sound of blades scraping on ice makes your heart sing, get your skates sharpened and head outside. The Town of Oakville just opened a brand new outdoor rink in Wallace Park in Old Oakville, featuring artificially frozen ice to keep you skating amid weather fluctuations. The rink at the historic Dundas Driving Park is staffed (and zambonied) between 10 am and 6 pm daily.
Want more lights and hustle and bustle? Enjoy lakeside magic at Downtown Burlington’s Rotary Pond in Spencer Smith Park, where skates are available to rent. Waterdown Memorial Park and Trafalgar Park Recreation Centre are two other local favourites offering manicured ice, as well as the convenience of washroom facilities.
When natural, shallow wetlands freeze over, Bronte Creek (in Bronte, near Lakeshore) is a picturesque and old-timey destination for skiers, snowshoers and skaters. Heading toward Hamilton, Princess Point and Carroll’s Bay Marsh (both part of the Royal Botanical Gardens) are particularly beautiful at sunset — and if you’re lucky, conditions might be just right for ice that’s smooth as glass.
LOCAL LINKS
burlington.ca/en/recreation/skating
conservationhalton.ca/activities/cross-country-skiing
cvc.ca/explore-activities/cross-country-skiing
ontarioskitrails.com/item/bronte-creek
oakville.ca/parks-recreation-culture
By Michelle Morra
