5 Things to Do during Winter at Windy Lake Provincial Park

5 Things to Do during Winter at the Windy Lake Provincial Park

Famous for its sandy beaches and fantastic water sports scene in the summer months, the Windy Lake Provincial Park also provides a great winter experience that includes cross-country skiing on Onaping Falls Nordic Ski Club trails and a wonderful ice fishing package that includes fishing gear and aid in setting up. Crisp, fresh snow dust the Jack Pine, birch, and spruce trees within the forest and the lakeside cabins and yurt campsites bring about a homey, cozy feel.

Try ice fishing

Experience a complete ice fishing package at Windy Lake so you can try your hand at this beloved winter activity without the hassle of purchasing equipment and setting up for the day. The packing includes transport of gear, and aid from park staff. Delicious Lake Whitefish and Lake Trout are commonly caught here in the winter months.

Summer Fun at Windy Lake Provincial Park

Enjoy winter camping

Two camp cabins are available for winter camping that feature rustic one-room cabins with wood interior, a fireplace, and kitchenette for those who want a homey, rustic time at the provincial park.

Explore the park on cross-country skis

The park offers some of the best cross-country skiing in the region, where the Onaping Falls Nordic Ski Club operate a 15km trail network for classic and skate style skiing of all levels. These professionally groomed trails make for a fun and hassle-free day out on the snow. Season passes, weekend passes, and day passes are available, as well as a ski chalet on weekends.

Go snowshoeing high above Windy Lake

Like skiing, snowshoeing is also a popular sport of choice in the winter time, as the park has 16kms of trails with 8kms of forested snowshoeing trails that allow snowshoers high above the park for panoramic views of the frozen lake. Despite the decrease in snowfall in Ontario recently, Windy Lake trails are still often the first to get snow and last late into the winter season.

Zip along on a Snowmobile

Windy Lake is also the perfect destination for snowmobilers due to it being in the heart of the Onaping Falls High Riders Snowmobile Club territory. Notably, the 225km Cartier Moose Loop Tour runs by Windy Lake cabins and goes through the Canadian shield. Magical rock formations and a chance to discover more accessible trails are precisely why this park is ideal for snowmobiling.