Discover the Best Cross Country Skiing Ontario Has to Offer

If you’re looking for a place to get your Nordic on, Ontario has you covered. Whether you’re a hardcore racer, a backcountry type, head of a family of five or a total newbie, you’ll find the best cross country skiing Ontario has to offer listed below.

There are lots of Ontario Parks, ski clubs and resorts that offer well-groomed cross country ski trails in Ontario. You can choose to just go for the day, or plan a whole vacation where you can stay in cozy accommodations and ski as many days in a row as you like. 

The cross country ski season in Ontario varies across the province and year to year, depending on snowfall. Generally speaking, the ski season spans from December to March. Find out the latest snow conditions on the cross country ski trails across Ontario. For Ontario Parks trails, distances and amenities, check out the Ontario Parks Snow Report.

What is cross country skiing?

Cross country skiing is a winter activity where an individual uses narrow skis to glide over snow-covered terrain. There are no lifts involved; skiers use only their own power to move across a landscape. When it comes to cross country ski equipment, special ski boots clip into a binding on the ski at the toe, allowing the heel to lift up. Poles are also used to help propel you forward, as well as assisting with balance and turning.

There are two main types of cross country skiing: skate and classic. Classic skiing involves tracks set in the snow and using a gliding motion with your legs, pushing one foot in front of the other to move forward. Skate skiing, however, involves moving your legs side to side in much the same motion used when ice skating. Skate skiers will make v-shaped lines in the snow. 

Many ask, is cross country skiing hard? It can take a bit to get used to having sticks strapped to your feet, but when starting out classic skiing, it's much like walking. You can go slowly until you master the technique and go from there! Many ski areas also have trails that are marked by level of difficulty. Starting on easier trails will also allow you to hone your skills before trying the harder ones. Going down hills in particular can be tricky for beginners, so starting on relatively flat terrain is a good idea to help you learn to balance.

What to wear cross country skiing

As with all winter activities, layers are your friend. This way, you can take off layers as you get warm with movement. 

Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, made of polyester or wool (merino wool is a favourite of outdoor adventurers). Next, a mid-layer like fleece. Lastly, a waterproof shell—though this may only be necessary if it's snowing and you want to keep your clothing dry, or if it's particularly windy or cold out. 

It's a good idea to wear snow pants, rain pants or other waterproof pants if you are learning. This way if you fall you won't get your pants wet! Otherwise, typically a pair of winter tights or pants will suffice. The important thing is to wear clothing that allows you to move freely and that you won't over heat in.

Be sure to wear socks that come partway up your calf to avoid your sock slipping down and causing chaffing or blisters to form on your heels. A hat and gloves are good to wear, but you can decide how thick these need to be depending on the temperature outside. Sunglasses are also a great idea, even if it's not particularly sunny out. Snow reflects light, so it can be brighter out than you think, even on overcast days. 

It can take a few outings to get your clothing dialled in based on the temperature. 

Cross country ski rentals in Ontario

If you want to get out on the trails but don’t have any equipment, it’s easy to find cross country ski rentals in Ontario. Typically, a cross country ski package—which includes classic skis, boots and poles—can be rented for between $20 and $30 per day for adults or around $15 per day for kids. Many cross country ski locations have rentals available on-site.

Cross country ski lessons

While you don't need to take lessons to get started with cross country skiing, sometimes having an experienced skier give you tips can make you feel more confident in trying something new. Likewise, if you've been skiing before but want help dialing in your technique, an instructor can help you improve and make skiing that much more enjoyable. Many cross country ski clubs offer various lessons and clinics. Find a club close to you and contact them for more information. 

For example, the Arrowhead Nordic Ski Club in Huntsville offers programs for all ages and abilities. They also provide private lessons.

Cross country skiing at Ontario Parks

There are 18 Ontario Parks that offer cross country skiing—and it just so happens that these parks offers some of the best nordic ski trails in the province. 

