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Not Without My Passport

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Snowshoeing Ontario: A Riverside Trail in Haliburton

March 15, 2014 by Helen

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snowshoeing in ontario

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.

minden ontario canada in winter

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.

snowshoes

group of women snowshoeing in ontario

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.

minden whitewater preserve in winter

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.

haliburton ontario canada in winter

snowshoe trails ontario

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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snowshoeing in haliburton ontario

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Comments

  1. Karen says

    August 16, 2015 at 7:00 pm

    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!

    • Helen Suk says

      August 20, 2015 at 4:53 pm

      Thanks, Karen! I think a cottage there would be lovely. Who says winter can’t be fun, right?

      • Karen says

        August 25, 2015 at 11:31 pm

        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 🙂

  2. Bonnie says

    January 19, 2017 at 9:10 am

    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

    • Helen says

      February 6, 2017 at 10:14 pm

      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!

About Helen

Helen Suk

Travel writer. Photographer. Always curious. I search the world for beauty and inspiration while sharing valuable tips to help you plan your next trip.

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