Silent Lake Provincial Park: winter trails near Bancroft
Silent Lake Provincial Park manages 76.7 km of snowshoe trail in the Ontario Trail Network, across 5 named trails. The trails lie around Bancroft.
Trail conditions and fees: www.ontarioparks.com
Open the full Ontario Crown land map
Trails
| Trail | Length | Winter use | Also open to |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Silent Lake Cross-Country Ski Trail More than 40 km of cross-country trails wind their way through hardwoods, cedar swamps, groves of White Birch and beech stands. The terrain is rugged and is set for classical skiing. All four connecting loops start and finish at the day-use parking l |
40 km | Snowshoeing | |
|
Mountain Bike Trails One special amenity at Silent Lake is the mountain bike trails. The trails can be accessed from the day-use area. The trail offers two loops; 12 and 19 km in length. The 12 km loop is moderately difficult, while the 19 km loop is considered challengi |
19 km | Snowshoeing | Hiking or Walking, Cycling |
|
Lakeshore Hiking Trail This is a wilderness trail designed for the more experienced hiker. It is rugged, challenging and very rewarding. A supply of water is highly recommended. Sharing the same beginning segment of the Lakehead Loop trail, the Lakeshore Trail roughly foll |
15 km | Snowshoeing | Hiking or Walking, Cycling |
|
Lakehead Loop Trail This short trail is designed for those who wish to stretch their legs by taking a leisurely walk in natural and peaceful surroundings. It follows the lakeshore through a low lying area of cedar and Black Ash. The trail then makes its way to higher gr |
1.5 km | Snowshoeing | Hiking or Walking |
|
Bonnie's Pond Trail This trail is perfect for the nature lover or explorer. It winds through mature beech trees, and passes a large beaver pond, pine and hemlock forests to a breathtaking lookout. |
1.2 km | Snowshoeing | Hiking or Walking |
"Winter use" is what Silent Lake Provincial Park permits on the trail, not a grooming report: check the organization before you go. Lengths are from the Ontario Trail Network.
Surveyed lakes within 25 km
Campgrounds within 40 km
Most private campgrounds close for winter; call ahead. Winter camping on Crown land is covered in our winter camping guide.
- Paudash Lake – Daiva RV Resorts — Bancroft, 6 km
- Red Eagle Family Campground — Coe Hill, 19 km
- Bear Ridge Campground & Cottages — Coe Hill, 20 km
- The Homestead Trailer Park Ltd — Bancroft, 23 km
- South Algonquin – Daiva RV Resorts — Harcourt, 32 km
- Stoney Lake – Daiva RV Resorts — Lakefield, 35 km
Other trail networks within 60 km
Source: Ontario Trail Network trail segments, Land Information Ontario (Open Government Licence – Ontario), updated December 2023. Trail names, uses and descriptions are as supplied by Silent Lake Provincial Park to the network.