• Algonquin (three locations)
• Arrowhead
• Awenda
• Bronte Creek
• Frontenac
• Kakabeka Falls
• Killarney 
• MacGregor Point
• Murphys Point
• Pinery
• Quetico
• Rushing River
• Silent Lake
• Sleeping Giant
• Springwater
• Voyageur
• Wasaga Beach
• Windy Lake

The trails are well-groomed for both classic and skate skiing. Many have lit trails for night cross country skiing, plus warm-up shelters and/or cabins with wood fires and even hot chocolate to warm you up. Cross country ski rentals are available at Arrowhead, Killarney, Wasaga Beach and Windy Lake.

It’s easy to create amazing cross country ski getaways in Ontario Parks as many offer cozy overnight winter camping in heated yurts or cabins. Make sure you check out the Ontario Parks’ Snow Report before travelling.

Cross country ski vacations in Ontario

If you're looking for plan a cross country skiing vacation, there are lots of ways to make it happen. One option is to book a stay at a resort that specifically caters to cross country skiers. These will be trails on-site, allowing you to seamlessly transition from skiing to relaxing—possibly several times in one day! 

Another option will be to book a stay at accommodations that are near a cross country skiing area. This involves coordinating a few more logistics, but can allow you to check out different ski trails each day, depending where you are basing your stay. Below we'll go over some of the top places for a cross country ski getaway in Ontario.

Stokely Creek Lodge     
Locals swear Stokely Creek Lodge has some of the best cross country skiing in Ontario. Located in the Algoma Highlands just north of Sault Ste. Marie, their classic, skate and backcountry trails cover 160 kilometres. Six warming huts flank trails to suit any skill level. Sauna-equipped accommodations with an all-inclusive meal option are available. It is known as one of the best all-inclusive cross country ski getaways in Ontario.

Norm's Cabin 

Looking for a backcountry cross country skiing adventure? Located at the eastern extension of the Stokely Creek Lodge ski trails system, within the Algoma Highlands Conservancy, on the shore of Bone Lake, the cabin is only reachable by ski or snowshoe in the wintertime. The lower floor is a warming space for winter adventurers, while the upper floor has reservable rooms for overnight guests.

Voyageur Quest

Located at the northwestern edge of Algonquin Park, Voyageur Quest offers several winter packages that provide accommodations and access to ski trails and equipment. Some adventures are guided, fully inclusive and involve other winter activities as well. 

Bondi Cottage Resort

Stay in a cozy private cabin and access the resort's 20 kilometres of groomed ski trails. Located just outside Dwight on the west side of Algonquin Park, this resort is nestled in a snowy wilderness area that's easily accessible from Toronto.

Minaki Yurt Adventures     
Nestled on the western edge of the province, 45 minutes north of Kenora, Minaki Yurt Adventures caters to the classic skier. Twenty kilometres of regularly groomed trails wind their way past six yurts that can be rented for the night and offer varying levels of luxury. This is one of the most remote cross country ski getaways Ontario has to offer.

Where to cross country ski in Ontario

Northwestern Ontario

Kamview Nordic Centre     
Featuring over 30 kilometres of groomed trails, including 8 kilometres of well-lit trails for some of the best night cross country skiing in Ontario. Warm up in the cozy chalet and snack on delicious homemade soups, chilli and cookies. The season is packed with family-oriented events and programs. Ski rentals are available.

Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park     
Fifteen kilometres of spectacularly beautiful well-groomed cross country ski trails, adjacent to Kakabeka Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in Ontario. There is no chalet at this location.

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park     
Home to the famous Sleeping Giant Loppet, offers some of the best cross country skiing in Ontario. The Park features 50 kilometres of groomed trails, with various loops and routes of varying levels of difficulty. The snow is pristine and the lookouts spectacular.

Lappe Ski Centre     
A winter paradise on the outskirts of Thunder Bay, Lappe Ski Centre offers 15 kilometres of groomed trails with 6.5 kilometres of lit trails for night skiing. Warm up in the cozy chalet and treat yourself to homemade soup and traditional Finnish pancakes. The Lappe Nordic Ski Club offers fabulous family-friendly and adult programs and events for all skill levels, plus seasonal or daily rentals for events.

