The CP Holiday Train is Comin' to Town
Don't miss the festive fun and find a stop near you!
By Josie Cormier
Boreal Paradise: Non-Motorized Trails in Timmins
With a long, consistent winter, Timmins is the place to be for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing! It's home to one of the largest ski clubs in Canada and to some of the most accessible snowshoeing trails around.
Timmins is home to some fantastic non-motorized trails that are especially enjoyable in the winter. The highlight of the area is Porcupine Ski Runners property, which is home to some of the best winter activities in Northeastern Ontario. There are many more multi-purpose trails in Timmins that are not included in this article, but we recommend checking them out.
For other great winter activities in Timmins, take a look at this top five list of things to do this winter!
Porcupine Ski Runners
Just 3 km from downtown Timmins sits Porcupine Ski Runners, one of the largest Nordic ski clubs with some of the best skiing and snowshoeing trails in Northeastern Ontario. This is a hotspot for tourists visiting the area because it offers all necessary rental equipment, so it's perfect for people travelling light.
Snowshoeing
There are a total of six clearly marked snowshoeing trails on this property, ranging from short and easy to longer and more difficult. For beginners, it would be smart to start out with the easy 1.1-km trail, which starts right from the parking lot, to get a sense of the area. There are also three moderate trails, which range from 1 km to 2.3 km, a hard trail that is 1.2 km, and finally, a difficult trail that is 3.7 km. The trails expand off each other, so even though the longest trail is only 3.7 km, you'll be able to cover much more ground than that by conquering multiple loops. Check out the trail map here.
If you have never used snowshoes before and want to try them out, don't worry—Porcupine Ski Runners is one of the few places that offer rentals! Depending on if you are a member or not, the prices vary but they start at $9 for adults $7 for children.
Skiing
30 km of professionally groomed trails through the beautiful northern boreal forest creates a spectacular environment for enjoying Nordic skiing. The trails are designed for both classic and skate skiing and are clearly marked with easy-to-follow signs. One of the most impressive and luxurious features of Porcupine Ski Runners’ trails is that some of the networks are expertly illuminated for night skiing, making a truly unique winter experience for visitors. Another luxury aspect that makes this property one of the best is its gorgeous Xstrata chalet that offers rental equipment, a waxing room, locker facilities, and a snack bar.
Porcupine Ski Runners is host to multiple events and programs, including the Annual Loppet Ski or Snowshoe, definitely a community favourite, and a Family Day event where fees are free and rentals are 50% off. School programs are also offered and the club proudly runs a Jackrabbits program and a Biathlon Bears program aimed at promoting the sport and developing skills for kids in the community.
Other Cross-Country Skiing Trials
Other Snowshoeing Trails
