By Bonnie Schiedel
Bonnie Schiedel is an award-winning freelance writer and editor for print and web.
April 12, 2023
You’ve probably heard that “if you can walk, you can snowshoe” and it’s actually true. Strap on a pair of snowshoes—especially the lightweight modern kind—and you can explore a whole other side of Thunder Bay. Want to go off-roading? Check out these four great snowshoe outings.
Kamview Nordic Centre
Kamview is renowned for its cross-country ski trails but for a change of pace, give its snowshoe trail a try. A day trail pass is $14-19, and you can rent snowshoes for $11 at the chalet. Pick up a trail map while you’re there because there aren’t trail maps en route. There are, however, lots of flagging tape markers to keep you on track, plus a number of snowshoe symbol signs. The trail, called “Wilderness Wander,” is about 4.4 km long and is located on the south side of the centre. (Your first steps will make you think you’re in someone’s back yard, but it’s OK, you’re still in Kamview.) It winds through mixed forest and a couple beaver ponds and has several loops so you can make your outing longer or shorter if you want. Back at the chalet, refuel with some of their outrageously good homemade cookies, soup, or chili.
Loch Lomond
Locals and visitors have been rediscovering Loch Lomond Ski Area, which boasts hills for downhill skiing, snowboarding and tubing. And did you know it also has a 2.5-km loop snowshoe trail? (This was apparently a well-kept secret even for staff members, but after a few inquiries a friendly Aussie directed us to the right spot on the west side of the property.) A trail pass is $10, and you can rent snowshoes for $11. The trail, which has maps en route, is only slightly hilly and zigs and zags through tall birch and poplar trees. At Lookout Point you get a decent view of the flat-topped mountains range as it starts to slope into the Slate River Valley, and at Mountain View you can pause to watch brightly coloured skiers zipping down one of the ski runs.
Mills Block Forest
Want to snowshoe with your dog? Mills Block Forest is a popular dog-walking spot, about a 10-minute drive west of Hwy 11-17. (Remember to keep your dog leashed and to scoop the poop.) It’s a 284-hectare conservation area and part of the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority. Follow the 4-km loop hiking trail through mixed forest and catch of glimpse of Lake Superior in the distance. There’s also a Big Boreal Adventure marker located here, for those who are interested in learning more about Thunder Bay’s beautiful nature spots through a fun nature-based scavenger hunt.
Quiet, beautiful, and lots of fresh air and exercise on a snowy day… snowshoeing is another fun way to explore Thunder Bay. Go for it!
Note: You can rent snowshoes by the day at several Thunder Bay stores, including Chaltrek and Wilderness Supply.
You’ve probably heard that “if you can walk, you can snowshoe” and it’s actually true. Strap on a pair of snowshoes—especially the lightweight modern kind—and you can explore a whole other side of Thunder Bay. Want to go off-roading? Check out these four great snowshoe outings.
Kamview Nordic Centre
Kamview is renowned for its cross-country ski trails but for a change of pace, give its snowshoe trail a try. A day trail pass is $14-19, and you can rent snowshoes for $11 at the chalet. Pick up a trail map while you’re there because there aren’t trail maps en route. There are, however, lots of flagging tape markers to keep you on track, plus a number of snowshoe symbol signs. The trail, called “Wilderness Wander,” is about 4.4 km long and is located on the south side of the centre. (Your first steps will make you think you’re in someone’s back yard, but it’s OK, you’re still in Kamview.) It winds through mixed forest and a couple beaver ponds and has several loops so you can make your outing longer or shorter if you want. Back at the chalet, refuel with some of their outrageously good homemade cookies, soup, or chili.
Loch Lomond
Locals and visitors have been rediscovering Loch Lomond Ski Area, which boasts hills for downhill skiing, snowboarding and tubing. And did you know it also has a 2.5-km loop snowshoe trail? (This was apparently a well-kept secret even for staff members, but after a few inquiries a friendly Aussie directed us to the right spot on the west side of the property.) A trail pass is $10, and you can rent snowshoes for $11. The trail, which has maps en route, is only slightly hilly and zigs and zags through tall birch and poplar trees. At Lookout Point you get a decent view of the flat-topped mountains range as it starts to slope into the Slate River Valley, and at Mountain View you can pause to watch brightly coloured skiers zipping down one of the ski runs.
Mills Block Forest
Want to snowshoe with your dog? Mills Block Forest is a popular dog-walking spot, about a 10-minute drive west of Hwy 11-17. (Remember to keep your dog leashed and to scoop the poop.) It’s a 284-hectare conservation area and part of the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority. Follow the 4-km loop hiking trail through mixed forest and catch of glimpse of Lake Superior in the distance. There’s also a Big Boreal Adventure marker located here, for those who are interested in learning more about Thunder Bay’s beautiful nature spots through a fun nature-based scavenger hunt.
Quiet, beautiful, and lots of fresh air and exercise on a snowy day… snowshoeing is another fun way to explore Thunder Bay. Go for it!
Note: You can rent snowshoes by the day at several Thunder Bay stores, including Chaltrek and Wilderness Supply.
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About Bonnie Schiedel
Bonnie Schiedel is the founder of www.tbaywithkids.ca, which covers fun family-friendly attractions, events and restaurants in Thunder Bay. She enjoys canoeing, hiking, snowshoeing and travel, and you can read more of her award-winning work at www.northstarwriting.ca.
