Winter Activities

Skiing & Snowshoeing

When the air turns frosty and a thick blanket of snow covers the forest floor, cross country skiers and snowshoers rejoice, heading out onto quiet, snow-covered trails to make tracks. Here in Lanark County, winter is one of our favourite times of the year, and skiing and snowshoeing season is reason to celebrate.

So if the view outside your window is filled with white, grab your skis or snowshoes and head out to explore some of our favourite trails from a wintry perspective. To rent snowshoes, visit Wheelers Maple Sugar Camp (for use on site) or the Carleton Place Information Centre at 170 Bridge St, Carleton Place.

Downhill Skiing

🏂 Mount Pakenham - Pakenham

Mount Pakenham is truly the perfect family resort. It boasts 10 great runs from beginner to expert with the facilities to match and snowshoe trails. There are 3 quad chairs, a handle tow, a rope tow and a Carpet Lift. All runs bring you back to the main lodge. Early season snowmaking guarantees great snow all season long.

Trails for Skiing and Snowshoeing

🎿 Timber Run Ski Trail - Lanark Highlands

Check out the winter beauty of this golf course off County Road 511 (54 Caldwell Rd.) just south of Lanark Village. A series of cross-country ski trails meander through the property and some snowmobile trails pass through as well. Parking and washrooms are available.

🎿 Wheelers Pancake House & Sugar Camp - Lanark Highlands

Wheelers Pancake House and Sugar Camp mixes two of the most Canadian things: maple syrup and winter activities. Enjoy skiing and snowshoeing on seven trails which range from 1-kilometre to 8-kilometres long, looping through the maple filled forest that produce Wheelers delicious maple syrup. Before leaving, head to into the shop for some maple products to cheers to the end of a truly Canadian day.

Getting There: Park right at the pancake house to access the trail loops that are located adjacent to the sugarcamp. Trails are well signed for easy access.

🎿 Mill of Kintail - Mississippi Mills

Visit Mill of Kintail, one of the seven wonders of Lanark County, for more scenic, woodland ski and snowshoe trails. The Mill of Kintail has a network of forested trails that span 6.5-kiloemtres and can be explored year-round from dawn to dusk, seven days a week. The trails are on mostly level land that makes moderate cross-country skiing conditions.

Getting There: Park in the parking area located just inside the main gates at the Mill. Trails can be accessed from the parking area or continue down the laneway which runs to the on-site museum to access additional trails.

🎿 Mount Pakenham - Mississippi Mills

Home to Dr. James Naismith, the inventor of basketball, Mississippi Mills is also home to several fantastic ski and snowshoe trails. Head to Mount Pakenham to enjoy 10-kilometres of scenic cross-country ski and snowshoe trails, where you will feel the stress of the day or week melt away.

Mount Pakenham has four trails for you to explore: The Winter Outdoor Wonder (WOW) trail, (5-kilometres); the Blue trail (2-kilometres); the Green trail (5.5-kilometres); and the Yellow trail (2-kilometres). Snowshoers are asked to stay to the side of the trail as not to impact the cross-country skiing trail conditions.

Getting There: Mount Pakenham is located only a few kilometres southwest of the village of Pakenham. Trails can be accessed directly from the main parking area at the ski hill, to the right of the lodge.

🎿 Perth Wildlife Reserve - Perth

Bring your sense of adventure to the Perth Wildlife Reserve to enjoy a 2.5-kilometre loop through the woodland area with several wildlife species – so keep your eyes peeled! Get ready for some adventure as the trail is not maintained, leaving you to blaze your own trail through the pristine snow.

Getting There: You can access the trail from the trailhead only short drive from the town of Perth, on Wildlife Road.

🎿 Murphys Point Provincial Park - Tay Valley

Murphys Point Ski Trails Map

For more extensive cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails, head to Murphys Point Provincial Park in Tay Valley. The cross-country ski trail network includes 14-kilometres of trail track for classic skiing, 4-kilometres for skate skiing and 8-kilometres for backcountry skiing. Suggested snowshoe routes are along non-groomed hiking trails, hike visitor favourites the Beaver Trail (1-kilometre), and the Silver Queen Mine Trail (2-kilometres).

Getting There: You can enter these trails either at the primary trailhead, located just before the main entrance at the winter parking lot, or at the second trail head, further along Country Road 21 at the Lally Homestead.

