Ski Archives - Tourism Sault Ste. Marie

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What Do in Winter

Searchmont is one of Ontario’s best ski hills with over 700 feet of vertical. Hiawatha Highlands is a winter wonderland with cross-country skiing, fat biking and snowshoeing available. The City maintains a number of outdoor rinks in winter months, and The Rink at the Canal District has bookable as well as free public skating options.

For indoor activities check out the always-popular Bushplane Museum or the excellent Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site. y and more and Station Mall has a number of stores, a big Galaxy Cinema and a food court.

Searchmont Ski Resort

Hiawatha Highlands

Public Skating

Skating at The Rink

Experience Winter In Sault Ste. Marie

Bushplane Museum

Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site

Station Mall

Accommodation

If you haven’t yet arranged accommodation, visit the Stay page of our website for a full list of hotels, motels and campsites within the city.

And of course, head to our home page, or our Travel Inspiration page for even more ideas of what to do when visiting the Soo!

Merchandise and Swag

T-shirts, keyrings, stickers… don’t leave without a piece of swag or a keepsake! You can pick up some great merch at the Bushplane Museum’s awesome (and large) gift shop, the Ontario Travel Centre, at the Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site, or at the ‘Hound Pound’ of the Soo Greyhounds inside the GFL Gardens.

Here are the places where you can pick up some merch.

Bushplane Museum

Ontario Travel Centre

Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site

Hound Pound

Enjoy a delightful range of winter activities perfect for a Family Day visit

Looking for the perfect place to spend Family Day weekend? Look no further than Sault Ste. Marie! The Soo blends outdoor adventure, rich history with cozy winter charm. Nestled along the shores of Lake Superior and surrounded by beautiful forests, the Soo offers endless
opportunities for families to bond, explore, and make lasting memories.

Ski down one of Ontario ski hills – and you won’t in the lift line for long either! Skate on a beautiful waterfront trail, or at our new downtown plaza complete with warm changing room and concession stand for hot chocolate! Go snowshoeing, ice climbing, cross-country skiing, tobogganing… almost every winter sport you could want to do is available in Sault Ste. Marie.

Ski with the family!

Searchmont Resort

Escape crowds but enjoy big vertical and rugged terrain at Searchmont Resort this family day weekend. Searchmont has some of the best downhill skiing in Ontario with steep runs for experts, long, easy gliders for intermediates and a beginner hill, the Buzzsaw, which is perfect for beginners.

Searchmont is also a fully equipped resort with a restaurant, bar, shop and rentals available.

Ski the Mabel Lake trail at Hiawatha

On Family Day weekend, ski to Mabel Lake as this beautiful backcountry ski trail opens up. Bring snacks, a picnic, friends and make a day of it!

Situated just 10 minutes from downtown, Hiawatha Highlands offers more than 50km of beautiful skiing in towering Pine forests. Click here for a link to all trail and maps or read more about all that Hiawatha Highlands has to offer!

There is also a Lantern Ski on Friday, February 14th. This is always a popular event for locals and visitors alike.

Hiawatha Highlands

Bon Soo 2025

Bon Soo

The Bon Soo winter carnival concludes on Saturday, February 15th, but there is still lots happening on the first part of Family Day weekend including the iconic Polar Bear Plunge!

Check back for details on the 2025 program soon!

Get your skates on!

Sault Ste. Marie has a number of some skating rinks and trails, all within a walk or drive of downtown. Check out our new downtown plaza and the brand new skating rink (pictured)! There is a concession stand on site that serves delicious hot chocolate!

The City also maintains five over outdoor rinks including the popular waterfront Clergue trail (also pictured!)

Skating

Skating

Gathering AT The Rapids Powwow

The 19th annual Gathering At The Rapids Powwow happens at GFL Gardens on February 15th and 16th and is likely to be one of biggest Powwows in Ontario in 2025!

All are welcome to attend, whether it to enter the dance competition (with big prizes!) or simply watch this spectacular gathering!

