Drone view of three snowmobiles driving on snow-covered bridge over Trent River in Hastings.
Northumberlanding is...
Winter Sports

Enjoy Every Bit of Winter

Northumberland’s rolling hills, vast forest areas, lakes and rivers are the perfect opportunity to enjoy what winter has to offer. From cross-country skiing and snowshoeing to birding, ice fishing, snowmobiling, skating and even disc golfing, winter is the perfect excuse to get outside, get active and enjoy connecting with nature.

Drone view of two people cross-country skiing through a forested area.

Discover Your Favourite Trails

Northumberland County has 20 trails and conservation areas with many maintained through the winter for various activities. Whether you want to try hiking, fat biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and even ATV’ing and snowmobiling, there are trails in Northumberland County.

Click through to learn about our trails and discover your new winter favourite.

A woman in a pink jacket and a man in a blue jacket snowshoeing through a forested area.

Ice Fishing

Rice Lake is a popular ice fishing destination. You can fish for Northern Pike, Yellow Perch and other pan fish. Click through for more information, links to regulations and licensing information and places to stay on Rice Lake through the winter.

Group of three people dressed in winter great holding up pan fish caught while ice fishing on Rice Lake.
Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing

Northumberland County Forest

Enjoy woodland cross-county skiing with non-mechanically groomed trails. The Beagle Club Trails are reserved for cross-country skiing only from December 1 until March 31 each year with seven well-marked trail loops that range from 1.6 km to 13.3 km. Trails are often hilly and challenging.

Learn more about cross-country skiing in the Northumberland Forest

Skating Outdoors

There's nothing like skating outdoors, find a place to try it out.

Skating Indoors

Find a place to skate inside.

Snowmobiling

The Northumberland Forest has 47 kilometres of trail designated for motorized sports, like snowmobiling. Parking at the Morris Trailhead (6653 County Road 45, Baltimore) and McDonald Trailhead (507 McDonald Road, Grafton) is available, but is regularly maintained. Click through for more detailed information. 

The Ganaraska Forest is also a prime location for snowmobiling. Trails are groomed and maintained by the Ontario Federation of Snowmobiling Clubs (OFSC).

All trails require riders have an OFSC permit and off trail riding in all locations is strictly forbidden. 

Drone view of Northumberland Forest with highway cutting through.

Snowmobiling Associations

Check with local snowmobiling associations to learn more about additional trails and conditions.

Winter Disc Golf

Yes - it's a winter sport too! Tie on your ribbons and get out in the snow to enjoy this friendly sport.

Brrrrr..ding (winter birding of course!)

Birding

Presqu'ile Provincial Park

Well known for large numbers and diversity of waterfowl, Presquile is a birding hotspot. Over 200 species are recorded every year in the park and each year new migrant species continue to surprise devoted birders. Even in the winter, enthusiasts find this a worthy destination.

Learn more about bird watching in Presqu'ile Provincial Park
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