Explore the sunset country wilderness on skiis

Cross-country skiing in the Boreal. Outdoor winter ski vacations in Ontario's Sunset Country

Cross-Country Skiing in Northwestern Ontario

Yes, it's a fact, the winters are long and sometimes cold up here in Northwestern Ontario! But being the eternal optimist that you are, you see opportunity in this beautiful winter wonderland. We do too so that is the reason we want to encourage skiers to come to Ontario's Sunset Country. There are many communities in Northwest Ontario that have cross-country ski trails. Here is a sample of them.

Kenora: The Kenora Nordic Trails system offers up some pretty good cross-country skiing that's for sure! In fact, there is over 20 km of groomed runs for you to try out. Only a two-hour drive from Winnipeg, Kenora is easy to get to and you can leave the City in the morning and be on the trails well before noon. After your day on the trails, check out the many amenities Kenora has to offer - places to eat, shop, stay and part are plentiful and affordable. Contact Tourism Kenora for more information.

Sioux Narrows and Nestor Falls: Just south of Kenora on Highway 71 are the communities of Sioux Narrows and Nestor Falls, Ontario. These small tourist towns have some excellent cross-country trails as well. Nice vertical rises pose a bit of a challenge but think of the endless cardio-vascular benefits you'll receive! Both towns have accommodations you can stay in and some excellent restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

Fort Frances: Fort Frances is your next stop and this mill town on the Canada-USA border is a gem from a cross-country ski trail perspective. After your day at the Eight Street and Rocky Inlet trail; systems stay in one of many local hotel accommodations, go shopping, and dine out at a wide variety of restaurants.

Atikokan: Your next stop in Atikokan could easily turn out to be the highlight of your trip as this small Northwestern Ontario town is big when it comes to skiing. Not only can you try the trails near town but there is the vast system inside the beautiful Quetico Provincial Park. Ski amongst old-growth pines and see abundant wildlife inside the park boundaries. Stay overnight in accommodations in Atikokan.

 

Cross Country Skiing in Red Lake

Dryden: The City of Dryden has some great ski trails to offer you. The Dryden Ski Club maintains two trail loops for your skiing enjoyment. There are lots of things to do after the skiing is done and you check into a local Dryden hotel for the night. Enjoy great Dryden dining, shopping, and the local nightlife.

Red Lake: The Red Lake District Cross-Country Ski Club is responsible for maintaining over 40 kilometers of groomed and tracked trails in the Red Lake area including the Golf Course trail located in Balmertown, Centennial Park located in Red Lake, and the McKenzie Island Trails. The trails offer excellent classic and skate-skiing opportunities alike. The Club also offers programming, such as Jackrabbits, to encourage fun and participation by all ages and abilities in the sport of cross-country skiing.

If you love cross-country skiing then you'll love visiting the Sunset Country region of Northwestern Ontario. You can also call 1-800-665-7567 for more information and to help you plan your trip.

About Gerry Cariou

Gerry is Executive Director of Ontario's Sunset Country Travel Association and is an avid fisherman and nature photographer. Gerry has been writing about Sunset Country's varied travel experiences for over 20 years and lives these experiences year-round in Kenora, Ontario.

Recommended Articles

Is the 1,400 Kilometre Drive to Northwest Ontario For a Fishing Trip Worth it?

It depends if you want to catch hundreds of fish a day or not!

6 ways to get in your 10,000 steps in this fall

It's easier than you think!

Looking for somewhere new to fish?

The Morson area of Lake of the Woods is fantastic!

Has not having a passport kept you from vacationing in Canada?

It's easier to get than you may think!

Discover The Winnipeg River

From fur traders to trophy anglers, the beauty hasn't changed.

Enjoy the Fall Colours

Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn

Fishing in the Fall?

Here's some walleye fishing tips as the weather cools down.

6 reasons to book a fall trip to Sunset Country

Sunny days + cool nights + zero bugs = heaven on Earth.

10 Reasons to Avoid Ontario

Haters of wilderness, wildlife, and quiet: best steer clear.

A Guide to Sunset Country Museums

Learn while you visit!

5 Amazing Sights You Can Only See By Boat

From mermaids to boat-in museums, the Northwest corner of Ontario has some of the coolest sights to see on water!

Fall Fishing Tips

As the weather cools down, the fishing heats up in Sunset Country!

5 Essential Boreal Experiences in Ontario's Sunset Country

Freshwater fishing, forest hiking, and sunset views await in this pristine paradise

5 Obscure Facts About Northwestern Ontario: Were You Aware of These?

Here are 5 facts that most people don't know about Sunset Country.

Outdoor Medicine

Here's why experiencing the natural world is good for you—and your health.

Bringing Your Pet to Canada

What You Need to Know

Heading Across Canada?

Here's what you need to know about Sunset Country (from the giant moose statues to the even bigger waterfalls)

There's more than just fishing in the Red Lake Region

Although the fishing's pretty good too!

Going fishing in Ontario?

Your lodging has just the boat you need!

Outdoor Adventure in Ontario's Northern Paradise

On the links, on the trails, and on the water–discover why Kenora has it all this fall!

Plan your trip

Book the the trip you never got to take this summer

Tips from a Fishing Legend

Big Bass, Walleye, Muskie and So Much More

Going Fishing in Canada?

Get the answers to your questions

What makes Wabigoon such a great lake to fish?

Well for one, it has potential for the next world record muskie!

Search Sunset Country