Snowshoeing at Presqu’ile Provincial Park
Presqu’ile Provincial Park is a year-round gem to be explored with 16 km of trails across shorelines, woodlands and meadows, with views across Lake Ontario into the East and West. Winter brings out some extra special treats in this park.
SNOW PLACE LIKE PRESQU’ILE
I started my winter adventure with a drive through the park. The first stop we made was at the Bird Sighting Records at the Campground Entrance. With over 338 bird species recorded at the park, this is a nature lover’s paradise. The information board is a great spot to learn about the different species you might find here. I sat in my car to enjoy the never-ending barrage of birds visiting the feeders including cardinals, nuthatches, wrens, chickadees, woodpeckers, sparrows, and the biggest blue jay I have ever seen in my life.
The second stop we made was along the side of the road on the south shoreline of the park. With picnic tables lining the shore, it’s a great spot to experience the magnificence of ice volcanoes, ice pancakes, icebergs and frazil ice. From there you can continue along the road to the lighthouse. Being on the eastern point of the park, this is the perfect spot to catch a sunrise if you’re lucky enough to get there early on a clear morning!
The highlight of my adventure was a snowshoe through Jobes’ Woods trail. It is an easy, flat, 1.3 km loop trail. While snowshoeing through the trail, I could hear the creaking of trees and the howling of the waves crashing on the shore in the distance. The snow-dusted branches of the trees swayed in the wind and just as I started walking along the first boardwalk I caught a glimpse of a barred owl! I stayed watching the owl roost up in the trees for a while before I continued on my way.
Braving the cold is worth it to experience the wonders of Presqu’ile in Winter. On your way out of the park, remember to stop in at the park office to get your Presqu’ile Provincial Park Sticker for your Ontario Parks passport. Head over to Lola’s Cafe in Brighton after for a warm spot to fill out your passport, your coffee cup, and your belly. We had butter chicken and a hamburger – a hearty meal after a long adventure. My favourite meal there is the Rice and Bean Burrito.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Ontario Parks require vehicle permits to enter. A daily vehicle permit is good for a single day and includes entry for one vehicle and its occupants or you can purchase a seasonal day-use permit. If you’re going in the summer, be sure to book your spot in advance!
Due to Presqu’ile’s proximity to Lake Ontario, it gets very windy! Remember to pack lots of layers, wind-resistant clothes and face coverings for a winter adventure.
ICE SAFETY: Always admire the ice formations from solid ground. As beautiful as the ice can be, it’s also extremely dangerous; never venture onto it.