Gathering at the Rapids Powwow

Family Day & Teacher Open House at the Bushplane Museum

Family Day at the Bushplane Museum

The Bushplane Museum is hosting a specially themed day this Family Day – a Teacher Open House!

Bring the whole family for a day full of fun. Families will enjoy engaging activities and crafts, while teachers can join special experiment sessions with Tim to learn what we do for all the kids in the Algoma district!

It’s a perfect blend of creativity and connection—there’s something for everyone!

50% Off Admission, Members – FREE and Teachers FREE & up to 3 Family Members (Teacher I.D. required)

Fat Biking trails

Sault Ste. Marie is on its way to becoming an epicentre for Fat Biking, one of the fastest growing winter sports, and has perfectly groomed trails at Hiawatha Highlands and Crimson Ridge.

Fat Biking

Try Ice Climbing!

Ice Climbing

Ice Climbing is a truly unique winter experience and one that you can do just outside of Sault Ste. Marie. Shaun Parent (Superior Exploration) and Steve Foster (Steve Foster Adventure Instruction) are certified, highly experienced, expert ice climbers who will help you have the best possible adventure. Visit their websites for details on how to enjoy these beautifully frozen ice structures.

Axe Throwing and Golf Simulators

Sometimes you just need a break from the snow and cold. Well, have you ever tried axe throwing? Check out one of our newest and most fun indoor activities!

Missing golf and still need a fix? The Up and Down Lounge has state of the art golf simulators, which can be booked by the hour. You can also grab a drink and some food to be able to make an evening of this fun winter activity!

Axe Throwing

Up and Down Lounge

Snowshoe on the Canadian Shield

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is one of the best ways to experience winter in Sault Ste. Marie. We have well-marked and beautifully scenic trails all over the city, including at Hiawatha, Crimson Ridge and Stokely Creek.

We also have some expert tour guides who can not only show you the way, but can also provide information about the area and its cultural significance… you may even be treated to a cup of hot chocolate 😉

Check out our Tours & Guide page for all the info!

Relax, Dine and Drink

Sault Ste. Marie has plenty of restaurants for all tastes, and many perfect for families.

Two Wacky Wings restaurants have entertainment arenas that’ll keep kids amused for hours. We also have restaurants serving pizza, Syrian Shawarma, spicy Indian, delicious Italian and sizzling steak… the Sault has so many great, click here for a full list restaurants.

Eat & Drink

Visit the website for information

Find out Why Stokely Creek Lodge is considered one of the best nordic skiing resorts in North America

Visit Stokely Creek Lodge and experience winter the way it should be; world-class cross-country skiing, heart-pumping snowshoeing, beautiful lodges and chalets, log fires, hot chocolate all in some of the most beautiful snow-lined countryside anywhere. Come and see why USA Today has described Stokely Lodge as one of the top 5 Nordic Ski resorts in North America. It’s the perfect place for an adventure vacation, a romantic getaway or if you are just longing to experience a true winter retreat.

Did Someone Say Winter?

Yes, winter! Stokely Creek Lodge is located in one of the largest snow belts in North America where it can get up to 17 feet of snow a year, this means there will be snow! Stokely snow is the awesome, white, cozy kind ideal for skiing or snowshoeing. There are also log-fire warming huts along the way, great for a lunch break to warm those hands or just to catch your breath.

What about the Ski trails?

Stokely Creek has more than 100km of groomed trails, on 8000 acres making it the largest Nordic skiing resort in the area. Check out the trail maps here! There are both skating and classic trails on a variety of terrain and elevation making it perfect for moderate to advanced skiers. Head out to Norm’s Cabin or one of the 5 other warming cabins including one at the top of King Mountain, or head to one of the faraway frozen lakes. You can ski for hours and not see another person!

And Snowshoeing too?

Yes! There is 25km of snowshoe trails at Stokely Creek that are suited for all skill levels. Some will take you along beautiful babbling brooks and some will take you all the way to King Mountain! Click here to visit Stokely’s website or open up a trail map here!

What about the Lodges and Chalets?

