Porcupine Ski Runners

1875 Hwy 101 E, Timmins
Posted on February 14, 2020 / 1453
Porcupine Ski Runners
Location : Northern Ontario
Note : Popular
X-Ski km : 24
Skate km : 24
Snowshoe km : 11
Skill Level : Easy, Intermediate
Terrain : small hills, large hills, wide paths, flat sections
Facilities : parking, chalet, toilets/outhouse, change rooms, lodging near, drinking water, food close by, trailhead map, good trail signage, trails maintained, track set, gear rentals, night skiing
Trail Fee : Yes

Length – 24 km

Cross-Country track set – 24 km
Skate Skiing groomed – 24 km
Snowshoe trail – 11 km 

Skill – Easy, Intermediate

Terrain – Wide track, flat sections, rolling hills, evergreen forest.

Hours – 8 am – 9 pm (7 days a week)

Fee – Adult pass $16, Snowshoe $7 or less

Trail Map – Signs on trails. All trails are one way except near the chalet and Loppet, Olympic loops.

Facilities – Parking, chalet, gear rentals, lessons, snacks, shelter, night skiing.

Highlights – Active large club, well-maintained trails, close to the city for food and lodging.

Phone – 705 360 1444

Website –  Porcupine Ski RunnersFB page

Current Conditions  

Similar Trails – Kap NordicHearst Nordic,  Hiawatha Highlands

Local Clubs –  Porcupine Ski Runners,

Access –  On the east side of the city of Timmins, entrance on the south side of the main Hwy 101. – 1875 Hwy 101 E, Schumacher



On the east side of Timmins, you will find 25 km of well-groomed and maintained trail. Porcupine Ski Runners club volunteers run one of the largest Nordic sports clubs in Northern Ontario

Though I have yet to visit, comments on the internet all give this place stellar reviews. Skiers praise the friendly staff, how organized Porcupine is, the large modern chalet and of course the fine grooming on the trails. 

Snowshoers seem pleased too, with plenty of track to explore and finding comforts back at the chalet. Six Snowshoe loops exist that fan out from the chalet adding up to 11 km of bush trail.

All 8 marked trail loops are wide; both groomed for Classic and Skate skiing endeavours. Most of the path is one way and has enough intersections to change your plans midway.

Not a very hilly country, some top end skiers may find it lacks enough challenges, but it seems the rest of us would be satisfied.

No warming huts out there, just a shelter by the birdfeeder. I am told that Lynx cats have been spotted often.

It can get cold up here, below -20C some days, but with longer winters you just need to wait for a warmer spell. After work, locals can night ski on 3.5 km of an illuminated loop. 

A fair price and a good selection of rental gear are available for either ski or snowshoe beginners, except when it gets to -20C and the shop is closed. (And a novice should stay home.)

The large chalet has change rooms, drinks, and snacks available, but better pack more for your own lunch. The club vibe seems active and engaged in family events, lessons and races for all levels.

What I have yet to see in any photos are any scenic highlights. So expect a good ski experience in the woods with little variety out there to look at.

Regardless, as their website suggests “embrace winter”, get outdoors and try Porcupine one day soon.

 

Editor’s note – I am posting this as an informational piece and not as a review. Info and photos supplied by the club for OST users. Perhaps one winter I shall venture that far north…

If you have been there, you are encoutraged to post your own comments below.

Opening Hours
  • Monday :8 am to 9 pm - 7 days a week
  • Tuesday :8 am to 9 pm - 7 days a week
  • Wednesday :8 am to 9 pm - 7 days a week
  • Thursday :8 am to 9 pm - 7 days a week
  • Friday :8 am to 9 pm - 7 days a week
  • Saturday :8 am to 9 pm - 7 days a week
  • Sunday :8 am to 9 pm - 7 days a week
Porcupine Ski trail map

Porcupine Ski trail map

Porcupine Ski trail map - central core

Porcupine Ski trail map - central core

Porcupine Snowshoe trail map

Porcupine Snowshoe trail map

Reviews
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