Winter in the Kawarthas: Your Guide to Cozy Cabins & Outdoor Adventures
There’s something special about winter in the Kawarthas.
The crowds disappear, the trees are dusted with snow, and everything seems to move at a slower pace. It’s the kind of setting that makes you want to bundle up, get outside, and come back to a cozy cabin with nowhere else you need to be.
Tucked away on a stunning 230-acre former limestone quarry near Kirkfield, our cabins offer a winter escape that’s a little different from the ordinary.
With snow-covered trails to explore, breathtaking quarry views, and plenty of nearby winter adventures, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of the season.
Whether you’re looking to get outside and explore or simply spend a few days doing absolutely nothing, here’s your guide to winter in the Kawarthas.

Winter Adventures Right Outside Your Cabin
One of the best parts of staying at our Kirkfield Lake property? You don’t have to go very far to enjoy a little winter magic.

1. Strap on Some Snowshoes
There’s no better way to explore the quarry in winter than on snowshoes!
With approximately 4 km of lanes and trails winding through our expansive property, you’ll discover snow-covered forests, unique limestone landscapes, and beautiful views around practically every corner.
And the best part? We’ve got the gear covered.
Each cabin comes equipped with two complimentary pairs of snowshoes, so all you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and a few warm layers).
Take your time, stop for photos, and enjoy having a little slice of winter wilderness almost entirely to yourself.
2. Take a Winter Walk Around the Quarry
Not every outdoor adventure needs special equipment.
Pull on your warmest boots, grab a hot drink, and head out for a walk along the property’s accessible trails and lanes.
What was once a working limestone quarry has slowly been reclaimed by nature, creating a landscape unlike anywhere else in the Kawarthas. Come winter, the contrast between the pale limestone, evergreen trees, and snow-covered terrain makes it especially beautiful.
Whether you’re an early riser hoping to catch the morning light or someone who prefers a leisurely afternoon stroll, there’s plenty to discover right outside your door.
Be sure to follow designated routes and stay clear of quarry edges and ice.


3. Keep an Eye Out for Winter Wildlife
Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean the woods are quiet.
As you explore the property, keep an eye out for animal tracks in the snow, birds moving through the trees, and other little signs of life in the winter landscape.
You might not spot the animals themselves, but discovering a trail of footprints across fresh snow is half the fun.
Bring along a camera, a pair of binoculars, or simply take a moment to stop and listen. You’d be surprised how much there is to notice when you slow down.
4. Make the Most of a Cozy Cabin Day
Of course, not every winter getaway needs to be packed with activities.
Sometimes, the best part of escaping to the woods is giving yourself permission to do less.
Start your morning with a slow coffee and a view of the quarry. Spend the afternoon curled up with a good book, playing cards, or finally getting around to that puzzle you’ve been meaning to finish.
And when the sun starts to set? Bundle up, head outside, and gather around your private campfire.
Hot chocolate, toasted marshmallows, and a sky full of stars? Sounds like a pretty good winter evening to us.

Explore Beyond the Quarry: Nearby Winter Adventures

5. Explore Balsam Lake Provincial Park
Just a short drive from the cabins, Balsam Lake Provincial Park offers another opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Kawarthas.
While the park’s main facilities close for the winter season, its forested landscape and scenic trails are worth keeping on your radar for a winter outing when access and conditions permit.
The Lookout Trail and Woodland Trail are two great routes to explore during the park’s operating season, with rolling terrain, wooded sections, and beautiful natural scenery.
Before planning a winter visit, be sure to check current park access information.
6. Discover the Trails at Somerville Forest
If you’re up for a longer winter adventure, Somerville Forest Tract near Norland is well worth adding to your list.
This expansive forest is home to several trail loops winding through pine plantations, hardwood forests, wetlands, and rocky terrain.
It’s a beautiful destination for snowshoeing, winter hiking, or cross-country skiing when conditions are right.
Pack a thermos, bundle up, and spend a few hours exploring another side of the Kawarthas.


7. Go Outdoor Skating in Lindsay
Looking for a classic Canadian winter activity? Lace up your skates and head to Logie Park in Lindsay.
The park features an outdoor refrigerated skating loop, making it a fun destination for couples, families, or anyone looking to enjoy a little fresh air.
It’s a great way to spend an afternoon before heading back to the cabin to warm up.
Skating is seasonal and weather-dependent, so be sure to check the City of Kawartha Lakes’ latest rink updates before heading out.
8. Spend an Afternoon in Fenelon Falls
A winter getaway isn’t complete without exploring a charming small town, and Fenelon Falls fits the bill perfectly.
Located roughly 25 minutes from our Kawartha cabins, this picturesque community is full of local shops, cozy restaurants, and small-town charm.
Spend the afternoon wandering through downtown, browsing the independent boutiques along Colborne Street, and stopping for something warm to eat or drink.
It’s the perfect way to mix a little exploring with some well-deserved relaxation.

A few local favourites to check out include:

Fenelon Falls Brewing Co.
for locally crafted beer and a relaxed atmosphere.

The Little Pie Shack
for something sweet to bring back to the cabin.

Ziraldo’s Italian Restaurant
for a delicious meal before heading back into the woods.
A Little Winter Escape Worth Taking
The best thing about winter in the Kawarthas? There’s no right way to experience it.
You can spend your days snowshoeing through the woods, exploring nearby trails, and discovering local towns. Or you can spend an entire afternoon enjoying the view from your cabin without ever checking the time.
Either way, you’ll leave feeling a little more rested, a little more recharged, and maybe even a little more in love with winter.
Ready to experience the Kawarthas in a whole new season?
Our five cozy quarry-side cabins โ Burdock, Goldenrod, Hawkweed, Stonecrop and Woodrush โ are ready to welcome you for your next winter escape.
Explore Our Kawarthas Cabins
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Goldenrod CabinFrom: $199.00 -
Burdock CabinFrom: $199.00 -
Hawkweed CabinFrom: $199.00 -
Stonecrop CabinFrom: $199.00 -
Woodrush CabinFrom: $199.00






























