Stokely Creek offers Scandinavian style accommodation for guests in the main lodge or in individual chalets. The main lodge has fireside reading rooms and a large dining room where meals are served. There is also a clubhouse with a log fire where guests can relax or warm up.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner is offered with hot and cold options available. Communal dinner is served in the main dining room, with special considerations being made for the 2021 / 2022 season. This includes options for separate tables for groups, more spaces for guests, or food being brought to the Club House. Learn more here!

Are Day Visitors Welcome?

Absolutely! Stokely Creek is located just 35 minutes north of Sault Ste. Marie and so is great for a day trip. Visitors are welcome to enjoy all of Stokely Creek’s awesome facilities such as fireside reading rooms, the clubhouse, the waxing room, and the 6 warming huts on the trails! Ski or snowshoe passes are available as well as ski lessons. Scroll to the bottom of this page for all the information. Day visitors can purchase meals and drinks at the main lodge and packed lunches are available for a day on the trails.

See you soon!

Stokely Creek Lodge and the surrounding trails and countryside is the perfect place in which to experience a true winter. It is open from December 26th through March. Visit the website for more information.

For more travel inspiration read ‘Stokely Creek Lodge for Cross-country Skiing’ by Leigh McAdam and ‘Stokely Creek Lodge’ by Martin Lortz.

And visit our Ski page for information on other cross-country ski areas, downhill resorts and backcountry skiing!

Head North for Skiing Solitude in Sault Ste. Marie

The adventure capital of Ontario is the perfect ski destination for anyone looking to escape the crowds and get lost in fresh powder

Step aside, Rocky Mountains. Other regions offer ski towns that pack the amenities without the crowds. Look just across the U.S.-Canada border, beyond the northeast end of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, to Sault Ste. Marie. The adventure capital of Ontario boasts fun resort runs, an accessible ski program, groomed nordic trails, backcountry terrain, and piles of snow (courtesy of the adjacent Great Lakes). Whether you’re traveling from near or far, winter in Sault Ste. Marie has the solitude and powder every skier is chasing—along with excellent accommodations and places to dine. But take it from the residents who know the area best. We asked three local skiers to explain why Sault Ste. Marie is the ideal destination for your upcoming ski vacation.

Ski the Lake Effect

Outside: What’s special about skiing at nearby Searchmont Resort?

Robbie Andison, Canadian Ski Team alum: Searchmont and the backcountry surrounding it is such a special, untouched area of Ontario. The lake-effect snow mixed with the cold winters provide such a great base. And it allows visitors and locals to find some fresh powder whenever they want.

Click here to continue reading…

Escape the city and rediscover the magic of the snowiest season

Remember how much you loved winter when you were a kid? Eagerly awaiting every snowfall, playing outside in the snow for hours, and then hurrying in for supper — exhausted in the best way — before drifting off into the kind of deep, restful sleep that comes after a carefree day spent outdoors in the fresh air?

What if you could recapture that feeling, and trade slushy, sloppy city streets for pristine picture-perfect snow, boundless nature, and outdoor fun that recharges your spirit and rejuvenates your soul? In Sault Ste. Marie, you can.

A quick flight or scenic drive from Toronto, Sault Ste. Marie is Ontario’s premier winter destination — a nature and recreation paradise on the shores of Lake Superior, where you can savour the season as it should be.

Here are five reasons “the Soo” in Algoma Country makes for a fantastic winter getaway:

Click here to continue reading

Downhill and Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, skating, Snowmobiling, Fat Biking, Ice Caves and more - Sault Ste. Marie is a true Winter experience

Sault Ste. Marie is a true winter paradise with so many outdoor activities to choose from. We have one of the highest vertical downhill ski hills in Ontario, over 150km of incredible cross-country Skiing, an abundance of stunning snowshoe trails… Plus we have beautiful woodland skating trails, a new snowmobiling day loop, groomed fat biking trails and Sault Ste. Marie has some iconic, and awe-inspiring ice caves. This winter visit Sault Ste. Marie for your true winter experience.

