Cross Country Ski Trails, Downhill Skiing and Snowshoe Trails in Algoma

There are plenty of trails to enjoy winter in the region.

Below is a list of the downhill ski hills and resorts, cross-country ski trail systems and places to snowshoe in Algoma Country.

Cross Country Ski

Boom Camp Trails, Blind River
Trail System: 12 km of groomed trails
Facilities: free parking, free trail map available, accommodations in Blind River
Passes: Seasonal passes available for family or individually. Day Passes available.
Website: www.blindriver.ca
PH: for passes phone (705) 356-7861
Where to Stay: Blind River

Ski Hearst Club, Lagoon Road, Hearst
Trail System: more than 40 km of trails
Trail Maps: Available
Facilities: Ski rentals available (classic and skating), offsite accommodations in the town of Hearst
Find on Facebook
PH: (705) 362-5434
Where to Stay: Hearst

Hiawatha Highlands, Sault Ste. Marie
Trail System: over 45 km groomed cross country ski trails, 2 snowshoe trails
Facilities: cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals available, warm-up shack, free parking, hot beverages and fresh baking available for purchase
Passes: Seasonal and daily available
Trail Maps: snowshoe map available at ski office, download a free ski map online at the website
Events: yes
Learn to Ski programs
Website: hiawathahighlands.com
PH: (705) 256-7258
Where to Stay: Sault Ste. Marie

Mountainview Centennial Park, St. Joseph Island, Township of Jocelyn
Trail System: groomed loops beginner, intermediate and advanced cross country ski loops,
Facilities: free parking, toboggan hill, offsite accommodations on St. Joseph Island
Website: jocelyntownship.com
PH: (705) 246-2025
Where to Stay: St. Joseph Island

Spine Cross Country Ski Trail, Elliot Lake
Trail System: groomed loops from 2 km to 20 km in length for novice to expert
Facilities: resting & warming stations located along trails, accommodations in Elliot Lake
Website: www.tourismelliotlake.com
PH: 1-800-661-6192
Where to Stay: Elliot Lake

Stokely Creek
Trail System: groomed cross country ski trails, snowshoe trails
Facilities: on-site accommodations or stay off-site, warm-up shack, cross country ski & snowshoe rentals available
Passes: Seasonal and daily available
Trail Maps: download a free ski or snowshoe map online at the website
Events: yes
Learn to Ski programs
Website: www.stokelycreek.com
PH: (705) 649-3421
Where to Stay: Stokely Creek

Thessalon Ski Trails
Trail System: Stewart Highlands trail system is open year-round for hiking, biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing
Passes: season passes available at Municipal Office during regular hours, $25.00 for the season, children aged 12 and under free
Trail Maps: trails are marked
Website: https://thessalon.ca/
PH: (705) 842-2217
Where to Stay: Thessalon

Wawa Cross Country Ski Trails
Trail System: Over 10 km of grooms trails to skate ski or cross country with 7 loops and trails from easy to difficult
Passes: Trail pass is $35 per person, or $70 per family, cash only
Trail Maps: Contact for a copy
Website: www.wawa.cc
PH: (705) 856-2244
Where to Stay: Wawa

Snowshoe Trails

Fort Creek Conservation Area, Sault Ste. Marie
Trail System: 82 hectares, 2 km of non-motorized multi-trail use as part of the Hub Trail
Facilities: free parking
Website: www.ssmrca.ca
PH: (705) 759-2500
Where to Stay: Sault Ste. Marie

Crimson Ridge Trails
Trail System: Come enjoy over 20 km of scenic snowshoeing, fat bike trails and 1.1 km of scenic ice skating loop.
Facilities: Embers on the Ridge
Passes: Membership, Day Passes available for adults, child families
Trail Maps: trails are marked, and available online at the website
Website: www.crimsonridge.com/winter
PH: (705) 254-4653
Where to Stay: Sault Ste. Marie

Sault Golf Club - Winter Trails
Trail System: Enjoy walking, running, snowshoeing and fat biking on over 6 km of winter trails
Facilities: Mulligans Irish Pub
Passes: Membership, Day Passes available for adults, child families
Trail Maps: trails are marked, available online at the website as a PDF
Website: http://www.saultgolfclub.ca/
PH: (705) 759-5133
Where to Stay: Sault Ste. Marie

