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While winter weather can keep a lot of us inside, it’s a great time to get outdoors and explore Ontario parks while they’re not crowded with visitors, as they can be during summer. MacGregor Point Provincial Park is one of the select parks that’s open this time of year, and it even has a “best-kept secret” that I can let you in on: a magical skating trail through the forest.
The park is tucked along the shores of Lake Huron, taking up a long stretch of coast, just south of Port Elgin. If you’re driving in from around Toronto or the GTA, expect the journey to take you around three hours, a perfect little day trip getaway.
You will be required to purchase a day pass to visit, which starts at $12.25 per vehicle.
Spring will be here before we know it, so if you haven’t taken a winter daytrip adventure yet, here’s your sign.
Exploring MacGregor Point Provincial Park
Let’s start with the park’s little secret, the skating trail. The 400 metre skating trail winds around forested terrain, and every evening the park turns on the trail lights for skating under the stars until 10 p.m.
If hockey is more your speed, there’s also a large outdoor ice pad that can be used to play pick-up games.
The snowshoe trails here are pretty spectacular, too. All these trails can be found in Nipissing Campground as well as “on all unplowed roads and non-track set trails.”
According to Ontario Parks, “Snowshoeing through the (typically) giant snow drifts along Old Shore Road Trail is worthy of a bucket list,” and a great photo opportunity. Cross-country skiing can be done via The Deer Run Trail, which spans 11 km. The stretch is suited for both novice and experienced cross-country skiers, winding through upland hardwood forest and wetland areas.
A day’s worth of exploring may not be enough, and if that’s the case, there are plenty of camping options. MacGregor Point has 10 rustic cabins and seven soft-sided shelters that can be booked.
The cabins and soft-sided shelters can be reserved through Ontario Parks’ booking page.
Your winter getaway awaits, Ontario.
MacGregor Point Provincial Park
Where: 1593 Bruce Rd. 33, RR#1 – Port Elgin, Ont.
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