Getting to Sault Ste. Marie is easy too with several flights a day from Toronto, Sudbury and Thunder Bay and rental cars waiting at the airport. And course you can drive on the Trans-Canada highway, which is well maintained over the winter months.

Ski One Of The Highest Verticals in Ontario

Searchmont Resort

Big vertical, rugged terrain, Searchmont Resort has some of the best downhill skiing in Ontario. And… new snowmaking equipment means a planned November opening day – one of the earliest in the region!

On top of the 703 feet of vertical, 26 runs, 100 acres of rolling mountain, terrain park, 4 lifts, snow school, Searchmont is also a fully equipped resort with a restaurant, bar, shop, ski and snowboard rentals and accommodations. Escape the crowds and the lift queues of jam-packed southern Ontario ski hills and get away to this stunning, adventure-packed mountain.

If you like your vertical off the beaten track, check out the incredible backcountry skiing at Bellevue Valley Lodge.

Cross-Country Ski over 150km of Groomed Trails

Sault Ste. Marie offers some of the best cross country skiing in North America. Stokely Creek Lodge has 100km of trails, groomed for both classic and skate skiing and spread over 12,000 spectacular acres of the Algoma Highlands.

Breathtaking scenery including frozen lakes and waterfalls, endless forests, and amazing vistas like the one at the top of King Mountain, make Stokely a bucket-list destination for nordic skiers. Enjoy Scandinavian lodging and stay warm in one of the six warming huts along the way; it’s an experience that will bring you back year after year.

Stokely Creek Lodge

Hiawatha Highlands

Bon Soo, Sault Ste. Marie's winter Carnival is BAck in 2025!

Bon Soo

The Bon Soo winter carnival is back for its 62nd edition! Join from February 7th to 15th for this iconic Sault Ste. Marie event!

Check back for details on the 2025 program soon!

Fat Biking trails and races!

Sault Ste. Marie is on its way to becoming an epicentre for Fat Biking, one of the fastest growing winter sports, and has perfectly groomed trails at Hiawatha Highlands and Crimson Ridge.

We also have some awesome fat bike races! The Frozen Toe race happens on February 8th, and the Beaver Freezer happens March 8th.

Fat Biking

Frozen Toe Fatbike Race

Try Ice Climbing!

Ice Climbing

Get your skates on!

Sault Ste. Marie has a number of some skating rinks and trails, all within a walk or drive of downtown. Check out our new downtown plaza and it’s brand new skating rink (pictured)!

The City also maintains five over outdoor rinks including the popular waterfront Clergue trail.

Skating

Sled our new Snowmobile Day Loop

Snowmobiling

Sault Ste. Marie has a new day loop for riders! The Soo Highlands Loop starts in the city and goes north to Searchmont and the surrounding area. Sledders can explore the natural beauty of Algoma Highlands, and its rugged landscapes just north of Sault Ste. Marie, in this 169 km loop.

For inspiration watch Cristy Lee enjoy her recent sledding experience in the Soo here!

Axe Throwing and Golf Simulators

Axe Throwing

Up and Down Lounge

Sometimes you just need a break from the snow and cold. Well, have you ever tried axe throwing? Check out one of our newest and most fun indoor activities!

Snowshoe on the Canadian Shield

Snowshoeing

Check out our Tours & Guide page for all the info!

Relax, Dine and Drink

After a day in the snow and ice you’ll want to refuel and recharge, and we have some great restaurants serving some fantastic food to warm you right up!

From Syrian Shawarma to spicy Indian, delicious Italian or sizzling steak, the Sault has so many great restaurants.

Eat & Drink

Visit the website for information

Enjoy The PErfect Day of Winter Activity in Sault Ste. Marie with Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing and Fat Biking.

Hiawatha Highlands IS winter. Take the 10-minute drive from downtown Sault Ste. Marie on any winter’s day and discover this for yourself. The parking lot outside the iconic Soo Finnish building will be buzzing with activity; people hurrying to get skis on, unloading fat bikes from trucks, lacing up boots and snowshoes. There will also be an unmistakably buoyant and friendly atmosphere because whatever your chosen activity is, you’re about to experience winter the right way.

