Pinery

Length – 38 km
Cross Country track set   – 38 km
Skate Skiing  groomed  – 11 km
Snowshoe  trail –  5 km

Skill – all levels

Terrain – mainly easy flat track with rolling low dunes

Hours – 8am to sunset, daily

Fee – Day pass adult $13, youth $6 – Rentals adult $30, kids $25 per day

Facilities –  parking, warming huts, snacks, rentals of skis and snowshoes, toboggan hill, winter camping, yurts

Highlights – scenic shoreline and lookouts, naturalist exhibits at Visitor Centre

Phone – 519 243-2220 or  519 243-8574

Website – Ontario Parks

Current Conditions

Trail Map  brochure

Similar Trails – Sauble Falls, Wasaga,

Local Clubs –  Friends of Pinery

Access – entrance on west side of hwy 21, with 4 parking lots to choose from, if open.

Pinery Provincial Park is on the shore of Lake Huron and a favourite in the area.

An oak savannah with coastal dunes, you will find skiing rather flat and out in the open as the forest is sparse in spots.

There are a few nice short climbs with lookouts and a river channel close by, though most trails do not come close to the lake. This could be a good thing on a windy day.

Trails are groomed, but not daily.

Beginners will find this a good spot to hone their skills. The Dune Ridge Trail has some steep challenges for the advanced cross-country skier.

Skate skiers have their own trail, but don’t get too excited. It is a closed service road, so expect it to be easy. Still, at 11 km full out, I am sure you can burn a few calories.

Snowshoeing fans can start on the Cedar Trail 2.3 km or Heritage Trail 3 km and go from there endlessly.

Head to the lake shore as the sun sets with your camera. You may find some nice ice formations to photograph.

There is a toboggan hill lit for evening and a warm chalet with a few comforts.

Regrettable in the last few years the snow levels have been low to nil. So check their site and pick your days when the province gets a snowstorm to enjoy this lovely place.