Silver Creek Golf Course & Restaurant, Garden River
Trail System: groomed loop for snowshoeing and skiing around the golf course
Passes: children/ youth day passes, adult day passes, family day passes available (can purchase value packs)
Rentals: Snowshoe rentals available (adult and children size), no ski rentals available
Hours: Noon - 7 pm (may vary)
Facilities: on-site restaurant
Website: www.facebook.com/silvercreekgolfcourseandrestaurant
PH: (705) 942-2080
Where to Stay: Sault Ste. Marie

Thomson Farms Cider & Winery, Sault Ste. Marie
Trail System: 3 km of snowshoe and ski trails
Passes: $5 per person
Rentals: bring your own equipment
Hours: Noon - 5pm Saturday & Sunday
Facilities: warm-up at the outdoor fires, craft cider & wine for purchase
PH: (705) 779-3394
Website: www.facebook.com/thomsonfarms.ca
Where to Stay: Sault Ste. Marie

Johnson Township Snowshoe Trail, Desbarats
Trail System: Trailhead located at the Community Centre, map available soon
Passes: not required
Rentals: bring your own equipment
PH: (705) 782-6601
Website: www.facebook.com/JohnsonTownshipRecreation/

Downhill Ski

Chapleau Ski Club, Chapleau
Trail System: 130 ft vertical drop with longest run is 1,000 feet, cross country ski trails have 12 km of track
Facilities: Chalet, accommodations in Chapleau
Website: www.chapleau.ca
PH: (705) 864-0707 Off-Season Phone: (705) 864-2699
Where to Stay: Chapleau

Mount Dufour, Elliot Lake
Trail System: 320 ft vertical, 7 trails from beginner to challenging, terrain park
Facilities: canteen and lounge, ski and snowboard rentals available, free parking, snow school, accommodations in Elliot Lake
Passes: Full and Half Day Passes available
Learn to Ski programs
Website: www.mountdufour.com
PH: (705) 848-6655
Where to Stay: Elliot Lake

Searchmont Resort, Searchmont
Trail System: 703 ft vertical, slopes are 26 runs, carvable area, terrain park, 6 lifts
Passes: Daily Lift Passes and Seasonal available
Facilities: stay slope or offsite accommodations, downhill ski, snowboards, helmets and snowshoes rentals available, full-service restaurant
Learn to Ski programs
Website: www.searchmont.com
PH: 1-800-663-2546
Where to Stay: Searchmont

Bellevue Valley Lodge, Goulais River
Trail System: Telemark Skiing. The maple forest encompasses 1,000 acres and has a vertical climb over several ridges of 200 metres, packed in by foot traffic, with snowshoe and ski. Some level of backcountry skiing experience is needed
Facilities: bed & breakfast, snowshoes available for limited numbers of hikers and snowboarders
Passes: trail access included with accommodations
Trail Maps: see website for details
Website: www.bellevuevalleylodge.ca/skiing
PH: (705) 649-2880
Where to Stay: Bellevue Valley Lodge

Buy Snowshoes and Winter Clothing

Great Lakes Outfitters, Sault Ste. Marie
Website: www.greatlakesoutfitters.ca
PH: (705) 253-2361
Men's, women's, and children's sizes available, snowsuits, outdoor clothing and more

Backcountry Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

Backcountry winter adventures allow you to explore remote locations where it's just you and the wilderness. The only tracks you may see are yours and the wildlife in the area. You'll find a magnificent forest that feels almost enchanted: snow-capped mountains, trees heavy with ice and snow, frozen lakes and the peaceful quiet of a sleeping winter landscape.

When you're backcountry trekking, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you have fun and stay safe. While it's important to be aware of your surroundings when trekking through the backcountry, below are a few tips:

  1. Check the weather before you head out to ensure a good day.
  2. Dress warm and in layers. If you get too warm, you can always remove layers as you need to.
  3. Opt for snow poles when snowshoeing. These will help keep your balance and help propel you forward.
  4. Always check your gear before you go out!
  5. Bring food and water to ensure you don't dehydrate.

For more gear tips visit www.backpacking.net

Below are some Ontario Parks in Algoma Country where visitors are welcome to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing. Remember facilities and services are not available during the winter months. Campgrounds & park roads are closed and gated so you will have to park safely.

About Heather Bot

I'm a staff writer for Algoma Country and I hope my articles entice you to plan your next vacation in Algoma. Our beautiful area has everything you need for a true outdoor adventure: fishing and hunting, epic touring routes and breathtaking outdoors. We are home to many awesome places to eat, cool places to shop, museums and galleries, festivals and events. 

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