The days are officially short, the temperature has officially dropped, and snow has already made a significant appearance across Southern Ontario this season... and winter's yet to truly even begin!
If cold weather is your favourite kind of weather, it's time to start planning this year's winter bucket list.
In addition to sipping hot cocoa and strolling through the neighbourhood, taking in the sights of holiday lights, you're definitely going to want to go for an enchanting skate in Ontario's cottage country.
Whether Muskoka is your permanent place of residence, your regular cottage getaway, or a once-in-a-while vacation spot, there's no denying the region -- with its natural landscapes, cozy holiday homes and small-town vibes -- is perfect in the winter time.
Fitting, then, that there would be so many outdoor skating rinks in the area, begging you to lace up and hit the ice.
READ: Want to Rent a Cottage in Muskoka Next Summer? You Might Be Too Late
If you're in the midst of making a list of all the seasonal adventures you want to experience this winter, be sure to add these spots to the roster:
The Ice Trail at Arrowhead
This weather-dependent skate trail in Huntsville is about as enchanting as a wintry environment can get. Make sure you choose an ultra-chilly day to visit, as when the temperature is above 0°C, it can be necessary to close up the trail -- park staff update the location's report every day during skating season, first thing in the morning.
Address: 451 Arrowhead Park Road, Huntsville
Status: Closed until weather conditions permit
Baxter Ward Community Centre
The outdoor rinks at Baxter Ward are entirely weather dependent. As such, they typically open for use during January and February... but, some years, they have opened as early as mid-December. Keep an eye on the forecast with your fingers crossed if you're hoping to get in a skate before the holidays!
Address: 25 Community Centre Drive, Port Severn
Status: Closed until weather conditions permit
Cann Lake Skating Rink
This seasonal skating rink is located at the north-east corner of Forbes Hill Drive and Brunel Road in Huntsville. Depending on the weather, a typical year usually sees this location open from January until the spring melt. Before stepping onto the ice, make sure you check the posted signage at the pond's entrance to make sure conditions are optimal for skating.
Address: Forbes Hill Drive, Huntsville
Status: Closed until weather conditions permit
Cranberry Ice Trail
Where else are you going to be able to skate a 1.2 km loop around 12 acres of cranberries? This one-of-a-kind skate trail features forest on one side and cranberry beds on the other, and is available for use dependent on weather. Also, on Saturday nights, so long as the weather allows it, the trail is lit up with 400 tiki torches, which light the path for night skating.
Address: 1074 Cranberry Road, Bala
Status: Open from December 27 to March Break, weather permitting
Kinsmen Park Outdoor Rink
This community outdoor rink is available for public skating from 3 pm to 7:30 pm Monday through Friday, and from 8 am to 2 pm and 6 pm to 8 pm on weekends and school holidays. Open once the weather permits, it's an ideal place to head with the family on a weekend morning, mittened hands around a thermos of coffee.
Address: 110 Parry Sound Drive, Parry Sound
Status: Closed until weather conditions permit
Wharf Sports Field
Two outdoor ice surfaces wait at Wharf Sports Field in Gravenhurst. This spot, too, is weather dependent, which means a large amount of snow is needed to form a base which can then be flooded. Several cold days (-10°C or below) must follow. So, hold tight for the chance to skate these surfaces, but trust that as we get deeper into winter weather, these rinks will have space for you.
Address: Wharf Sports Field - 1111 Bay Street, Gravenhurst
Status: Closed until weather conditions permit
Hanna Park Skating Trail
Nobody floods like Mother Nature! Come get your skate on!Posted by Hanna Park Skating Trail on Tuesday, February 5, 2019
Run by volunteers, this 200-metre skating trail is open for "as long as possible" in the winter. Normally, the trail opens right after New Years, and it remains open until March break. Free for public use through access to Hanna Park, this is another spot that's perfect to hit with the family on a brisk weekend morning.
Address: Bailey Street, Port Carling
Status: Typically open from after New Years for as long as weather permits
