Well, Old Man Winter has been stubborn this year, hasn’t he?
But just when I thought he had overstayed his welcome, I discovered the snowy bliss of the Minden Wild Water Preserve during a snowshoeing Ontario adventure.
Just 2.5 hours north of Toronto, this region is a 100-acre natural canoeing and kayaking facility on the Gull River. And in 2015, you’ll see it in the international spotlight when it becomes the site of the whitewater events for the Pan American Games.
Of course, the paddling adventures take place in the summer but, during the winter months, the Minden Wild Water Preserve is transformed into a snow-covered scene right out of a fairytale—with the perfect trails for snowshoeing.
Along with friends Mary (Calculated Traveller), Sharon (Dream Travel Magazine) and Vanessa (Turnipseed Travel)—also snowshoeing novices—I donned my new footwear for an afternoon of exploration led by Yours Outdoors, a team of “experience leaders” dedicated to sharing with visitors the beauty, heritage and culture of the Haliburton Highlands.
Photo credit: Corey Pietryszyn
You’d think the gentle slopes intimidated us, but this was a light hike dictated by nothing but our comfort levels.
And we were in the best possible hands: Our guide Maria not only holds a Bachelor of Recreation and Leisure Studies, but diplomas in Parks & Forest Recreation and Adventure Tourism. And, if that isn’t enough, her experience as an outdoor guide is equally extensive.
Our Yours Outdoors guide, Maria.
It was like being a guest in the home of someone who wants nothing more than to display its best features. But, instead of oil paintings and fine china, it had artwork of the natural kind: forests, rolling hills, snowdrifts and a free-flowing river running through it. We were introduced to the different species of trees and the sharp claw marks left by bears that couldn’t resist climbing them.
There were some slips. There were some clumsy falls. But they only tickled our spirits, providing comic relief between the “oohs” and “aaahs” on the trail.
It was an afternoon of natural beauty I seldom see, not to mention easy exercise—a perfect weekend getaway I hope to make an annual winter tradition.
Thank you to Yours Outdoors and Ontario’s Highlands Tourism for making this day possible.
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Hi Helen….just noticed your article about the snowshoeing trip in the Haliburton Highlands and we’re looking at buying a cottage right near there with some reservations about trying to make it happen….your overview of the experience that beautiful snowy winter day has given me the fuel to really try and make it happen! Thanks! Beautiful photos!
Thanks, Karen! I think a cottage there would be lovely. Who says winter can’t be fun, right?
Absolutely! We’re loving winter lately so hiking along that set of rapids would be great! We’ll see where we end up ~ time will tell 🙂
I live in Haliburton and there are many places to skate, snowshoe, cross country ski and downhill throughout the county. Some you pay others not.
We have organized walking around town as well.
No shortage of activities to enjoy our winter wonderland.
Bonnie Roe
Ritchie Falls
Hi Bonnie! The next time I’m there, I hope to try cross country skiing. For me, Haliburton is such a great escape from the city, even in winter. Thanks for stopping by!