Toronto 
Credit: Hockley Valley Resort
For a small county tucked just northwest of the Greater Toronto Area, Dufferin has some amazing places to get out and explore on a snowy day. From great hills for skiing and sliding to cliffs and trails, it is an enticing destination due to the high calibre of its attractions.
Here are 15 things to do outdoors during winter in Dufferin County: Grand Valley, Mono, Orangeville, Shelburne, Amaranth, East Garafraxa, Melancthon, Mulmur.
For activities in Caledon, see Outdoor Winter Activities in the Region of Peel.
1. High and lows at Mono Cliffs
Mono Cliffs Provincial Park’s trails can take you through a canyon or up 30-metre cliffs, depending on which route you choose on cross-country skis or snowshoes. It has eight trails. They range from almost five kilometres along Walter Tovell Trail, to 3.5 km on McCarston’s Trail and South Outlier Trail, to 600 metres for Lookout and Link trails. Park fees range from $11 to $18.50 for the day.
Address: 795122 3rd Line East, Orangeville
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2. Reach new heights in Hockey Valley
Hockley Valley Resort has 16 ski and snowboard runs with great views on top of the thrill of skimming over the snow. If you stay over, you can enjoy its spa and the products from its winery as well.
Enjoy cross-country skiing and the resort also offers snowshoe rentals.
793522 Mono 3rd Line, Mono
(B) 519-942-0754
3. Skim along fresh snow
Dufferin County Forest gives you 6.6 kilometres of trails to explore on a popular loop near the town of Mulmur. With more than 1,000 hectares of wooded area, you can enjoy the peace and quiet of the trees.
937513 Airport Rd, Mansfield
4. Flock to the marsh
The Luther Marsh Wildlife Management Area is described as a biological treasure at the headwaters area of the Grand River watershed due to its abundant wildlife and grand setting. Its fields, forests and wetlands surround 1,400-hectare Luther Lake. A hike on its trails will enliven your day with feathered sights since it is also one of the best bird-watching spots in Ontario.
034588 21 Side Road, Grand Valley
5. Glide on your slide
Mono Community Centre Park has a great toboggan hill behind its gazebo. Listening to the squeals of the other sliders is almost as fun as the ride itself.
754483 Mono Centre Road, Mono
6. Fresh treats
The Orangeville Farmer’s Market operates at the town hall every second Saturday throughout the winter. Pick up farm fresh eggs, local meat, root vegetables, baked goods and much more.
87 Broadway Street, Orangeville
7. Skate as a duo in Mono
The town has three outdoor rinks where you can get out for a glide with a friend. You can find them at Purple Hill Park, 15 Ashwood Drive; Madill Meadows, 33 Madill Drive; and the Mono Community Centre Park, 754483 Mono Centre Road.
8. Hit the ice at Island Lake
Island Lake Conservation Area will lure you in with its ice-fishing services, providing rods, augers, bait and more to hook you into this sport. If you go on the weekend of Feb. 13-14, you don’t need a licence. While you’re fishing, the kids can enjoy an outdoor skate on the full kilometre of ice nearby. Admission costs $5.75 for adults and $2.65 for kids with a family limit of $23.90. Fishing-related rental cost extra.
You can also go ice skating, hiking and more at the conservation area.
673067 Hurontario Street, Orangeville
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9. Walk among artwork
Orangeville’s Public Art Walk features more than 50 murals, monuments, tree sculptures and other creations to spark your joy. Download the map for a self-guided tour that will leave you smiling.
10. Ski under the stars
Mono Nordic has 19 trails for skiing, hiking and snowshoeing just outside Orangeville, with two kilometres of lit trails at night. Membership fees cost $75 for newcomers and volunteers and $130 for non-volunteers. Only members get to use the trails on weekends, so it’s worth the investment.
Monora Park Pavilion, 500 Monora Park Road, Mono
(B) 519-939-9608
11. Take a break around a lake
Credit Valley Conservation Area’s Vicki Barron Lakeside Trail is a popular destination for pedestrians only. The 3.2 km trail runs along the north shore of Island Lake, taking your through the forest and open meadows. Join the trail at the south end of Hurontario Street.
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12. Skate in Shelburne
Greenwood Park has a rink to keep novice skaters and big kids busy with on the ice. Drop in and take a few strokes.
355 Greenwood St., Shelburne
13. Visit the old mill
The Kilgorie Side Trail Loop, part of the Bruce Trail, takes you right past an abandoned mill that once powered local towns more than a century ago. You can get there on skis, snowshoes or boots, following a 3.2-kilometre section near Mulmur that includes the Pine River bridge. Enter at Centre Road 30, 30 metres south of River Road.
14. Ski more runs at Mansfield
With 17 different runs and two terrain parks, Mansfield Ski Club makes a ski hill outing fun for the whole family. Youths pay $56 to ski for a day while adults are charged $70. With rare line-ups, you get more skiing in at this resort.
628213 Side Road 15, Mansfield
(B) 705-435-3838
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15. Take a run on this rail trail
The Upper Grand Trailway runs for 10.5 kilometres along a former CPR line, welcoming you on foot, skis, snowshoes, horseback or a snowmobile. Enter just south of Grand Valley on Regional Road 25.
16. Climb to Murphy’s Pinnacle Lookout
The highlight of a visit to Boyne Valley Provincial Park is the view from this lookout. The park only offers trails and no other services, making it a quiet retreat for the senses. Enjoy the company of hardwood trees, fields and woodland creatures. You can also reach the lookout via the Bruce Trail, if you prefer to take that route. Enter the park via Prince of Wales Road, east of Shelburne.
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