Georgian Nordic has become a major outdoor activity destination over its 40 year presence. It has an excellent set of scenic trails just outside of Parry Sound. An area east of Georgian Bay renown for getting plenty of snow off Lake Huron.
I finally had an opportunity to revisit a few weeks ago and the fresh fallen base was a joy to trek on. I head to Sudbury every winter to visit family and this was on the way. It was also one of those visits that kept getting postponed due to weather, time and just about everything else. You know that kind of situation can make it years before you get there.
I am happy to say the organization behind its growth is making this an A-list destination. Improvements are many, more ski and snowshoe rentals, events, lessons and races. There are better maps, a nice website and a larger chalet is in the works.
What I find unique is the landscape in these parts of the province. Your winter travels are a mix of wooded trail and open smooth bare rock (under the snow). This leads to a more open ski experience where you can see farther and enjoy the scenery of the ponds and wetlands. And not being overly hilly, your climbs will be brief.
So how are the trails? Well for Nordic skiing not much has changed. There are seven loops totaling 30 km of groomed track set trail, about half of it is also skate ski friendly. The grooming was good that day, as it always seems, but only some of it was done. Winters are not what they used to be. :^(
A favourite of mine is the 8 km Blue (Lynx) loop then on to the 7 km Purple (Beaver) loop at the far end. Plenty of open areas to ski on but one of the last to open and get groomed.
For snowshoeing, more routes have been added to give snow stompers now 15 km to try on the five loops. If you seek more hilly, challenging terrain then flat footing it, try the two Orange (Grizzly) loops. You will be sharing these trails with Fatbikes.
A nice feature on the Georgian Nordic site is the ability to download and print a PDF trail map (as no paper maps are given).
Even though I saw new signage, my wife (who did some snowshoeing), I skied, felt the directional signs are still not always making sense. There are gaps in the routes and with MTB signage from the summer in the mix, some confusion can occur. I know it’s more work, but taking the off season signage down would be welcomed.
Back at the chalet, a wood burning stove will keep you warm while you eat your lunch. And ten minutes into town, Parry Sound has plenty of choices to eat and stay over. A two and half hour drive from Toronto, start planning.