Interactive Google Map

Snowmobiling

Lanark County and its surrounding areas offer a winter wonderland for snowmobiling enthusiasts, with a vast network of trails spanning hundreds of kilometers. As part of the Beautiful Eastern Association of Snowmobile Trails and the Kingston and Pembroke Snow Trails Association, local snowmobile clubs maintain over 850 kilometers of groomed paths within Lanark County alone. It's important to note that permits are required for snowmobiling in Lanark County, which falls under District 1 of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs.

Trail Routes & Guide

Go Snowmobiling Ontario

Interactive Trail Guides

Go Snowmobiling Ontario offers a wealth of valuable information and resources for snowmobilers. Their website features a convenient snowmobile trail reference tool that provides real-time trail status updates, along with essential points of interest such as fuel stations and amenities. Additionally, they offer a user-friendly mobile app to enhance the snowmobiling experience and ensure riders have everything they need for a safe and enjoyable adventure.

Upper Canada Snowmobile Region

Mini Trail Loops

Experience the best of rural life and snow-filled delights with the "Here’s to The Rural Life" and "Trails of Pure Pleasure" trail, two relatively short and manageable rides that take you through picturesque landscapes passing by Smiths Falls.

Upper Canada Snowmobile Region

Tails Loops

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the scenic trails loops of "Rails & Trails Ontario East Loop", "Upper Canada Circuit", "Ottawa Valley River", and "Rideau - St. Lawrence" Trail Loops. Discover the beauty of Lanark County's diverse region, capturing favorite pieces of this enchanting area that encompasses Smiths Falls, Carleton Place, Almonte, Pakenham, Perth, and White Lake.

Trail Maps

Lanark County Trail Map

Ontario Federation of All Terrain Vehicule Clubs Recreational Trail Guide

UCSR Trail Guide

Snowmobile Rentals and Sales

Black's Corners Motorsport - Carleton Place

📍 7642 ON-15, Carleton Place, ON K7C 0C4

Discover Black's Corners Motorsport, your go-to destination for snowmobile sales and service. With a wide range of snowmobiles available for purchase, as well as a dedicated service department, they provide comprehensive support to meet your snowmobiling needs.

Carleton Place Marine - Carleton Place

📍 1703 Beckwith 9th Line, Carleton Place, ON K7C 3P2

At Carleton Place Marine, visitors can discover a premier destination for snowmobile sales, complemented by excellent service and support provided by licensed technicians.

Outdoor Adventure Rentals - Perth

📍 105 Dufferin St, Perth, ON K7H 3A5

Outdoor Adventure Rentals is your ultimate source for snowmobile rentals, allowing you to embark on thrilling winter adventures. With a diverse selection of well-maintained snowmobiles available for rent, you can explore the snowy landscapes with ease and excitement.

Perth Powersports And Marine - Perth

📍 17100 Hwy 7, Perth, ON K7H 3C8

Perth Powersports and Marine is your premier destination for snowmobile sales and a wide range of services to keep your snowmobile running smoothly. From top-of-the-line snowmobiles for purchase to expert services like battery replacement, pressure washing, state inspection, and more, their dedicated team ensures that your snowmobiling experience is hassle-free and enjoyable.

Useful Information

For a wealth of useful information about snowmobiling, look no further than your local snowmobile club. Discover everything you need to know, from obtaining permits and accessing trail information to staying informed about events and prioritizing safety while enjoying the exhilarating world of snowmobiling.

Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs Ottawa Valley ATV Club

Tay Valley Cross Country Ski Club Trans Ontario Provincial (TOP) Trails

Public Skating & Outdoor Rinks

Whether it’s at the local arena or outdoors, skating is a popular winter activity in Lanark County. Dust off those skates and check out the following venues.

Public Skating Schedule

Almonte & Pakenham Arenas Beckwith Carleton Place Lanark Arena Perth Arena Smiths Falls

Outdoor Ice Rinks

🎿 Mississippi Mills : Almonte Arena & Pakenham Arena

🎿 Carleton Place : at Carleton Junction (42 Moore Street), and beside the Carambeck Community Centre (351 Bridge St)

🎿 Perth : at the Perth Fire Hall (1881 Rogers Rd), and downtown on “The Little Tay” (Tay Canal) between Mex & Co (55 Gore St E) and Coutts Coffee Roasters (57 Gore St E)

🎿 Smiths Falls: Gerry Lowe Memorial Sens Rink of Dreams

🎿 Tay Valley : Glen Tay Outdoor Rink, Maberly Outdoor Rink & Conlon Farm

🎿 Beckwith : Outdoor skating trail (1km loop) at Beckwith Park - 1319 9th Line Beckwith (behind the Beckwith Recreation Complex)