Want to enjoy a beautiful forested region studded with lakes, with the Trent Severn Waterway running through many of them? The Kawartha Region is ideally situated, just an hour and a half from the GTA, and is known for its stunning scenery, outdoor activities, and charming small towns. The best way to truly experience the area is to stay at one of our many Kawarthas cottage rental opportunities or enjoy one of our many Kawartha Lakes cottage rentals. If you’re planning a trip to the Kawarthas this winter, you’re in for a treat! The region offers a variety of winter activities that are sure to keep you entertained and create lasting memories!
Here are 10 Ideas for Some Great Winter Activities During Your Kawarthas Cottage Rental
- Snowmobiling on the Kawartha Snowmobile Trail
The Kawartha Snowmobile Trail is a network of trails that winds through the Kawartha region. This trail is well-maintained and offers stunning views of the area’s forests and lakes. Snowmobilers can rent a sled and explore the trail on their own, or join a guided tour for a more in-depth experience. The trail is also open to cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and fat-tire bikers in the winter months.
- Ice Fishing on Stoney Lake
Stoney Lake is a popular spot for ice fishing in the Kawarthas. You’ll find a variety of fish there, including walleye, pike, and perch. Many local businesses offer ice fishing equipment rentals and guided tours, so even if you’re new to the sport, you can easily join in on the fun. After a successful day of ice fishing, stop by one of the nearby restaurants, or head back to your Kawartha cottage rental to prepare your own freshly caught fish for dinner! If you’re looking for some other great ice fishing spots, while not in the Kawarthas area, you can also check out our top ice fishing lakes for your Haliburton cottage rental.
- Winter Wildlife Viewing at Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park
Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park is a vast wilderness area offering excellent opportunities for winter wildlife viewing. It’s the largest park in southern Ontario after Algonquin Provincial Park. The park is open year round, and is home to a variety of animals, including deer, coyotes, and foxes. The trails are not groomed in the winter, but that’s what makes snowshoeing more fun! See how many animals you can spot while you carve your own trails, hearing only your own footsteps in the crunchy snow, and enjoying the special peace and solitude of the park during the winter.
- Dog Sledding at Winterdance Dogsled Tours
Take a day trip a little further north to Haliburton, and experience the thrill of dog sledding with Winterdance Dogsled Tours. This company offers guided tours through the snowy forests of the Haliburton Highlands, bordering Algonquin Park, led by a team of friendly and energetic sled dogs. Tours range from short rides to full-day expeditions and even a Moonlit tour, and include a hot lunch cooked over an open fire. This is a unique way to explore the region and get up close and personal with these amazing animals.
- Cross Country Skiing at Kawartha Nordic Ski Club
For a fun and budget-friendly winter activity, head to the Kawartha Nordic Ski Club in Bethany. There are 46 kilometres of both classic and skate trails, as well as 9 km of snowshoe trails through scenic, Canadian Shield wilderness. Unplug for a while along the trail, and then enjoy a warming break in the heated trail-side cabins!
- Ice Skating at the brand new Logie Park Trail
A refrigerated skating oval has been added to the newly redeveloped Logie Park in Lindsay. The loop features a natural stone seating area for skaters to sit and take a rest. It is open to the public and free to use, although you will have to provide your own skates, as rentals are not available at this time.
- Ice Skating at Rotary Park
Rotary Park in Peterborough is a popular spot for outdoor ice skating in the winter. The park’s large pond is frozen over and maintained by the city, making it a safe and fun place to skate. The park also offers a warming hut and rentals for skates and hockey sticks. This is a great activity for families or groups of friends looking to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise this winter!
- Fat Biking at Ken Reid Conservation Area
Try the newest winter sport – fat biking, which is a bike equipped with snow tires! At the Ken Reid Conservation Area near Lindsay there are several loop trails through forests, meadows and wetlands. In the winter, the trails are available for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking. Whether or not you own a fat bike, or prefer other sports, this park is a great place to head to this winter, while staying at a Kawartha cottage rental!
- Ice Skating at the Ontario Speed Skating Oval
Located in scenic Lakefield, Ontario, the Ontario Speed Skating Oval provides recreational skaters and speed skaters the opportunity to skate outdoors on a 400-metre track. Free public skating sessions are available, making this the place to be in the winter in the Kawarthas!
- Cross Country Skiing at Silent Lake Provincial Park
Silent Lake Provincial Park is a beautiful spot for cross-country skiing in the Kawarthas. The park offers 34 km of groomed cross-country ski trails in the winter season. This is a great way to get some exercise and explore the park’s winter landscape!
In conclusion, the Kawarthas offer a wide variety of winter activities for all interests and skill levels. From skiing and snowmobiling to ice fishing, fat biking, and dog sledding, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plan your trip to the Kawarthas this winter to stay at one of our many cottage rentals in Ontario and experience all that this beautiful region has to offer.
Looking to Find that Perfect Ontario Cottage Rental?
At CottageLINK Rental Management, we manage hundreds of cottage rentals in Ontario. Reach out to us at info@clrm.ca to help us match you with your dream cottage rental!
