Winter at Dashing River Provincial Park

Now that the seasons have modified and snow blankets the bottom, the pure great thing about this vibrant and widespread summertime park takes on an unbelievable transformation.

Icicles start hanging from bushes and buildings, contemporary snow crunches beneath your toes, and the brisk, chilly air supplies a refreshing feeling with each breath.

Every step takes you additional away from the hustle and bustle of on a regular basis life as you calm down into the tranquility and peace of wintertime at Dashing River Provincial Park.

1. Be one with nature

With loads of wildlife within the space, maintain your eyes open for animals which may be simpler to identify within the snow-covered panorama.

You may see a squirrel scurrying via the snow foraging for meals or a fox digging holes. On exceedingly uncommon events, you may even spot a lynx throughout the lake, mixing into the snow.

Numerous non-migratory chook species keep on the park all year long. Hear carefully, and you’ll hear the chirp of a Black-capped Chickadee and even the decision of a Canada Jay.

Look alongside the forest ground to search out animal tracks it’s possible you’ll not typically see, akin to an otter. Some tracks could also be straightforward to determine, however others can be troublesome. Frequent tracks on the park are wolf, rabbit, squirrel, grouse, fox, deer, otter, canine, and naturally, people.

We advocate a very good pair of binoculars for many who desire a nearer look.

Flip this right into a recreation with the household and guess which animal monitor belongs to who! On the finish of the hike, whoever has essentially the most factors can name themselves the “Animal Tracker of the Day.”

2. Cross-country snowboarding

For individuals who get pleasure from cross-country snowboarding, the park gives 18 km of groomed skate and classical ski trails to discover.

We provide quite a lot of problem ranges (novice to intermediate) and lengths (one to 6 kilometres). We advocate extra skilled skiers attempt the 4.7 km Path “G.”

All trails are loops and observe park roads adjoining to Dogtooth Lake. There may be additionally a single-track path that winds via mature stands of Jack Pine.

For present path circumstances, you should definitely take a look at the Ontario Parks Snow Report.

Don’t neglect to deliver all of the provides you want for a day on the paths. Deliver a hat, mittens, and comfortable socks. Put on heat clothes in layers to permit your physique to heat up or cool off as your exercise degree fluctuates.

3. Snowshoeing

Searching for a enjoyable, low-impact exercise? Attempt snowshoeing!

Though there are not any designated snowshoe trails, guests can expertise the park’s climbing trails in a brand new means by strapping on some snowshoes.

All the time keep in mind security first. Inform somebody when and the place you’re going, and which exercise you might be taking part in. Keep away from visiting the park alone. Know your limits to keep away from overexerting your self.

4. Take a winter stroll within the park

We perceive not everyone seems to be a cross-country skier.

If that sounds such as you, merely begin with a winter stroll via the park to experience winter’s magnificence. An ideal approach to turn out to be extra lively this winter.

Because the park’s ski trails are groomed primarily for cross-country skiers, we ask that walkers don’t use these trails to keep away from damaging the groomed trails and tracks.

As a substitute, walkers can get pleasure from a winter stroll alongside the park entrance/exit loop street and right down to the boat launch and again.

Indicators are posted on the park to assist determine the place not to stroll.

5. Take pleasure in a winter picnic

Able to relaxation, recharge, and heat up? Buy firewood from the Park Workplace and luxuriate in a heat lunch subsequent to the rapids.

Please take all of your rubbish out with you. After lunch, proceed to benefit from the park!

E book your allow on-line

Park guests require a legitimate allow for day use, even within the winter.

You’ll be able to purchase your each day car allow as much as 5 days upfront on-line. We advocate you organize on your allow on-line earlier than you head out to the park (have a seasonal allow? You’ll be able to use it when reserving on-line!).

In any other case, you possibly can scan one of many QR codes on the park together with your cellphone to pay onsite. QR codes are situated on the Park Workplace, picnic shelter, and parking heaps.

To get your allow on the Park Workplace (and buy a heat beverage or memento on the similar time), our winter workplace hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., beginning in December.

Planning to go to greater than as soon as this winter?

Contemplate shopping for an Ontario Parks seasonal allow!

Our 2025/26 Winter Day-Use Automobile Allow ($60 + HST) is legitimate till March 31, 2026.

An annual each day car allow ($99 + HST) is another choice if you happen to plan to go to our parks all 12 months spherical.

Profit from winter and plan your go to to Dashing River right now!

Dashing River Provincial Park is a 30-minute drive from Kenora through Highways 17 and 71.

For extra details about winter at Dashing River, name the Park Workplace at 807-548-4351.