These are more remote destinations - also called backcountry areas - that have limited or no indoor facilities available. Moreover, the ski trails in these areas, although often marked, may not always be groomed and set. Sometimes we have to break our own trail. (An exception is Arrowhead Provincial Park, were most of their trails are groomed very well. However, they still do no have a chalet that can accommodate a bus full of people.)

At these rustic destinations the day is usually spent outdoors, including having a lunch on the trail, or possibly in a warming hut that might be kept warm with a wood-burning stove. As such, you should be prepared accordingly. Dress for skiing or snowshoeing, but bring warm clothes for lunch stops and breaks. Definitely bring food and drinks (non-alcoholic types).

The trails range from fairly easy, to difficult. In most cases, you ought to be ready to tour. There will be tour leaders to guide you on trails and help you cope with emergencies.

Arrowhead Provincial Park

Located just west of Algonquin Provincial Park. Quiet, meandering, traditional track-set trails with trees overhanging are found in this remote wooded park. There are 23 km of classical trails and 14 km of skate trails. There are a couple of heated buildings and you can buy chocolate bars and hot beverages at the gatehouse, but you should bring a lunch. Arrowhead has ski and snowshoe rentals.

Snowshoeing: Arrowhead has two very pretty snowshoe trails: the hilly Mayflower Lake trail is 1.5 km long and runs along part of the lake behind the camp store. The 3 km Stubbs Falls trail leads to the lookout and bridge over the Little East River.

Visit them at: Arrowhead Provincial Parks, and at Arrowhead Nordic Ski Club.

Wasaga Beach (Blueberry Trails)

The 30 km of Blueberry Plains trails (mostly for classic style) are located in the 500 hectare wooded Dunes area of the Park. The combination of raised beach ridges and swales, various sand dune features and rare plant life make this area unique in Ontario. The trails are groomed and track-set for classical technique, with 7 km of easy to intermediate skating trails. There are warm-up huts and a heated lodge with toilets, snack bar, waxing centre and pro shop that provides good ski and snowshoe rentals.

Snowshoeing: Wasaga has several kilometers of marked snowshoe trails that are both scenic and quite easy. You’ll see lots of deer and other animal tracks in the snow.

Visit them at: Wasaga Beach Provincial Park.

Kolapore Uplands

The Kolapore Uplands Wilderness ski trails are located on the eastern edge of Beaver Valley near Collingwood. About 50 km of marked, rugged, ungroomed backcountry trails are primarily designed for the intermediate to advanced cross-country skier. One section of trails is appropriate for beginners. There are no warm-up huts on the trail system, and no rental equipment. This location is ideal for the wilderness experience.

Visit them at: Kolapore Uplands

Silent Lake Provincial Park

This beautiful wilderness area is located in the Kawarthas near Bancroft. More than 20 km of trails wind their way through hardwood stands, cedar swamps, groves of white birch and beech. Some of this is groomed. The advanced part is back country. A recently added 8 km skate trail is also available. The terrain is fairly rugged, ideal for skiers who have taken a couple of lessons, and feel confident on hills. Three warm-up huts are located along the trails. There is no rental equipment available at the park.

Snowshoeing: Yes, but limited.

Visit them at: Silent Lake Provincial Park