MY MEDALLION
If you’re hoping to make the most out of the remaining weeks of winter, we have a few family-friendly suggestions! These winter adventures are ideal for those who like to spend time outdoors and be active; they’re also conveniently located close to home, and suit all ages. Enjoy some quality time with your friends or family this winter and make memories together. Here are our top 4 outdoor winter adventures in Durham Region.
Skiing
Durham Region is fortunate to have three ski resorts close by, so you don’t have to go far to hit the slopes. You can go downhill skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing at Lakeridge Ski Resort, nestled in the Oak Ridges Moraine in Uxbridge. It offers 23 runs spread over 70 acres and can accommodate beginners and experts alike; take a lesson from one of their certified pros or send the kids to their March Break camp. Dagmar Ski Resort, also located in Uxbridge, has scenic slopes for downhill skiers and snowboarders, offering 18 runs and varied terrain. Anyone aged 8 or older is welcome; in fact, their My Snow School was voted #1 for lessons and programs by Liftopia. Brimacombe in Orono, which is just Northeast of Oshawa, also offers group lessons and programs for skiers of all levels of experience. You can downhill ski and snowboard here or come back in March to attend camp.
Ice Skating
There’s nothing quite like a sunny afternoon or a starry evening of ice skating, especially when you’re in a great setting. Ajax’s Pat Bayly Square in Grandview South Park is a family-friendly spot that welcomes skaters of all ages and abilities to its rink, Monday to Sunday from 9 am to 9 pm. Skaters also have access to indoor washrooms and heated change rooms. We especially love nighttime skates here, when the surrounding trees in the square are colourfully illuminated. To check the status of the refrigerated ice surface before heading out, call 365-885-3848.
Snowshoeing
While you can certainly snowshoe in a local neighbourhood park, why not venture a bit further afield and discover new vistas at Darlington Provincial Park? There are four great trails to choose from here, ranging in length from 1 to 2.6 km; you’ll pass through a variety of landscapes, including fields, meadows, forests, and ravines. Take in the views from a scenic lookout over Lake Ontario and enjoy the wintry sights along the shoreline. You can borrow up to four pairs of snowshoes at a time for a period of three days thanks to the Town of Ajax’s Snowshoe Loan Program. Another great spot to give snowshoeing a try is Lyndebrook Golf Course in Whitby, where you can rent snowshoes and poles on site.
Winter Hiking
You don’t need any special equipment to enjoy a winter hike this season. Bundle up in layers, wear a comfy pair of boots with good traction, and you’re ready to go. There are several spots for an invigorating winter hike, including the 6 km of marked trails at the Uxbridge Countryside Preserve or Durham Regional Forest’s 16 km of winding trails. Lynde Shores Conservation Area is a gorgeous protected area in Whitby that has some great looping trails where you can birdwatch. Second Marsh Wildlife Area is a unique wildlife refuge comprised of wetlands that hug the shores of Lake Ontario; it borders Darlington Provincial Park, another great destination for winter hikers.
Discover a new outdoor activity this winter or revisit an old favourite you haven’t enjoyed since childhood. Thanks for reading and don’t forget to follow the Medallion blog for more winter leisure activities you can do close to home.
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