Hiawatha Highlands

Cross-Country Skiing

The favourite activity at Hiawatha is cross-country or Nordic skiing. Over 50km of professionally groomed trails, for both classic and skate skiing, on three unique systems offers something for all abilities.

The Pinder system has 10km of green and blue trails with just a hint of elevation; perfect to learn those cross-country skills. The beautiful Red Pine system is more of a challenge for those looking for some hills and climbs, and with up to 15km of trails, this system is great for a workout! The third system is the stunning Crystal Creek trail network, which offers a variety of graded trails surrounding the creek and waterfalls. You can choose to ski up to 23km of green, blue and black trails, including the extension to Mabel Lake, making this system a favourite.

If you like night skiing then check out the 2km Kinsmen lit section of the Crystal Creek system, perfect for an evening workout. Hiawatha Highlands also runs lantern ski events at various times of the year. Keep an eye on the website or on social media for details of this beautiful event!

SnowShoeing

A fun activity and a great way to experience winter is to snowshoe! There is more than 9km of snowshoe trails at Hiawatha that run parallel to the ski trails. The Pinder trails are relatively flat and take you through the beautiful Hiawatha forests. If you are looking for a real winter-workout then head to the Crystal Creek trail for 4km of vigorous ups and downs and heart-pumping exercise!

Check out the ski trail map here or above for more info.

Fat Biking

Fat Biking has grown in popularity in the last few years and there is now over 9km of trails at Hiawatha Highlands to enjoy. Trails are located within the Crystal Creek system (within Kinsmen Park) and are keenly maintained by the Sault Cycling Club. For a longer ride, you can choose to head out to Mabel Lake on trails shared with skiers. Fat Bikes are also now available to be rented at the clubhouse also.

PASSES, RENTAL AND CLUBHOUSE

Hiawatha Highlands has a cozy clubhouse where you can buy passes, refreshments, or warm up before or after your activity. The clubhouse is also where you can rent skis, poles, boots or snowshoes. Visit the ‘Passes’ page to get all the information on daily and seasonal passes and rental equipment.

COME FOR A VISIT!

Come and see for yourself why Hiawatha Highlands is one of the most popular places to experience winter in Sault Ste. Marie. And be sure to check out our ski page for information on other cross-country skiing areas, downhill and backcountry skiing areas!

Have you ever tried winter surfing?

Say hello to ice-frosted trees and streets, snuggly scarves, puffy jackets and cozy nights in by the fire. The snowy season is nearly here, which means Ontario is about to transform into a winter wonderland.

In Sault Ste. Marie, you can truly embrace the best of the cold weather. Located seven hours north of the GTA by car (or a short plane ride), this action-packed Ontarian town is one of the province’s best destinations for a snowy getaway.

Nestled between Lake Superior and Lake Huron on the banks of St. Marys River, Sault Ste. Marie (affectionately known as “the Soo”) is packed with opportunities to ski, snowboard, skate, snowshoe and even surf (yes!) your way through the winter.

Whether you arrive by plane or by road trip, these nine activities will keep you busy on your adventures through Sault Ste. Marie’s idyllic winter landscape.

Click here to read more…

Head to Sault Ste. Marie and enjoy spring skiing through till April, A Maple Syrup Weekend and more!

By Sault Tourism

Sault Ste. Marie has just experienced a fantastic winter with plenty of snow meaning our ski hills and trails will be open well into April!

So come and enjoy Searchmont Resort, one of the biggest vertical downhill ski hills in Ontario, all the way through Easter! Or cross-country ski over 150km of incredible cross-country Skiing at Hiawatha Highlands and Stokely Creek Lodge. Visit on April 1st or 2nd and enjoy Hogan’s Homestead’s Maple Syrup Weekend! Or, weather and ice cover permitting, enjoy a one of a kind experience with an ice caves tour with Forest The Canoe.

