Posted : January 1, 2020
Our blog is chock full of great ideas for fun things to see and do in York Durham and Headwaters. We are always adding new content and updating old posts, but sometimes you might stumble upon something from our vault. If this article has inspired you to hit the road, be sure to double-check that the featured stops in this post are still welcoming visitors.
Let’s talk about hiking. Close your eyes—what do you think of when you picture the word? We bet you’re conjuring the skim of a summer breeze over your bare arms as you follow a crystal-clear forest brook. Or perhaps the scent of autumn leaves and far-off wood smoke is sharp in your olfactory memory. Maybe the vibrant hues of a spring meadow in bloom is what you’re thinking of when we say hiking.
Yes, they’re all beautiful and wondrous things that you’re bound to experience. But we have to ask… did anyone think of winter?
Here in York-Durham-Headwaters we have some of the most scenic winter landscapes that will take your breath away. At a time of year when television commercials and other forms of advertising are urging us to hibernate until spring, we challenge you to invigorate your body and soul with an outdoor nature trek, surrounded by crisp air and fragrant snow.
Make tracks on our trails
There is something supremely satisfying about laying down footprints in new snow, isn’t there? Beneath a canopy of bare trees and a brilliant blue sky, our extensive network of trails provides you with a variety of landscapes and challenges.
“With the arrival of snow comes the experience of making tracks through some of the most picturesque landscapes in Southern Ontario,” says Ben Roberts, Manager of Business Development, Tourism and Culture for the Town of Caledon. It is through here that the Bruce Trail runs, which is Canada’s oldest and longest marked footpath. “The fresh air and the crunch of fresh snow underfoot is a truly Canadian experience we shouldn’t take for granted. Take the time to get out and make some tracks.”
Amanda Ferraro, Director of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Culture for the Township of Uxbridge agrees. “Winter provides a refreshing opportunity to experience some stunning and serene landscapes surrounded by white, clean snow,” she says. “Winter activities are naturally a little more challenging. However, the rewards are great.”
Known as the Trail Capital of Canada, Uxbridge has more than 300 kms of trails. The town itself is incredibly scenic, and some of its trails, like the Countryside Preserve Trail, link to amenities in. “It’s an ideal spot to come for a visit because you step into the preserve and you feel like you’re in the forest,” Amanda says. “But you’re only a kilometre away at most from betting back to an exit where there is access to shopping, washrooms and food.”
If you’re looking for a more stroll-like hike, the close proximity to Uxbridge’s coffee shops and restaurants is the best part of hiking in winter. After all, who doesn’t enjoy a break from the fresh, crisp cold to warm up with a hot chocolate or a cup of coffee?
What to do on the trails
Hiking is probably the easiest thing to get out and do because, other than your warm winter gear, you don’t need a whole lot of equipment. But if you’re looking for something a bit more challenging than walking, you may want to consider cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Though some of our trails in York-Durham-Headwaters are groomed, many are not. Don’t let that deter you, however. With the extra effort of an ungroomed trail comes a greater winter adventure.
“Snowshoeing opportunities abound,” says Stephen Snoddon of the Durham Mountain Biking Association. If skiing an ungroomed trail is a little too intimidating, snowshoeing is much easier for beginners since it is not much different from hiking. Additionally, it’s also relatively inexpensive and snowshoes don’t take up much room in your vehicle.
In conclusion
Do we really need to say it? The only possible conclusion is that you need to get out there onto our many York-Durham-Headwaters trails. Winter is not a time to hide and hibernate. You’re not a bear, after all. You’re an adventure seeker whose passion knows no seasonal limit. As the old Roy Rogers song goes: Happy (Winter) Trails to You!
Written by: Katherine Ryalen
