Snowshoeing in the Kawartha Lakes: A first-timer’s story
Last winter I was tired of being cooped up indoors and was looking for something new to keep me active and make the season more enjoyable. That’s when I decided to give snowshoeing a try.
I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. If you’re curious about snowshoeing, let me share my experience, along with answers to the questions I had when I first looked into it.
Why snowshoeing?
Like many, I’d heard about snowshoeing but didn’t know much about it. I was drawn to the idea of being able to explore snowy trails and enjoy the outdoors in a peaceful, low-pressure way.
After my first outing, I was hooked. The crisp winter air, the soft crunch of snow underfoot, and the beauty of the snow-covered forests made every step a joy.
It wasn’t just the scenery that won me over—it was also the workout. Snowshoeing is surprisingly effective exercise! It got my heart pumping without feeling too intense, and by the end of the season, I noticed I was stronger and had more endurance.
It’s also incredibly calming. Spending time in nature helped me de-stress, and I often left the trails feeling mentally refreshed.
Is snowshoeing hard to learn?
No. This was one of my biggest concerns, but snowshoeing is very intuitive. If you can walk, you can snowshoe.
The hardest part was learning to keep a slightly wider stance to avoid stepping on the snowshoes themselves. Within minutes, I felt comfortable and ready to explore.
Do you need to be young or athletic to snowshoe?
No. Snowshoeing is suitable for all ages and abilities.
I saw families with young kids as well as older adults enjoying the trails. Snowshoeing is gentle on the joints, so it’s a great option for seniors or anyone looking for a low-impact winter activity.
Why snowshoeing over other winter activities?
I wasn’t ready to dive into downhill skiing or snowboarding, and cross-country skiing felt a little intimidating. Snowshoeing stood out because it’s straightforward and doesn’t require a lot of skill to get started. It’s also more affordable—there are no expensive lift tickets or lessons needed, and you can go just about anywhere there’s snow.
What equipment do you need?
To get started, all you really need is a pair of snowshoes and warm, waterproof winter boots. Poles are optional but can help with balance, especially on hilly trails.
I bought my first pair of snowshoes new for around $150, but there are options ranging from $100 to $300 out there depending on the style and features.
Clothing is important too—dress in layers so you can adjust for your activity level. A moisture-wicking base layer, insulating mid-layer, and windproof outer layer worked perfectly for me. Don’t forget gloves, a hat, and warm socks!
Where can you get gear without spending a fortune?
As a beginner you might not want to invest too much, right away. You should be able to find good quality, gently used snowshoes on Facebook Marketplace for half the price of new ones. Kijiji is another great place to shop.
Is it possible to rent snowshoes?
Yes. You can rent snowshoes at the Kawartha Nordic Ski Club. Note: you will also need to purchase a day pass to snowshoe on their groomed trails.
Another place you can rent snowshoes is Silent Lake Provincial Park. Call ahead to confirm availability and pricing. When you get to the park, you can try out your rented snowshoes on the two trails they have. One is 3 kms and the other is 5 kms.
Where to snowshoe in the Kawartha Lakes
1. Kawartha Nordic Ski Club
Location: 7107 Highway 28, North Kawartha, ON
Trails: 46 kms of groomed and back country trails. There’s a trail suitable for all ages and skill levels.
Rentals available?: Yes.
Additional info: Trail pass must be purchased.
Visit their Website
2. Ken Reid Conservation Area
Location: 277 Kenrei Rd, Lindsay, ON
Trails: 12 interconnected trail loops totalling almost 12 kms. Lots of snowshoeing variety here. Flat and easy-to-navigate trails through wooded areas and open spaces.
Rentals available?: No.
Visit their Website
3. Emily Provincial Park
Location: 797 Emily Park Rd, Omemee, ON
Trails: 5.1 km loop trail. A gentle path great for beginners to snowshoeing.
Rentals available?: Yes.
Additional info: The park is accessible during the day. All facilities are closed and parking is limited.
Visit their Website
4. Victoria Rail Trail (Fenelon Falls)
Location: Garnet Graham Beach Park, 98 Francis St W, Fenelon Falls, ON
Trail: It’s an 85 km-long former rail corridor that actually stretches from Bethany in the south to Kinmount in the north. Fenelon Falls is at the 52-km mark of the trail. The trail’s long, flat, straight path is great for those who are up for a lengthy snowshoeing excursion.
Rentals available?: No.
Additional info: Garnet Graham Park has nice washroom facilities. Restaurants, a grocery store, and a Tim Hortons are just a few-minutes walk away from the park.
Learn more about the trail
5. Pigeon River Headwaters Conservation Area
Location: 445 Gray Rd, Kawartha Lakes, ON
Trail: Three interconnecting trail loops that total approximately 5 kms. You’ll traverse through forest, wetlands and meadows. Great spot if you’ve only got a couple of hours for snowshoeing.
Rentals available?: No.
Additional info: Parking lot is not maintained during winter months.
Visit their Website
6. Gamiing Nature Centre
Location: 1884 Pigeon Lake Rd, Lindsay, ON
Trail: 7 kms of trails of various difficulties. Try a trail, take a break, and then head out on another trail.
Rentals available?: No.
Additional info: Afterwards warm up and learn about nature in the Discovery Shack.
Visit their Website
7. Fleetwood Creek Natural Area
Location: 902 Ballyduff Rd, Pontypool, ON
Trail: Three trails totalling 7.7 kms. The hilly landscape through meadows and forest make this an ideal destination for snowshoeing enthusiasts who are seeking more challenging terrain.
Rentals available?: No.
Visit their Website
Head to a Kawarthas trail and give snowshoeing a try
Snowshoeing was easy to learn, affordable, helped me stay active and allowed me to explore beautiful places. I even started looking forward to snowy days!
Whether you’re looking to connect with nature, get a great workout, or simply make the most of the snowy season grab some snowshoes, find a trail, and discover the magic of a snowshoeing on the trails of the Kawartha Lakes.
Looking for more winter activity ideas?
Read “Things to do in Kawartha Lakes during winter.”
Photo Credit: Jaime Dantas
