Hardwood is one of the top locations to Nordic ski in Ontario for many good reasons. You will find a full service operation for both classic Nordic, skate skiers and snowshoeing for beginners to racing pros.
Every level will find somewhere to ski with well-groomed shared forested paths. And it always has snow when most don’t by the end of the season.
All loops share a track and groomed skate ski terrain. Plenty of hills to traverse as you wind your way north up the many trail options cut.
My favorite is the challenging 15 km Lillehammer trail, which goes around the perimeter by the old barn and south lookout.
Across the highway, on the south side they have opened up again a few fields for beginners to practice. Rather open to the wind, sun and flat, to some, this might get boring.
There may be an odd smell on the west side of the garbage dump next door. This is unfortunate but not too bad in the winter and certainly not a reason to stay away.
A fire in 2017 has now given to rebuilding the main building with a pro shop and future cafeteria. It is a very impressive building and your visit is a more upscale experience.
With all these positive attributes they in turn are also the most expensive place in Ontario, so make it worth the drive, and get there early.
Pack a lunch or do a half day after 1 pm which takes a few dollars off the cost for the family.
Conditions are always excellent when the weather permits them to be. Even when there is no snow to be found elsewhere, Hardwood will have some due to its higher location in the snow belt region.
One spring I drove there in warm 5 C weather. I did not see any snow till 5 minutes before we got there. Good ski conditions with klister wax made for a memorable sunny outing.
With all the extras, comes the added costs to visit, some may wish for it, others may opt not to. This becomes far removed from the simple (free) ways that one can Nordic ski in a woodlot.
Fatbikes ride here but they seldom share the same trail, on occasion cross it.
