If you are interested in a serene alternative to adrenaline packet winter sports like snowboarding or skiing, cross country skiing is definitely one thing to consider. Canada gives you the possibility to easily enjoy wildlife watching while you travel on skis along majestic peaks and you can even go night skiing or on dog friendly routes if this is what you are after.
Canada is large and features a lot of untouched country. Trail options are basically endless. If you want to experience a great country skiing Canadian experience, do consider the following incredible destinations.
Okanagan Valley – British Columbia
The area that covers the region between Osoyoos and Vernon is a highly picturesque location, especially during winter. You will surely love the Silver Star Mountain Resort in Vernon because of the great ski lodging. It is a great destination if you are looking for snow at the start of the skiing season. Also, close-by you can find the Sovereign Lake. In total, you can find around 100 km of great trails for cross country skiing. Some are even at world cup levels.
Algonquin Park – Ontario
This park is just one of the really popular camping facilities in Ontario. 3 trail networks are available and some will take you through picturesque spots that you will want to stop in for some photographs. Half of these trails are completely groomed. If you are interested in something very special, Leaf Lake Trail is what you have to be on. It is around 30 km long.
Simcoe County – Ontario
Ontario as a whole is a great destination for those looking for wonderful skiing opportunities. Simcoe County is around 1 hour from Toronto via car. Here you can find Wasaga Beach, Blue Mountains and numerous ski trails that are perfect for cross country skiing. Blue Mountains is actually the third most popular of Canada’s ski regions. In Simcoe County you will surely appreciate the conservation areas and provincial parks as they are wonderful for cross country skiing. If you want some perfectly groomed trails, visit Hardwood Hills or Wasaga Beach.
Northern Saskatchewan
Northern Saskatchewan offers over 500 kilometers of great cross country skiing. Many of the skiing facilities are well-maintained by parks departments, even if funding is low and volunteers have to pick up what remains. Prince Albert National Park gives you access to 150 km of skiing trails, which is one of the largest in the entire province.
Gatineau – Quebec
Gatineau houses a great winter festival every single year and numerous cross country skiing trails. There are 185 km, with 100 km being completely groomed. If you want to enjoy yourself, you can stay in one of the warming huts that are along the way. Trail patrollers guarantee safety and even give you access to site rentals.
Banff, Lake Louise – Alberta
These two regions offer really great accommodations, with numerous posh options available, all connected with ski culture. Fairmont Chateau is just one of the great hotels that have a perfect setting, close to mountain peaks and with views of mountain skylines. High elevation means that the locations are wonderful even for early snowfall. Many track-set and groomed cross country trails can be visited all year long.