Keep reading to help plan your Spring skiing and other things adventure!

Ski One Of The Highest Verticals in Ontario

Searchmont Resort

Big vertical, rugged terrain, Searchmont Resort has some of the best downhill skiing in Ontario. And… new snowmaking equipment means more snow and staying open later in the year.

Cross-Country Ski over 150km of Groomed Trails

Stokely Creek Lodge

Hiawatha Highlands

Hogan Homestead's 'Everything Maple Festival'

Everything Maple Festival

By Forest The Canoe

On the weekend of April 1st and 2nd, Hogan’s Homestead, one of Ontario’s best maple syrup producers, hosts a Maple Weekend. The ‘Everything Maple Festival’ includes a local market, operational tours, food + drinks and maple activities. Stay tuned and visit their website here as more details become available!

Check out our incredible Ice Caves!

Lake Superior’s phenomenal ice caves are a sight to behold. Enigmatic, unpredictable, subject to nature’s whims, but wholly worth it, these incredible structures will leave you speechless. They form in mid-winter when wavy conditions followed by a deep-freeze sculpts the rugged Lake Superior coastline into caves and chasms of blue ice.

Weather and ice-cover permitting, Forest The Canoe offers guided day trips to the best ice caves, including crampon-equipped snowshoes and a snack. We do recommend you use a local guide with experience of the conditions as walking on ice can be dangerous.

Ice Caves Tours

By Forest The Canoe

Try Ice Climbing!

Ice Climbing

Steve Foster, from Sault Ste. Marie, is a certified, highly experienced, expert ice climber who will help you have the best possible adventure. His company, Steve Foster Adventure Instruction, offers half day experiences for all abilities, to enjoy these beautifully frozen ice structures.

Sled our new Snowmobile Day Loop

For inspiration watch Cristy Lee enjoy her recent sledding experience in the Soo here!

Snowmobiling

Ride our Groomed Fat Biking trails!

Fat Biking

Sault Ste. Marie is on its way to becoming an epicentre for Fat Biking, one of the fastest growing winter sports.

The Soo has perfectly groomed trails to the north of the city at Hiawatha Highlands and Crimson Ridge. Enjoy some challenging elevation in the beautiful Hiawatha forests as well as the picturesque trails at Crimson Ridge.

Downtown, the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site has easy fatbike trails for use on St. Marys and Whitefish islands, adjacent to the St. Marys Rapids. In addition, the St. Kateri Outdoor Learning Centre has around 3.5 km of fat biking trails.

Lots of Events this Spring!

Sault Ste. Marie is hosting a variety of events all spring, from comedy acts to conservatory music and of course the dramatic conclusion to the Soo Greyhounds season.

Stay up to date with all the events via our Events page!

Spring Events

Relax, Dine and Drink

Eat & Drink

After a day in the snow and ice you’ll want to refuel and recharge, and we have some great restaurants serving some fantastic food to warm you right up!

From Syrian Shawarma to spicy Indian, delicious Italian or sizzling steak, the Sault has so many great restaurants.

For a ‘hot’ new tip check out Gino’s Fired Up, one of the latest new restaurants in town.

Getting here

Getting to Sault Ste. Marie is easy with several flights from Air Canada, Bearskin and Porter a day from Toronto, Sudbury and Thunder Bay and rental cars waiting at the airport. And course you can drive on the Trans-Canada highway, which is well maintained all year.

find the Perfect Places to ski in Sault Ste. Marie

By Tourism Sault Ste. Marie

Sault Ste. Marie is home to some of the best skiing east of the Rockies, including Alpine, Nordic and Backcountry. We offer a true winter experience in the beautiful backdrop of Northern Ontario wilderness. Like other outdoor adventures in Sault Ste. Marie, you can expect scenic vistas, glacier-scoured hills, ancient forests and — most importantly — truly monumental snowfall. Our stunning landscape is what makes the region so special as a place to ski in Ontario. Here’s how to get the most out your skiing trip in Sault Ste. Marie.

