Get off the beaten path

It's fun and easy on snowshoes

Modern designs and materials have made it easier for you to try snowshoeing. 

In the backcountry normally we encourage people to stick to well established trails. By following this most basic Leave No Trace principal, we can all do our part to lessen our impact on the environment.

However, the winter snow combined with a pair of snowshoes opens up great opportunity to throw some caution to the wind and get off the trails. With a good base of snow for protection, you can spend more of your time enjoying all that fresh powder and less time worrying about damaging the delicate ecosystem below. Getting off the beaten path opens up a whole new world and can give you a glimpse of some incredible vistas you may not have seen from the trail.

Snowshoeing-off-the-beaten-track-in-woods-Treks-in-the-Wild
Exploring the backwoods

Want to get in touch with your hunter-gatherer past? Try your hand at tracking. It is a skill that was crucial to the survival of our ancestors and it's easy peasy on snowshoes. White-tail deer, snowshoe hare, and fox are all very common and easy to identify tracks you might find.

White-tailed deer track
White-tailed deer track 

Why not strap on the snowshoes and get off the beaten path on your next adventure. It's just one of the many reasons to love snowshoeing.

About Andy Tonkin

Andy is a backcountry guide and the owner of Treks in the Wild, a wilderness adventure company based Ontario.  Growing up in Northern Ontario instilled his love of nature and the outdoors. He is an avid rock climber, mountain biker paddler and snowshoer.  He currently resides in Brantford with his wife and two sons.

Recommended Articles

2026 Triathalons

Swim, cycle and run your way to triathlete status at these Ontario events.

Crown Land Camping

What it is and where you can camp in Ontario.

Ontario Birding Checklist

Keep an eye on the skies for these 10 incredible species.

Go Foraging in Ontario

Learn the basics of how to harvest wild edibles found across the province.

Natural Highs

7 magnificent mountains in Ontario to climb, hike, ride, ski and more.

What You Need to Know about Ticks in Ontario

With the proper precautions, you don't have to let these creepy crawlies ruin your summer fun.

Best Places to Glamp in Ontario

No roughing it here.

Ontario Trail Races 2026

Find out where to test your limits and get out in the woods.

Your Family’s Best Summer Ever

Explore dozens of family-friendly outdoor itineraries.

Best Stargazing in Ontario

Can’t-miss night sky events for 2026

9 of the Most Beautiful Fall Destinations

And they’re all in Ontario.

Explore Underground: Ontario Caves

Perfect for adventurous couples and families.

Insider’s Guide to Sleeping Giant

Everything you need to plan a trip to this iconic provincial park.

Outdoor Playgrounds

Discover the best Ontario Provincial Parks.

Backpacking Trails in Ontario

7 multiday hiking trips to the province’s most beautiful places.

March Break in Ontario

Discover the best camps, activities and adventures for 2026.

The Best Camping in Ontario

25 of the best car camping and backcountry destinations.

Women only

Trips, retreats, and adventures.

Dog-Friendly Campgrounds in Ontario

11 places where Fido can join in the fun.

Ontario's Best Family Resorts

Your trip planning starts here.