Rendezvous Cross Country Ski Club

Located between Red Rock and Nipigon, the Rendezvous Cross Country Ski Club maintains 13 kilometres of trails groomed for classic skiing. There is a $10 day use fee and skiers must sign a waiver before heading out. 

Marathon Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Club

A hidden gem on the northwestern shore of Lake Superior, Marathon's ski club maintains an impressive trail system. Club volunteers maintain 15 kilometres of cross country ski trails that are groomed for classic and skate skiing, including 5 kilometres that are lit for night skiing. Rentals are available at the chalet during operating hours. 

Algoma Country

Hiawatha Highlands     
Just 15 minutes from downtown Sault Ste. Marie, Hiawatha Highlands is home to more than 50 kilometres of trails—2 kilometres of which are lit until 10 pm. All trails are groomed for skating and classic skiing. 

Hearst Cross-Country Ski and Snowshoe Club

Journey to the little town of Hearst to experience the natural beauty of the boreal forest. The Hearst Cross-Country Ski and Snowshoe Club maintains 20 kilometres of cross country ski trails. Rentals are available at the main chalet on the weekends; contact the club via their Facebook for rentals during the week.

Northeastern Ontario

Kivi Park     
Sudbury’s largest park is a true gem of the north. The regularly groomed cross country ski trails in Kivi Park roam over more than 140 hectares of Precambrian Shield overlooking Long Lake. They’ve partnered with Adventure365 to provide a full fleet of rental skis. 

BioSki Cross Country Ski & Snowshoe Club

The club maintains 30 kilometres of trails for classic cross country skiing in Lake Laurentian Conservation Area—on the outskirts of Sudbury—which wind through a landscape of birch, poplar and pine forests, swamps, marshes and beaver ponds. Day passes, snacks and drinks can be purchased at the heated ski cottage.

Walden Cross Country

Located just outside Sudbury, Walden Cross Country grooms 23 kilometres of skate and classic ski trails, including 3 kilometres of lit trails for night skiing. Rentals are available on-site, including pulks for towing kids behind you as you ski.

Capreol Cross Country Ski Club

Drive north of Sudbury to the town of Capreol for a scenic cross country skiing experience. The club maintains over 30 kilometres of trails, including a 10-kilometre advanced loop that will make you feel like you're truly away from civilization. Rentals are available on-site.

Windy Lake Provincial Park     
Forty minutes northwest of Sudbury, Windy Lake Provincial Park features more than 15 kilometres of groomed trails, maintained by the Onaping Falls Nordics Ski Club. Being nearly 400 metres above sea level, the season is often a couple of weeks longer than other clubs in the area. The cozy chalet offers snacks and rentals on weekends. 

Temiskaming Nordic Ski Club     
At the impressive Temiskaming Nordic Ski Club, just north of Temagami, volunteer groomers take pride in creating 20 kilometres of high-quality trails for track-set and skate skiing. Daily rates start at $18, and rentals and a fire-warmed chalet round out the offerings.

North Bay Nordic Ski Club 

The North Bay Nordic Ski Club is a family-friendly club with 50-kilometres of groomed trails for classic and skate skiing. They offer youth and adult programming including lessons, night skiing, daily rates for visitors, a full stock of ski rentals and snowshoe rentals, winter hiking trails and a heated clubhouse.

Wasi Cross Country Ski Club

Located 20 kilometres south of North Bay in Astorville, Wasi Ski Club is a volunteer-run, member-supported club that maintains over 43 kilometres of classically groomed trails, as well as 8 kilometres of snowshoe trails. 

Nipissing University 

The University grooms 3.75 kilometres of cross country ski trails for both classic and skate skiing that are free to use. 

Mattagami Ski Club

Located south of Timmins, not-for-profit Mattagami Ski Club maintains 18 kilometres of cross country ski trails. There is a $10 day use fee. Youth ski equipment is available for rent.

Cochrane X-Country Ski Club

Day passes are just $15 at this volunteer-run ski club in Cochrane. The club maintains nearly 20 kilometres of trails and hosts evenings of night skiing periodically throughout the winter.

