Kolapore Uplands area is a beautiful Nordic ski area southwest of Collingwood. Cross-country skiers can trek for about 50 km into this semi-wilderness bliss. A peaceful day of classic-style skiing adventure awaits those wishing to venture into natural surroundings, away from it all, for some back-country touring.
I first came upon this idyllic ski location on my mountain bike many years ago. While riding, I noticed the trail signage posted for Nordic skiers and promised myself I’d return in the winter. It took longer than I had wished, but I did make it last year on a sunny day with great snow conditions. And on days like this, Kolapore is a joy for any seasoned Nordic skier.
Though maintained by the trail association, these trails are not groomed. They do post regular snow conditions updates online, which is important for a number of reasons.
With the area’s Niagara Escarpment location, many trails have rock outcrops that can scratch the base of your skis or send you for a tumble if there isn’t a deep snow base. Some trails are hilly and the paths are not always that wide, so braking when it’s icy is a concern. And be aware that if you do need help, cell signals can be weak in these parts.
The best time to head there is after a fresh snowfall when new tracks have been made by the locals.
My first destination, with my son, was the southeast end of Kolapore, where there are five easy loops to explore in the County Forest. We did a pleasant tour that beginners would be certain to enjoy. Wide paths, no surprises. (Though you should still pay attention to the signs and your progress, as it is not always clear where you are in this expansive forest.)
After that warmup, we drove to the Metcalfe Rock car lot to try a more challenging route. My wife headed up to the rock lookout on snowshoes (this little loop connects to the other snowshoe routes north of here).
I wanted to get to the large wooden bridge on Mill Creek that I had crossed by bike. This required taking Paradise Highway Part 1 to get there. And since I never like returning the same way, we hauled it up Red Death to the road to find our way down in deep snow on Marc’s Folly back to the van as the sun was setting. Along the way we saw limestone cliffs, icy streams and memorable valley vistas.
I will definitely go back to Kolapore, as there is plenty here to still explore.
Snowshoeing here is limited to trekking the Bruce Trail that runs above Kolapore. You can find around 8+ km of trail to meander on. Some of it is rather steep, I might add. For a shorter, easier stomp, there are a few kilometres of trail south of the beginner trails I skied earlier.
Now celebrating 50 years since trails were first cut back then by the U of T Outdoor Club, this area has remained natural, with only annual trail maintenance and the occasional bridge rebuild. You can support this free experience with donations and by buying a detailed trail map from the KWTA website.
As this area is somewhat remote, there are no amenities nearby, nor is there a chalet to retreat to warm up, have lunch, or change. Your car will have to do.
Perhaps after your ski, you can head to the popular winter vacation destination of Collingwood for dinner and a stayover. Then you can ski elsewhere the next day on your way home. Enjoy!
