Achieve Your Resolutions Through Winter Fun

A new year brings new resolutions. Kick off 2025 by recharging and achieving your active and outdoor resolutions with winter fun at our parks!

Bundle Up and Hit the Trails

Two people walking their dog on a snow-covered trail in the winter. — Walk your fur friend, go solo or bring the whole family for a winter hike along the trails at our parks. Photo by Freepik.

We know it can be difficult to motivate yourself to get outdoors when it’s chilly outside. But, with some extra layers, you can warm up with a hike on our trails. A low-impact exercise, hiking is an accessible way to achieve your steps per day goal while you reconnect with nature, leaving you refreshed during the colder months.

Here’s some things to do while hiking at our parks during the winter:

Experience Canada’s historic Bruce Trail while visiting Limehouse and Silver Creek Conservation Areas.
Enjoy hot drinks and snacks as you explore a brightly lit winter trail at Terra Cotta Conservation Area every Saturday evening for Ignite the Night! On from January 4 to March 1 at 6:30 to 9 p.m. Snowshoe rentals are available for walk-ins. Other winter rentals will become available once conditions allow.
Bring your furry friends to explore too. Please observe our dog rules and etiquette. Dogs must always be on a leash of six feet or less. Don’t forget to clean up after them too so everyone can enjoy the trails.
Note, the section of Bruce Trail at Limehouse CA between the parking lot link trail and the hole in the wall will be closed due to unsafe winter conditions. It will remain closed for the winter season.

Glide Across Natural Rinks

A person skating on a rink in a nature area. — We offer ice skating at Island Lake and Terra Cotta Conservation Areas, conditions permitting.

With winter’s arrival, it’s the season for ice skating. Skating works nearly every muscle group in your body, making it a great cardiovascular workout by getting your blood pumping and your heart rate up. Once condition allow, grab some skates and head out to Island Lake or Terra Cotta Conservation Areas to glide across a frozen lake and take in the scenic backdrop as you burn calories.

The latest updates and information about ice skating conditions and availability can be found on our park advisories webpage. Rink reservations at Terra Cotta Conservation Area will also open once conditions permit.

Leisurely Ski on the Snow

Two people wearing skis with ski poles stopped on a snow-covered trail. — Visit Terra Cotta Conservation Area and ski over six kilometres of groomed trails.

You don’t need to be an expert skier to enjoy this winter activity. If you’re new to cross-country skiing, this is a fun way to explore our parks!

Did you know cross-country skiing originated in Scandinavia over 5,000 years ago but wasn’t introduced to Canada until the 1890s? Initially, a winter transport solution, it’s now a fantastic way to embrace winter to the fullest.

Plan your cross-country skiing trip at available at four of our parks and enjoy the peaceful surroundings as you explore.

Tread Snow in Wood-woven Shoes

A person laying in snow with snowshoes on. — Snowshoeing is an activity for the whole family and a great way to connect with history.

For a family snow day you won’t forget, try snowshoeing! Slip snowshoes on over your winter boots and get a full-body workout.

With origins going back thousands of years, this activity is a unique way to experience the winter scenery at our parks.

Snowshoeing is excellent for building endurance and improving your balance. Snowshoe rentals are available for walk-ins at Terra Cotta Conservation Area. Once conditions permit, snowshoe rentals will become available at Island Lake Conservation Area.

Reel in Fun on the Ice

Two people in winter clothing on a frozen lake, knelt beside three holds in the ice. — Families get together and get outside for the annual Ice Fishing Derby at Island Lake Conservation Area.

No need to miss fishing, try fishing on the ice! Ice fishing is now open at Island Lake Conservation Area.

A variety of fish make Island Lake their home, including largemouth bass, Northern pike, black crappie, yellow perch and other pan fish.

Our 15^th Annual Ice Fishing Derby is also coming up fast. Gather your gear and get ready for loads of family fun from February 8 to 17, 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. daily. Cash prizes for Northern pike, black crappie, and yellow perch in the adult category. Prizes are available in the youth category as well.

Engagement and Weddings in Nature

Are you planning to propose to your significant other? Consider an engagement photo shoot against the backdrop of a beautiful winter scene. Choose our parks to capture your special moments. You can also start planning your dream wedding in nature—reserve your 2025 date today.

Winter is a Magical Season

Don’t let winter stop you from achieving your goals and resolutions for 2025. Embrace the beauty of the season and get outside with Credit Valley Conservation.

This underrated season brings endless opportunities to stay active and get outside. A friendly reminder to always check out our park advisories page before heading out to make sure conditions are right for your activity.

By Sarah Lebret, Associate, Marketing and Communications