Our Guide to Winter in the Kawarthas

Ever thought of visiting another planet? Our Kawartha cabins live on a stunning 230-acre property overlooking a quarry with a setting that feels like you’re in another world!

These cabins are less than 2 hours from Toronto and drive-in accessible all year round. Cozy and heated, they are ideal for a quick getaway to relax and unwind.

GET OUTSIDE & ADVENTURE

Hike/snowshoe 4 km of lanes and trails that meander through this expansive re-naturalized property and experience a rich variety of ecosystems, vistas and quarry relics from the past. Two pairs of snowshoes are included with your Cabinscape booking.

Balsam Lake Provincial Park is just 10 minutes from your cabin. The main park is closed for the season but Lookout Trail and Woodland Trail are open and available for winter exploration at no cost!

GET OUTSIDE & ADVENTURE

Balsam Lake Provincial Park is just 10 minutes from your cabin. The main park is closed for the season but Lookout Trail and Woodland Trail are open and available for winter exploration at no cost!

ICE-SKATING

Grab your skates and hit the ice! Kawartha Lakes is the place to be for ice skating fans and those who are eager to learn. The quarry can get thick enough for ice-skating in the winter months. Experience epic sunsets and fantastic views as you glide through the area. Or sit with a cup of hot cocoa by the private campfire and watch the skaters pass by down below.

The ice is not maintained and skating will depend on conditions. We recommend caution when walking on the ice. Use the provided shovel to clear a path for your skate!

SNOWMOBILING

For snowmobile enthusiasts, Kawartha Lakes offers 166 km of groomed trails through breathtaking snow-brushed pines and beautiful forested routes. While there is no snowmobiling permitted on-site at our cabins, finding an available route is just a click away. Check out this Interactive Snowmobile Trail Map, where you can find all snowmobile trails in Ontario. Trail users must have a valid permit, license and insurance.

There are too many trails in the area to be explored in just one day, so set aside a good amount of time at our cabins to be able to explore them all!

VISIT FENELON FALLS, ON

A short 25-minute drive from our cabins sits the beautiful, historical waterfront town of Fenelon Falls. Known as the “jewel of the Kawarthas”, there is something for everyone including entertainment, dining, outdoor activities, and shopping. There is also the opportunity to explore arts, culture and heritage as this town has a rich history as an established route for the fur trade and settled by the first pioneers in the early 1800s.

Foodies will relish in the town’s varied food and drink offerings. The Fenelon Falls Brewing Co. is proudly Canadian with hand-crafted premium beer made in small batches in their very own brewhouse. Little Pie Shack is a local favourite that sells homemade pies, tarts, brownies, squares, ice cream, and more! The Locker at The Falls is a family-style restaurant with year-round fall side views while you are dining. They feature seasonal menus and gluten-friendly options. Ziraldo’s Italian Restaurant is a personal favourite with an incredible selection of authentic Italian food and divine cocktails with a side of amazing service.

There are so many more food options we aren’t able to list them all – be sure to visit on an empty stomach!

ICE FISHING

If you are feeling adventurous and want to spend time in the crisp air and cool sun, drop a line in one of the numerous easy-access ice fishing options around the Kawarthas. Be sure to overdress and bring lots of layers with you on any ice fishing trip. Try and visit with someone that knows the area and respects ice safety – always check ice thickness before beginning. Good equipment is necessary to make the trip a success. Our quarry lake is not available for ice fishing at this time.