Make the best of winter! Strap on some snowshoes and hit fun local spots in Rideau Lakes to savour the snow while it lasts.

Snowshoeing is the perfect winter activity for beginners – easy to pick up and go without a lot of practice. Rideau Lakes has some shorter trails ready to explore. Get your daily dose of nature!

Try before you buy: the Portland, Newboro or Delta branches of the Rideau Lakes Public Library have snowshoes for loan! Call ahead to ensure availability and pick up your snowshoes at the branch for a day of frosty fun.

Try these trails in Rideau Lakes:

Foley Mountain Conservation Area

Foley Mountain's many trails are ideal for snowshoeing and suit any skill level. Its position high atop a granite ridge overlooking the historic Upper Rideau Lake makes it a memorable destination all year round! Have fun identifying animal tracks, watching for wildlife and enjoying the snowy woods.

Foley Mountain Conservation Area photo by Matthew Liteplo 

Marion Dunn Trail

This path for beginners guides snowshoers and winter hikers down an old road and past the area’s historic lime kiln and blacksmith’s shop to the Chaffey’s Lock Cemetery. Wonder at the cut rocks which were deemed unworthy for use by canal builders almost 200 years ago – now a memorial wall. The cemetery includes graves of canal workers who came from afar to create this lasting marvel of engineering.

Lower Beverly Lake Nature Trail

Discover the towering hemlock trees – some of the biggest and best around this area! Soak in the peacefulness of the woods in winter on this low to medium difficulty trail that incorporates everything from stairs, to rock outcroppings to fun hills and even benches for resting. There is even a storywalk installed along the trail so bring the littles and read along the way!

Mill Pond Conservation Area

Mill Pond has six kilometres of wilderness trails that are known for being quiet and peaceful. With a beaver dam along one trail, duck nesting boxes, a variety of birds and several points of interest, it’s easy to spend time enjoying the sugarbush in snow! Find Mill Pond Conservation Area on Briton-Houghton Bay Road near Portland.

Mill Pond Conservation Area photo by Matthew Liteplo 

Shillington Park Loop

Enjoy this easy loop through a wooded area, surrounded by park amenities. Located just outside Westport, Shillington Park Loop is great for beginners and families.

Shillington Park Trail photo by Matthew Liteplo

Embrace the snow and explore in snowshoes in Rideau Lakes!