Iroquois Falls Cross-Country Ski Club

Twenty kilometres of scenic trails are groomed by the dedicated volunteers in Iroquois Falls, just northwest of Timmins. The chalet is open on weekends and for special events and is where you can rent equipment. 

Porcupine Ski Runners

The Porcupine Ski Runners club in Timmins is one of the largest nordic ski clubs in all of Canada. The club maintains over 30 kilometres of trails, including 3.5 kilometres of lit trails for night skiing. Rentals are available and the chalet is open seven days a week.

Kirkland Lake Cross Country Ski Runners

A 20-kilometre network of groomed ski trails behind the Joe Mavrinac Community Complex in Kirkland Lake is free to use all winter longer. The Complex works in partnership with volunteers and the Kirkland Lake Cross Country Ski Runners to maintain the trails. Pick up a trail map and rent equipment at the Community Complex.

Englehart Nordic Ski Club

Enjoy 12 kilometres of groomed classic ski trails in the small community of Englehart, north of Temagami. The trails are located in Kap-Kig-Iwan Provincial Park, but the ski club is fully responsible for the maintenance and operation of the trails, including information about conditions and collection of fees. The club loans out equipment and the chalet is open on weekends. Daily trail passes are just $5 per person or $15 for a family. 

Muskoka, Parry Sound, Algonquin & Almaguin

Georgian Nordic     
Ten minutes north of Parry Sound on Highway 124, Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre is a hub of local outdoor enthusiasts. Thirty kilometres of groomed trails for both classic and skate skiing radiate from a heated chalet that’s home to a full slate of rental equipment. Full-day ski passes are $26 at the not-for-profit organization. 

Arrowhead Provincial Park     
With its newly built cross country ski chalet and well-groomed 28-kilometre classic and 16-kilometre skate skiing trails, Arrowhead Provincial Park is one of the best cross country ski destinations in Ontario. The Arrowhead Nordic Ski Club operates exceptional adult and children ski programs, hosts races and social events. Ski rentals are available at the Park.

Algonquin Provincial Park   
Algonquin Park has several networks of winter trails specifically designed for cross country skiing. Two trails are packed and well groomed on a regular basis (Fen Lake and Leaf Lake) and one is a wilderness ski trail (Minnesing). Algonquin Outfitters offers nordic ski rentals for $34.98 per day per adult at its Oxtongue Lake, Huntsville and Haliburton locations.

Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve

10,000 acres of wilderness just outside of Algonquin Park is the perfect setting for all manner of outdoor activities—including cross country skiing in the winter. The reserve grooms over 35 kilometres of trails for classic skiing. A safety form must be signed before exploring the reserve but the trails are free to use.

Gravenhurst Nordic Trails

Camping in Muskoka, a third-generation-owned campground, operates and maintains the Gravenhurst Nordic Trails system. Cross country ski rentals are available on-site. Note that the trails are closed Mondays and Tuesdays. 

Bruce Grey Simcoe

Scenic Caves Nature Adventures     
Winding its way along the top of Blue Mountain near Collingwood, the Scenic Caves trail system offers incredible views of Georgian Bay throughout its 27 kilometres of classic trails and skate ski groomers. They have a full rental fleet of cross country equipment and even pulks, in case you feel like dragging your little one along with you. 

Kolapore Wilderness Ski Trails     
Kolapore’s 50 kilometres of trails loop through some of the most beautiful terrain in the Collingwood area. These are backcountry trails; classic tracks are set by the first skiers out on the trail after a snowfall. Staying within the proper level of difficulty on the well-marked trails will be easy if you pick up a trail map at the Ravenna Country Market; you might also spring for some pastries, since trail access is free (though making a donation or purchasing a membership are encouraged). 

Wasaga Beach Provincial Park   
The Wasaga Nordic Centre (formerly Blueberry Trails) offers 30 kilometres of groomed trails, with something for every level of skier. The centre is part of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park and meets most day-skier needs with a chalet with a snack bar and rentals. Adult trail fees are $15 per day. 

Get out for a ski and make the most of winter

It’s easy to enjoy nordic skiing in Ontario. The only hard part is deciding where to go as there are so many exceptional places to cross country ski in Ontario. 

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