Township of Algonquin Highlands: winter trails near Minden
Township of Algonquin Highlands manages 26.3 km of cross-country ski trail and 10.1 km of snowshoe trail in the Ontario Trail Network, across 17 named trails. The trails lie around Minden.
Trail conditions and fees: www.algonquinhighlands.ca
Open the full Ontario Crown land map
Cross-country skiing
Snowshoeing
Trails
| Trail | Length | Winter use | Also open to |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Deer Trail Due to the distance of this trail it is not for every skier. However, those who decide to take the time to ski the Deer Trail will be rewarded with breathtaking winter scenery as they meander through rolling hills amidst hardwood forest. The Deer Tra |
6.5 km | Cross-country skiing | Hiking or Walking |
|
Moose Trail This is the most distant trail at the Frost Centre but well worth the ski for those who wish to experience the true peacefulness that our wilderness trails have to offer. There is one long downhill and several short, steep climbs; otherwise it consis |
4.8 km | Cross-country skiing | Hiking or Walking |
|
Bear Trail This trail is not only an access trail for the Deer and Moose trail but also an excellent trail by itself. It starts off with several kilometers of flat groomed trail to get you in the groove and then changes to some gradual sloping hills. There is a |
4 km | Cross-country skiing | Hiking or Walking |
|
The Acclimatization Trail n/a |
3 km | Snowshoeing | Hiking or Walking |
|
Beaver Trail This trail has an excellent mix of everything cross-country skiing is about. Nice flat areas to get you into the groove, a series of ups and downs as well as several majestic views from the trail. If you only have a chance to ski one of the Frost Cen |
2.7 km | Cross-country skiing | Hiking or Walking |
|
Fox Trail This trail is an access point to all the other trails. The Fox trail terrain is generally suited to the intermediate with small ups and downs throughout the body of the trail. This trail is most memorable for the hills at the start and finish. Graded |
2.2 km | Cross-country skiing | Hiking or Walking |
|
Steep Rock Trail n/a |
1.8 km | Snowshoeing | Hiking or Walking |
|
Marten Trail Speed control on this trail is essential. There is a steep but straight hill before two breathtaking vista lookouts. They alone are worth the ski to anyone who feels comfortable with the steep downhill that follows them. The Flying Furlong is an exce |
1.6 km | Cross-country skiing | Hiking or Walking |
|
Otterslide Trail The Otterslide has the most exHILLarating descent in the system. It seems to go on and on although the trail is only a little over a kilometer in length. (The Flying Furlong on the Marten is a more serious challenge!). A good command of speed control |
1.6 km | Cross-country skiing | Hiking or Walking |
|
Vista Trail n/a |
1.4 km | Snowshoeing | Hiking or Walking |
|
Fire Tower Trail n/a |
1.2 km | Snowshoeing | Hiking or Walking |
|
Bunny Trail This trail lives up to its name very well. This is an excellent beginner or first time skier trail. It is short, flat and even. It makes a perfect first time ski or a warm up before attempting a more challenging trail. Beginners might choose to walk |
1.1 km | Cross-country skiing | Hiking or Walking |
|
Sawmill Trail This 1km Trail connects the South end of the Bunny Trail to the Eastern portion of the Bear trail near the Otterslide and can be skied in both directions. Skiers will glide past the historic sawmill which was used for many years as a demonstration si |
1 km | Cross-country skiing | Hiking or Walking |
|
New Vista Trail n/a |
0.9 km | Snowshoeing | Equestrian |
|
High Crest Trail n/a |
0.8 km | Snowshoeing | Hiking or Walking |
|
Lakeshore Trail This short looped trail near the entrance of the Frost Centre (closed as of July 14, 2004) is recommended for those in search of a short brisk walk. It meanders along the shore of St. Nora Lake and provides a spectacular view of the water. |
0.8 km | Cross-country skiingSnowshoeing | Hiking or Walking |
|
Dawson Ponds Access n/a |
0.2 km | Snowshoeing | Hiking or Walking |
"Winter use" is what Township of Algonquin Highlands 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.
- The Woods of Minden Hills — Minden Hills, 28 km
- Muskoka Bible Centre Campground — Huntsville, 31 km
- High Falls Bay Cottages, Camping & Waterpark — Bracebridge, 36 km
- Huntsville Lagoons – Daiva RV Resorts — Huntsville, 37 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 Township of Algonquin Highlands to the network.