Haliburton's Winter Wonderland: The Ultimate Guide to Snowshoeing, Cross-Country Skiing, Ice Fishing & Skating in The County
- Dustin K
- Jan 19
- 5 min read
Winter in Haliburton County transforms the region into a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. With its vast forests, frozen lakes, and well-maintained trails, it offers some of the best winter sports experiences in Ontario.
Whether you are a seasoned adventurer or trying winter activities for the first time, Haliburton’s landscape invites you to explore. This guide will help you discover the best spots, pack the right gear, and stay safe during your winter visit.
Snowshoeing: Explore the Quiet Wilderness
Snowshoeing is a fantastic way to explore the quiet beauty of Haliburton’s winter forests. It requires minimal equipment and offers a great workout while allowing you to move easily over deep snow.
Best Trails for Snowshoeing
Snowdon Park (Minden): A hidden gem with over 450 acres of mixed forest. The trails are rugged and scenic—perfect for an adventure that feels "off the beaten path."
Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve: Known for its world-class wilderness, the "Forest" offers routes through untouched landscapes. Stop by the Wolf Centre while you are there.
Abbey Gardens (West Guilford): Groomed trails winding through a 300-acre property. An excellent spot for a family-friendly trek followed by a hot coffee at the Food Hub.
Snowshoeing: Essential Gear & Tips
Essential Gear:
Gaiters: Crucial for keeping snow out of your boots when the powder is deep.
Trekking Poles: Helps with balance on uneven Canadian Shield terrain.
Headlamp: Winter days are short; don't get caught in the dark at 5:00 PM without a light.
Before You Go:
Check Conditions: Fresh powder is great, but icy trails require snowshoes with aggressive metal "crampons" (teeth) for grip.
Maps: Download an offline map (like AllTrails) as cell service is spotty in deep valleys.
On The Trail:
Etiquette: If sharing a trail with skiers, never walk in the groomed ski tracks. It ruins the glide for them.
Layering: Start "cold." You will warm up within 10 minutes. If you start sweating heavily in thick layers, you will freeze when you stop.
Cross-Country Skiing: Glide Through the Highlands
Haliburton County is a top destination for Nordic skiing, with kilometers of groomed trails that cater to all skill levels.
Popular Cross-Country Skiing Spots
Haliburton Highlands Nordic Trails (HHNT): The premier network managing Glebe Park and Twin Lakes. They offer superb grooming for both classic and skate skiing. Note: Purchase a day pass online or at the trailhead.
Algonquin Highlands Trails (The Frost Centre): Located south of Dorset, these loops through dense forest offer a true wilderness experience.
Silent Lake Provincial Park: Over 40km of trails. The Black Loop is a favourite among experienced skiers for its technical challenges.
Skiing: Essential Gear & Tips
Essential Gear:
Breathable Layers: Avoid cotton. Use merino wool or synthetic base layers to wick sweat away.
Sunglasses: The glare from white snow on a sunny day can be blinding.
Day Pack: Carry water and high-energy snacks (nuts, chocolate) to keep your fuel up.
Before You Go:
Grooming Reports: Check online trail reports. Freshly groomed tracks make for a much more enjoyable day than icy, wind-blown ones.
Waxing: If using waxable skis, apply the correct grip wax for the day's temperature.
On The Trail:
Yielding: Downhill skiers have the right of way. If you are climbing and see someone coming down fast, step out of the track.
Falling: If you fall, fill in your "sit mark" with loose snow so the next skier doesn't catch an edge on the divot.
Cross-country skiing in Haliburton is accessible and rewarding, offering a great way to enjoy the winter landscape while getting a solid workout.
Ice Fishing: The Classic Canadian Pastime
Ice fishing is a beloved tradition in Zone 15, where frozen lakes provide abundant opportunities to catch Perch, Walleye, and Lake Trout.
Top Lakes for Ice Fishing
Kennisis Lake: Deep, clear water with healthy Lake Trout populations. Caution: As a large lake, it freezes later than others.
Horseshoe Lake: Near Minden, offering solid conditions for Bass and Pike with less crowding.
Twelve Mile Lake: Easily accessible off Highway 35, popular for Whitefish.
Ice Fishing: Essential Gear & Tips
Essential Gear:
Ice Picks: Wear these around your neck. If you fall in, they are the only way to grip the ice and pull yourself out.
Spud Bar: A heavy metal chisel to test ice thickness as you walk.
Cleats/Microspikes: Lake ice can be slippery as glass; don't risk a concussion.
Before You Go:
The Bait Rule: Do not bring live baitfish from home if you live outside the zone. Buy minnows locally to prevent invasive species.
Check the Ice: Minimum 4 inches of clear blue ice for walking.
On The Ice:
Keep it Clean: Leave no trash behind. Coffee cups and cigarette butts frozen into the ice will end up in the lake when it melts.
Drill Smart: Don't drill your holes right next to someone else's hut unless invited. Give everyone space.
Ice fishing in Haliburton offers a unique way to enjoy the outdoors and connect with local traditions.
Skating: Blades on the Ice
Skating is a classic winter activity that’s easy to enjoy in Haliburton County. Whether on a natural frozen lake or a maintained outdoor rink, skating here combines fun with stunning winter scenery.
Best Places to Skate
Abbey Gardens Community Rink: Skate under the marquee lights with the forest as a backdrop.
Dawson Hamilton Memorial Rink (Minden): Located at the Cultural Centre, this maintained rink is perfect for a game of shinny.
Local Community Rinks: Many townships (Dysart et al., Dorset) maintain covered rinks open to the public.
Skating: Essential Gear & Tips
Essential Gear:
Helmets: Strongly recommended for everyone, but non-negotiable for kids. Outdoor ice is harder than arena ice.
Blade Guards: To protect your edges when walking from the car to the ice.
Snow Shovel: If skating on a lake, bring a shovel to clear a patch if the wind has drifted snow over your cleared area.
Before You Go:
Sharpen Up: Dull skates on natural ice (which is often bumpy) make for a frustrating experience.
On The Ice:
Check for Cracks: Natural ice shifts and cracks. Scan your skating area for toe-tripping fissures before you start speeding.
Warm Feet: Wear thin, warm socks (like wool). Thick cotton socks can bunch up and cut off circulation, actually making your feet colder.
Skating in Haliburton is a joyful way to experience winter’s magic, whether you prefer a leisurely glide or a fast skate.
Enjoy the Season, We’ll Handle the Cottage
Winter in Haliburton is about making memories, not worrying about frozen pipes or heavy snow loads on your roof.
We offer comprehensive winter cleaning, maintenance and cottage checks. We visit your property while you are away to keep it ready to enjoy, ensure the heat is on, the pipes are safe, and there is no storm damage.
Go ski, fish, and skate with total peace of mind.
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