Winter in Lanark County: Cozy Cabins, Snowy Trails & Small-Town Adventures
There’s something about winter in Lanark County that makes you want to slow down.
Maybe it’s the snow-covered forests, the charming small towns, or the excuse to spend an entire afternoon curled up with a good book and a warm drink.
Whatever it is, this corner of Eastern Ontario knows how to make the most of the colder months.
From snowshoeing through peaceful forests and skiing scenic trails to exploring historic downtowns and discovering local favourites, there’s plenty to see and do.
And with our cozy off-grid cabins tucked throughout the region, you’ve got the perfect home base for it all.
Ready to make the most of winter? Here are a few of our favourite ways to experience Lanark County during your next CABINSCAPE escape.
1. Snowshoe Your Way Through the Woods
One of the best things about a winter cabin getaway? You don’t always have to leave the property to find a little adventure.
Many of our Lanark County cabins offer access to scenic trails, wooded properties, and beautiful natural surroundings just waiting to be explored.
And when the snow starts falling, there’s no better way to experience them than on snowshoes.
Each CABINSCAPE cabin comes equipped with two complimentary pairs of adult snowshoes, making it easy to head outside and discover the winter landscape at your own pace.
Take a leisurely walk through the trees, follow animal tracks in the snow, or find a quiet spot to stop and take in the scenery.
Our Mica and Rhya cabins are particularly great options for those looking to explore the surrounding natural landscape, while other Lanark County locations offer their own unique opportunities to get outside.
Just be sure to check your cabin’s individual trail and access information before setting out.
2. Discover the Winter Trails at Murphys Point Provincial Park
If you’re looking to venture beyond your cabin, Murphys Point Provincial Park is one of Lanark County’s must-visit winter destinations.
Located just a short drive from our Mica and Rhya cabins, this beautiful provincial park offers a network of trails winding through forests, wetlands, and the scenic landscape surrounding Big Rideau Lake.
During the winter months, the park becomes a popular destination for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Cross-country skiers can explore groomed trails suited to classic and skate skiing, while snowshoers can venture along ungroomed routes, including the Beaver Trail and Silver Queen Mine Trail.
Whether you’re looking for a full afternoon of adventure or simply want to experience the peaceful beauty of the park in winter, it’s well worth the visit.
Before heading out, check the park’s current winter operating dates, trail conditions, and access information.
3. Lace Up Your Skates for Some Outdoor Fun
Is there anything more Canadian than spending a winter afternoon skating outdoors?
Lanark County is home to several community skating rinks and outdoor ice surfaces, making it easy to add a little classic winter fun to your getaway.
One spot worth checking out is Beckwith Park, where a roughly one-kilometre outdoor skating trail offers a fun alternative to your typical rink.
Prefer to stay a little closer to Perth? Keep an eye on the town’s seasonal outdoor skating options, including the Little Tay, when conditions permit.
It’s the perfect excuse to bundle up, enjoy some fresh air, and reward yourself with a well-earned hot chocolate afterward.
Outdoor skating is weather-dependent, so check local conditions and availability before heading out.
4. Hit the Slopes at Mount Pakenham
Looking to add a little more adventure to your winter escape?
Mount Pakenham is a great option for guests staying near the Pakenham area, particularly those looking to spend a day skiing or snowboarding.
With runs for different experience levels, it’s a welcoming destination whether you’re learning the ropes or already feel comfortable on the slopes.
Not much of a downhill skier? Mount Pakenham also offers winter trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, giving you a few different ways to enjoy the snowy scenery.
Spend the day outdoors, soak up the fresh winter air, and head back to your cabin when you’re ready to trade your ski boots for cozy socks.
5. Explore the Charming Streets of Perth
Of course, not every winter adventure needs to involve snowshoes or skis.
Sometimes a slow afternoon exploring a charming small town is exactly what you need.
And if you ask us, Perth is one of the prettiest places to do just that.
With historic stone buildings, independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and restaurants tucked throughout its downtown, Perth is the kind of town you’ll want to take your time exploring.
Start with a stroll along the Tay River, pop into a few local shops, and make a stop for coffee or a bite to eat.
And if you’ve got a sweet tooth, don’t leave without visiting Perth Chocolate Works for some delicious handmade treats.
Whether you’re spending an entire afternoon exploring or just stopping in on your way to the cabin, Perth is always worth adding to your itinerary.
