Get off the beaten path

It's fun and easy on snowshoes
TB2013_SNOWSHOE-026-2739.jpg

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

Adventure Hotspot: Mississagi Provincial Park

Get the lowdown on camping, hiking and paddling north of Elliot Lake, Ontario.

Love Wildlife?

Must see parks and attractions for animal-lovers.

Want to go snowshoeing?

Discover Ontario’s best trails and getaways.

classic algonquin

3 day guided canoe trip

Love canoes?

See Ray Mears and more at Temagami Canoe Festival.

WOW

New design for Canadian Canoe Museum

Where to See Ontario's Coolest Wildlife

Get expert tips on how to spot these iconic species.

Insider’s Guide to Neys

How to plan a trip to this under-the-radar provincial park.

Tips for 2026 Camping Reservations

Use these best practices to get the sites you want, when you want them.

Georgian Bay Islands National Park Guide

Escape to an island where cars are not allowed.

The Best Killarney Hikes

Take to the trails in Ontario’s crown jewel park.

Call Us Crazy

23 Adrenaline Rushes Found Only in Ontario

Best Stargazing in Ontario

Can’t-miss night sky events for 2026

Guide to Restoule Provincial Park

Find out how to plan a front or backcountry trip to this little-known gem.

Dog Sledding in Ontario

Your guide to this exhilarating winter activity.

Treetop Trekking

Swing. Climb. Zip. Play in the treetops.

Summer Fun Ideas

8 new things to add to your Ontario bucket list.

be inspired on the algoma grand drive

James shares his top 7 Group of Seven moments

Birding Hotspots

Spring Migration Festivals

Adventurous Getaways For Couples

16 vacation packages a short drive from Toronto.