Experience Winter's Magic at Forgotten Lake

A Day Hike to Forgotten Lake

It can be a long, cold winter in Northwestern Ontario if all you do is hibernate. However, for those who live here, the majority see winter as another good opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of Sunset Country, albeit in a different way. It's easy to endure the snow and cold; all it comes down to is being prepared and dressing warmly. The fun starts after that! Forgotten Lake, just north of the City of Kenora, is a perfect choice for an easy day hike in the winter. The ice wall that forms on the cliffs each year makes the hike well worth it.

Getting There

Forgotten Lake is about a 35-40-minute drive north of Kenora on the Redditt Road (Highway 658) to the English River Road, then left about 10 kilometres to the spot where you park. The parking lot is not formal; it's just that the lake is visited enough that there are openings near the trail where you can park. Just make sure to park off the road far enough so as not to impede traffic. The trail into the lake is about a 10-minute hike, which brings you to the frozen Forgotten Lake. Even on a nice day, winds on the open lake can make it feel colder, so dress warm enough to deal with that. The walk to the ice wall over the frozen lake takes about 5-10 minutes. 

Viewing the Ice Wall

You'll marvel at what you see once you get to the ice wall. The flow from the underground spring that gives birth to the ice every winter varies, so the amount of ice on the wall varies, too. On a good year, it is quite expansive, and the true scale is only apparent when you come right up to it. 

Endless Photo Opportunities

Take many photos since you must work a bit to see the ice wall. The best pictures are taken on a sunny, blue-sky day. You can even get behind the ice and under the rock, although caution is recommended as it can be slippery.  Make sure you take a few pics of people in front of the ice wall to give scale and show others how awesome it is.

What to Bring With You

This is an easy day trip and hike (you can do it in the afternoon). Here is some advice on what to wear and what to bring. 

1. Wear layers of clothing, a snowmobile suit, and/or snow pants. It is important to stay warm and dry. 
2. Wear warm boots! You need a good pair of winter boots. While hiking boots are okay for summer hikes, they are not recommended for walking through snow. Cold feet will ruin your day.
3. Wear mitts and a good hat. If there is a wind, wind chill can be something you'll need to deal with, and a hat and good mitts are essential. The most important thing to remember is to keep your hands, feet, and head warm. If you get too warm, you can remove clothing until you reach your comfort zone. You can't add clothing you don't have, so over-dressing is better than under-dressing. 
4. Bring a thermos with a warm beverage in it, such as coffee, tea, or, best of all, hot chocolate. 
5. Bring something to eat to re-energize after the walk into the wall. Trail mix, cookies or a hearty sandwich will do the trick. 

Leave No Trace

Out of respect for this place's beauty, it's essential to follow the "leave no trace" philosophy. Your footprints in the snow should be the only visible evidence of your trip into the ice wall. Make a plan to haul all garbage back to your vehicle to ensure the beauty of this wonder of nature remains. Have fun; this is a highly recommended activity in Ontario's Sunset Country during the long winter months.

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