6. Treat Yourself to a True Canadian Maple Experience
Did you know Lanark County is often referred to as the Maple Syrup Capital of Ontario?
And while maple season typically arrives toward the end of winter, you don’t have to wait until spring to enjoy a little maple-inspired goodness.
At Wheelers Pancake House & Sugar Camp near McDonalds Corners, you can enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast surrounded by the beauty of the Canadian countryside.
The property also features forest trails, making it a great place to pair a winter walk or snowshoe adventure with a hearty meal.
After exploring, browse the maple products and bring a little taste of Lanark County home with you.
It’s a wonderfully Canadian way to spend a winter morning.
Be sure to check operating hours, trail conditions, and reservation requirements before visiting.
7. Discover the Small-Town Charm of Almonte
If you’re staying at our Joni cabin or exploring the Pakenham area, make some time for a visit to Almonte.
This picturesque town is full of historic buildings, inviting shops, and cozy spots to warm up on a chilly afternoon.
Wander through the downtown streets, discover unique local businesses, and take in the beautiful scenery along the Mississippi River.
Grab a coffee, browse the boutiques, or settle into a local café for a leisurely lunch.
It’s an easy way to add a little small-town exploring to your winter getaway without feeling like you’ve packed your schedule too full.
And really, isn’t that what a cabin escape is all about?
8. Embrace a Little Cabin Time
As much as we love exploring the great outdoors, sometimes the best winter activity is doing absolutely nothing.
And that’s where a CABINSCAPE getaway really shines.
Start your morning with a slow coffee and a view of the snow-covered trees. Spend the afternoon playing board games, reading a good book, or making something delicious on the cabin’s stovetop.
When evening rolls around, bundle up for a winter campfire, enjoy a little stargazing, or simply settle in for a cozy night indoors.
No packed schedules. No endless notifications. Just a little time to unwind and enjoy the simple things.
Whether you’re spending a romantic weekend away, reconnecting with friends, or taking some much-needed time for yourself, winter in the woods has a way of making even the smallest moments feel special.
Your Winter Escape Starts Here
From snow-covered trails and outdoor skating to charming towns and maple-filled mornings, Lanark County has plenty of ways to make winter feel like something worth celebrating.
And with six cozy CABINSCAPE cabins throughout the region — Mason, Mica, Rhya, Juniper, Joni, and Ember — finding your perfect winter home base is easy.
So pack your warmest layers, bring your favourite book, and get ready to experience a quieter side of Ontario.
Winter looks pretty good from here, doesn’t it?
Explore Our Lanark County Cabins
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Rhya Cabin is an off-grid retreat on Rideau Valley Conservation land in Tay Valley, Eastern Ontario. Overlooking a quiet, protected lake, it sits in its own secluded inlet while sharing the lake with Mica Cabin, 400 meters away. Thoughtfully positioned for privacy, both cabins are hidden among the trees. Enjoy sunset views from your deck, scenic hiking trails, birdwatching, and pristine paddling on Mills Lake.
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Named after the late, great Canadian naturalist and canoeing icon, Bill Mason, Mason cabin resides on 576 pristine acres in the Frontenac Spur of the Canadian Shield, where it sits humbly overlooking a secluded lake with expansive wilderness views. Hike along the extensive trails the property has to offer and meander through a mixture of forest, meadows, beaver ponds, and wetlands.
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Mica Cabin is an off-grid retreat on Rideau Valley Conservation land in Tay Valley, Eastern Ontario. Overlooking a quiet, protected lake, it sits in its own secluded inlet while sharing the lake with Rhya Cabin, 400 meters away. Thoughtfully positioned for privacy, both cabins are hidden among the trees. Enjoy sunset views from your deck, scenic hiking trails, birdwatching, and pristine paddling on Mills Lake.
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Juniper cabin sits nestled into the landscape overlooking the Fall River in Maberly, Ontario. It’s the ideal retreat for guests who seek a secluded wilderness getaway without having to venture too far off the beaten path.
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Ember cabin is a trailside, hike-in retreat located directly on the Tay-Havelock rail trail overlooking the Fall River. It’s the perfect base camp for cyclists, hikers and paddlers wanting a place to relax and unwind after a day of adventuring.
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Named after iconic Canadian folk singer Joni Mitchell, this intimate wilderness retreat offers 77 wooded acres in Pakenham, a historic rural community on the edge of the Ottawa Valley. The cabin sits between a high valley ridge and a quiet forest, perched above a bubbling brook, creating a tranquil spot to recharge.
