Distance: 4-kilometre loop along Blueberry Trail; 7-kilometre loop along the Pine Trail; 15-kilometre ski of the High Dunes Trail; and everything else in between at Wasaga Beach Provincial Park
Average time to complete: 2 hours to a full day
Difficulty: novice, intermediate and expert level trails; flat loops, rolling hills and some very steep inclines
Parking: free parking lot; pay to use trails (101 Blueberry Trail, Wasaga Beach ON L9Z 1E1)
General safety tips: check weather and trail conditions; wear proper clothing; carry plenty of water, snacks and safety gear; and always let someone know when and where you are going and your expected return, especially if exploring alone in limited cell service areas
The back dunes of the Wasaga Beach Provincial Park offer over 30-kilometres of trails that are well groomed and marked in the wintertime for classic and skate cross-country skiing, as well as snowshoeing.
I have cross-country skied every single groomed trail in this Nordic ski terrain many times with my old, well used skis. There is something for everyone here, and the park trail center includes equipment rentals, washrooms, a waxing hut and hangout spots. The parking is free at this location, but you must pay to use the trails, as well as to rent equipment, if you don’t have your own.
Types of Trails
If you are a novice, you could try the 4-kilometre beginner Blueberry Trail loop. The loop offers a few gentle hills and one steep section that’s sure to create some excitement in your journey, if you choose to ski down it. My favourite ski is the intermediate Pine Trail, which the Blueberry Trail joins up with about halfway through. The classic ski trails are all groomed with a set track and the wider trails have two set tracks, so you and your friend could ski side by side.
Despite what some visitors believe, you don’t ski the world’s famous freshwater beach, nor do you pass by it or the river. Instead you are skiing the rolling, sandy dunes, carved out by glaciers thousands of years ago. The scenery and solitude is magnificent back here and the wildlife will be sure to surprise. From herds of white-tailed deer crossing your trail to an abundance of winter birds looking to feed.
Amenities
Enjoy the outback shelters along the trails, where you can take a break and warm up your lunch over the fire. These trails are well laid out, the further into the dunes you venture, the steeper and narrower the trails become, creating a more backcountry feel. The High Dunes Trail, leading to Monument Hill is one of the best advanced ski trails in the area, with stunning views of Georgian Bay and the Blue Mountains. There are some steep descents back here, so unless you are an expert its best to take your skis off and walk down.
Cross-country skiing can be a great work out and an excellent way to spend time outdoors in the snow. Skiing and snowshoeing the back dunes of this provincial park can range from a couple hours to a full day depending on your level of experience and your plans. I usually take my time on the trails to enjoy the solitude and experience what nature has to offer, as well as to snap a few photos along the way!