Guided snowshoeing tours and snowshoe rentals in Ontario

What is snowshoeing?

For beginners, snowshoeing is the activity of hiking in the snow using special footwear called snowshoes.

Snowshoes are a pair of wide, versatile frames that fit under your winter boots with snug bindings to adjust to different shoe sizes. With its flat, wide surface, the ingenious snowshoe is designed to distribute your weight evenly, allowing you to walk on the snow rather than sink in.

Traditional snowshoes were crafted from natural materials like hardwood and rawhide, whereas modern snowshoes and walking poles are generally made from lightweight aluminum. Some designs also include crampons for added grip.

Most guided tours and rental companies will outfit you with modern snowshoes. They’ll take care of logistics such as trail passes, maps, beverages, snacks, snowshoes, poles and other accessories, so you can relax and focus on the experience. 

Fun fact: The earliest written account of snowshoes was in 1608 when Samuel de Champlain witnesses First Nations using them to travel across deep snow in Canada.

Here’s a list of guided experiences and trails with snowshoe rentals to get you started.

Central Ontario

Free Spirit Tours in Southern Georgian Bay

Tours are available for beginners and seasoned snowshoers along the Bruce Trail.  

Wind down after your winter woodland trek by sharing snowshoe tales over fresh ale at a local winery, brewery or cidery on the Apple Pie Trail.

Location: The Blue Mountains

Blue Mountain and Collingwood Adventure Tours in Southern Georgian Bay

Experience the beauty of snowy trails and frozen waterfalls in the winter season followed by a delicious wine or cider on one of these unique tours.

Location: Collingwood

My EcoAdventures in Bruce Peninsula

Set out on a guided snowshoe expedition through icy forests, frozen lakes and snowy trails in Bruce Peninsula National Park to the famous grotto on their popular Snowshoe the Grotto tour.

Location: Bruce Peninsula

Yours Outdoors in Haliburton Highlands

Authentic, personalized experiences in Haliburton Highlands including the Snowshoe Like a Canadian and Walk into Winter programs designed to introduce you to the basics of winter.

Location: Haliburton

Algonquin Park Adventure Tours in Algonquin Park

Schedule a private, three-hour snowshoe tour in Algonquin Park.

Perfect for newcomers to snowshoeing, this guided tour includes snowshoeing orientation and a delicious gourmet lunch.

Location: Algonquin Provincial Park

Find Your Wild Snowshoe Safari in Algonquin Park

The backcountry trails of Algonquin Park are perfect for a day of snowshoeing.

You’ll be entertained with interesting stories from your tour guides and end the day around the fire pit enjoying hot drinks and snacks. Private, pet-friendly tours can be arranged as well.

Location: Huntsville

Liv Outside guided snowshoeing in Bracebridge

Liv Outside is staffed with knowledgeable instructors who have a deep and personal relationship with nature and the outdoors.

Book a guided snowshoe tour and explore beautiful winter trails conveniently located near downtown Bracebridge.

Location: Bracebridge

Scenic Caves Nature Adventures

Rent a pair of snowshoes at Scenic Caves or bring your own to trek the tails through forests rich with wildlife and cross Ontario’s longest suspension footbridge with stellar 360-degree views.

Location: The Blue Mountains

Wye Marsh

In addition to the year-round hiking trails at Wye Marsh, the Graham McDonald Snowshoe Trail is maintained exclusively in the winter months and is perfect for snowshoers.

Traditional and modern-style snowshoe rentals are available for guests.

Location: Midland

Wasaga Beach Provincial Park

Hugely popular in the summer, it’s also worth the trek to Wasaga in the winter.

Wasaga Beach Provincial Park offers over seven kilometres of snowshoeing trails to explore. Visit the Wasaga Nordic Centre for snowshoe rentals. 

Location: Wasaga

Hardwood Ski and Bike 

Choose from four diverse snowshoeing trails from flat to hilly terrain at Hardwood Ski and Bike, including the Lookout Trail, which features a modest climb to incredible views of Lake Simcoe.

Purchase trail passes and book snowshoe rentals online.  

Location: Oro-Medonte

Snow Valley Ski Resort

Enjoy a variety of trails for beginners to more advanced snowshoe enthusiasts under two hours drive north of Toronto.

Get your rentals and trail pass and set out for a day of snowshoeing followed by a warm beverage by the bonfire at the Snow Nut Hut.

Location: Minesing

Algonquin Provincial Park and Muskoka with Algonquin Outfitters

 

Snowshoes are available to rent (and purchase) at several Algonquin Outfitters locations in and around Algonquin Provincial Park.

The Oxtongue Lake store features a broader selection of snowshoes than the Huntsville one. Call ahead if you’re planning on renting from the Huntsville location.