No.1 - Searchmont Resort

Big vertical, rugged terrain, Searchmont has some of the best downhill skiing in Ontario.

On top of the 700 feet of vertical, 26 runs, 100 acres of rolling mountain, terrain park, 4 lifts, snow school, Searchmont is also a fully equipped resort with a restaurant, bar, shop, ski and snowboard rentals and accommodations. Escape the crowds and the lift queues of jam-packed southern Ontario ski hills and get away to this stunning, adventure-packed mountain.

This season Searchmont is opening up a new section of the hill complete with its own new lift, Buzzsaw. This new section is perfect for intermediate skiers just before they take on the big hill. Visit the Searchmont’s website for more information.

Click here for a link to all trail and maps.

Searchmont lift tickets and passes

Click here to visit the website

Searchmont Snow School

The Kiln - Searchmont Lodge

Click here to visit the website

Searchmont trail map

No.2 - Cross-Country Skiing at Stokely Creek Lodge

It’s not an exaggeration to say that Stokely Creek is world class. A short 30-minute drive from the city this stunning venue draws visitors from all over the world. This amazing Ontario cross-country ski destination garners rave reviews and ranks among the best in North America.

There are over 100 km of trails for classic and skate-skiing techniques. Stokely earns its credibility with breathtaking scenery, including frozen waterfalls, endless forests and the amazing vista from the top of King Mountain.

Backcountry cabins and rest stops are spread out along the way, enhancing the resort’s wilderness feel. You’ll appreciate warm shelter while skiing Stokely. Better yet, make it a weekend (or stay for a week): The lodge boasts Scandinavian-style accommodations and outstanding home-cooked meals..

Parking and trailhead is at Stokely Creek Lodge, in Goulais River Ontario.

Click here for a link to all trail and maps or read more about Stokely here!

Stokely Lodge

No.3 - Cross-Country Skiing at Hiawatha Highlands

Hiawatha Highlands offers more than 50 km of varying levels of cross country skiing trail on professionally machine groomed trails for both classic and skate skiing. Parking and trailheads are located on Landslide Road, located just a few minutes drive of the city. Hiawatha easily ranks among the best places to go cross-country skiing in Ontario.

There are three main skiing trail systems to explore, each with different terrain and elevation. The Pinder System features minimal hills and gentle grades which make it suitable for all skill levels. The main 4 km route has an additional 6 km of extensions including the open Mockingbird extension with picturesque views of neighbouring farms. A lighted 2 km loop near the trailhead means you can ski until around 10 pm.

The Red Pine system, a favourite of many locals, is a little more rugged with steeper hills making it more advanced and technical trail with several side extensions, creek crossings and towering red- and white pines.

Finally, the Crystal Trail system is the most challenging. Trails weave around Crystal Creek and alongside waterfalls, with steep descents and heart-pounding climbs. It’s a great test for the advanced skier. Along with a rugged 10 km backcountry ski trail to Mabel Lake, the Crystal features more than 20 km of trails to sink your teeth into.

Click here for a link to all trail and maps or read more about all that Hiawatha Highlands has to offer here!

Hiawatha Highlands

No.4 - Backcountry Skiing at Bellevue Valley Lodge

Sault Ste. Marie is one of Ontario’s premier destinations for backcountry skiing. Your starting point is Bellevue Valley Lodge, set in the massive Canadian Shield hills of Goulais River, a 25-minute drive from the city.

Explore the extensive beauty of the area with backcountry telemark, alpine touring or nordic skiing. Ski up the impressive ridges and mountains of the Canadian Shield at 1800 ft above sea level, and explore 30 gladed powder runs with about 700 feet of vertical. With no chair lifts you’ll have to bring your climbing skins to earn your turns.

Runs include the formidably named Undertaker, Overtaker, Vortex of Pain and the Pyramid. Steep fall lines combine with incredible snowfall to make Sault Ste. Marie a fantastic place to powder ski. This is unquestionably the best backcountry skiing in Ontario!

Click here for a link to the trail maps.

Bellevue Valley Lodge