Explore Cross-Country Skiing in Northwestern Ontario

Yes it's a fact, the winters are long and sometimes cold up here in Northwestern Ontario! But being the etrnal optimist that you are, you see opportunity in this beautiful winter wonderland. We do too so that is the reason we want to encourage avid skiers to do a 5 day cross-country ski tour in Ontario's Sunset Country. Where you start really depends on what direction you are traveling from but for the purpose of this itinerary, we'll assume you be coming in from the west - specifically from Manitoba. If you are coming from the east - say from Thunder Bay, Ontario then just reverse the whole thing. For our American friends traveling north, well start at Fort Frances and branch out east or west from there.

Day 1 - Kenora: The Kenora Nordic Trails system offers up some pretty good cross-country skiing that's for sure! In fact there are over 20 Km of groomed runs for you to try out. Only a two hour drive from Winnipeg, Kenora is easy to get to and you can leave the City in morning and be on the trails well before noon. After your day on the trails, check out the many amenities Kenora has to offer - places to eat, shop, stay and part are plentiful and affordable. Contact Tourism Kenora for more information.

Day 2 - Sioux Narrows and Nestor Falls: Just south of Kenora on Highway 71 are the communities of Sioux Narrows and Nestor Falls, Ontario. These small tourist towns have some excellent cross-country trails as well. Nice vertical rises pose a bit of a challenge but think of the endless cardio-vascular benefits you'll receive! Both towns have accommodations you can stay in and some excelllent restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

Day 3 - Fort Frances: Fort Frances is your next stop and this mill town on the Canada-USA border is a gem from a cross-country ski trail perspective. After your day at the Eight Street and Rocky Inlet trail; systems stay in one of many local hotel accommodations, go shopping and dine out at a wide variety of restaurants.

Day 4 - Atikokan: Your next stop in Atikokan could easily turn out to be the highlight of your trip as this small Northwestern Ontario town is big when it comes to skiing. Not only can you try the trails near town but there is the vast system inside beautiful Quetico Provincial Park. Ski amongst old growth pines and see abundant wildlife inside the park boundaries. Stay overnight in accommodations in Atikokan.

Day 5 - Dryden: After your stop in Atikokan, venture back towards the west and up Highway 502. At the end of the road you'll have arrived in the City of Dryden. Dryden has some more great ski trails to offer you on this, your last day of the tour. The Dryden Ski Club maintains two trail loops for your skiing enjoyment. There is lots to do after the skiing is done and you check into a local Dryden hotel for the night. Enjoy great Dryden dining, shopping and the local nightlife.

If you love cross-country skiing then you'll love visiting the Sunset Country region of Northwestern Ontario. You can also call 1-800-665-7567 for more information and to help you plan your trip.