Locations: Haliburton, Oxtongue Lake, Huntsville

Abbey Gardens

Adult and kid’s snowshoe rentals are available to explore this Haliburton gem.

Guided hikes can be arranged for groups of ten or more, and leashed dogs are permitted. 

Location: Haliburton Highlands

Northern Ontario

Thrive Tours in Northern Ontario

Nature enthusiasts and co-owners, Amanda and Brad host half-day and full-day snowshoeing tours featuring insights on Indigenous practices and philosophies in accordance with their commitment to a zero-footprint business model.

Small groups and families are welcome and custom tours can be arranged.

Location: Sault Ste. Marie

Forest the Canoe snowshoe tours in Algoma Country

Explore Canada’s north with certified guides who will entertain you with local facts during your snowshoeing expedition.

Warm up with a hot beverage following your tour. Snowshoeing tours vary from beginner to intermediate, and feature unique experiences like full moon tours, Superior ice cave tours and even snowshoe tours with Santa Claus!

Location: Goulais River

Windy Lake Provincial Park

With spectacular views and stellar trails, it’s a treat to go snowshoeing at Windy Lake Provincial Park, just west of Sudbury.

Book one of the heated, roofed accommodations if you want to stay longer and continue the adventure.

The Onaping Falls Nordic Ski Club maintains a network of trails in the park. Day passes and snowshoe rentals are available at the ski club and chalet.

Location: Onaping

Porcupine Ski Runners

A popular Nordic Ski Club in the Timmins area, Porcupine Ski Runners also offers well-maintained snowshoeing trails.

Non-members can purchase a trail pass and rent a pair of snowshoes on-site.

Location: Schumacher

Hiawatha Highlands

Explore nine kilometres of snowshoeing trails at your own pace. Take it easy on flat terrain or challenge yourself on more rugged terrain.

Snowshoe rentals and pass purchases are available at the Office Headquarters.

Location: Sault Ste. Marie

Killarney Provincial Park

Snowshoeing in Killarney is delightful.

Snowshoe rentals, albeit limited, are available courtesy of Friends of Killarney Provincial Park at the George Lake Gatehouse, located close to the park entrance.

You’ll want to call ahead to confirm snowshoe availability.

Location: Killarney

Loch Lomond Ski Area

In addition to some of the best ski trails in Northwest Ontario, Loch Lomond offers a selection of great snowshoeing routes.

Snowshoe rentals are available.

Location: 1800 Loch Lomond Road, Thunder Bay

Southern Ontario

Albion Hills Conservation Area

Just north of Toronto, Albion Hills, part of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, offers trails designed for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing throughout the winter.

Rentals are available onsite on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Location: Caledon

Pinery Provincial Park

An ecological treasure, Pinery Provincial Park is home to well-maintained trails, numerous species of animals and birds, and some of Ontario’s most awe-inspiring sunsets. Snowshoeing is a popular activity throughout the winter.

Snowshoe rentals are available on weekends with the trails are operating. Note the last rentals in winter are prior to 3:00 p.m.

Location: Grand Bend

Credit Valley Conservation

Several parks provide maintained winter trails that are great for snowshoeing, including Island Lake and Terra Cotta Conservation Areas where rentals are available.

Locations:

Island Lake Conservation Area, Orangeville

Terra Cotta Conservation Area, Halton Hills

Exclusive Sport Rentals

Stocked with a wide variety of snowshoes, Exclusive Sport Rentals offers flexible hours to pick up and drop off snowshoe equipment.

Rentals are available for the day, weekend or a full week. Staff can help outfit you with the right gear.  

Location: 8575 Keele Street, Vaughan

The Mansfield Outdoor Centre

Over 80 hectares of woodlands await you at the Mansfield Outdoor Centre in Dufferin County’s Mulmur Township.

Trail passes are available on the day of the visit and snowshoes can be rented from the rental shop next to the Main Lodge.

Location: Mulmur

Conservation Halton

Conservation Halton Parks maintains beautiful snowshoeing trails at Crawford Lake Conservation Area, as well as at the Mountsberg and Hilton Falls parks.

Rentals are only available at the Crawford Lake trails.

Location: Milton

River Valley

Explore 4 kilometres of scenic countryside along the Thames River by snowshoe. The trails are well marked, rentals are available and wildlife like deer, rabbits and even foxes are frequently sighted.

Location: 4725 1 Line, St. Marys

What to wear snowshoeing

Wear a warm, waterproof jacket that's also breathable when you sweat. You should also wear hiking or winter boots, which are best for wearing with snowshoes, and you may also want to add gaiters for extra protection from the snow.

Walking poles, similar to ski poles, can assist with your balance and stability but are optional. 

Find more great snowshoeing trails near you with Ontario Trails and get acquainted with safety tips and trail etiquette.