Winter Adventure at Scenic Caves

We had a fantastic time at Scenic Caves doing a variety of fun family friendly winter activities like snowshoeing to the Suspension Bridge, and learning and practicing to Cross-Country ski. Over the years we have learned to embrace winter by learning new sports and activities, so we can look forward to enjoy the long winters. Scenic Caves located in Collingwood, a couple of hours from Toronto, is a wonderful place to try these winter activities. We like that they have different trails giving us the option to choose depending on trail distance and skill. There is still a few more weeks to enjoy these sports before the season comes to an end - see their website for details. 

During one of our summer trips a few years ago to Scenic Caves we have enjoyed the view from this suspension bridge, however seeing it in winter was totally different and we loved it! The only way to access this bridge, Southern Ontario's longest suspension footbridge, in winter is by snowshoe, which makes it a unique and adventurous experience. 

The experience of looking around at the snowy forest floor suspended from 420 feet high is a superb feeling. On a clear day, we can see 10,000 square kilometres to the far side of Georgian Bay and beyond! 

There is a subtle sway of the bridge that adds an element of excitement to this attraction. However, there is nothing to fear as the bridge is designed to be flexible and can bear the weight of snow, ice, and many people. Since there is a wireframe design, the suspension bridge is suitable for all ages and heights, with a clear view for everyone.

Snowshoeing is a fun and exciting activity for people of all ages. Every winter, we make sure to use our snowshoes and go for hikes, as we find this simple fun winter activity is always satisfying! We love that all the trails at Scenic Caves are marked with colour coded signs. The easiest trail is the nature trail which is half a kilometer. 

We took the moderately difficult Suspension Bridge Trail, which is about a kilometer long and took us about half an hour to forty-five minutes to complete. There are seven other moderately difficult trails and two difficult trails. If you don't own your own snowshoes, rent one and enjoy the trails!  It's a fun feeling to hear and feel the snow crunching under our snowshoes as we hike. This is a no experience required sport that anyone who enjoys hiking can take up in winter. 

The mesmerizing view from the suspension bridge is well worth the hike, as we can see a beautiful scenery of Georgian Bay, including a lighthouse. On the other side of the bridge we can see a variety of native trees including maple, beech, and oak.  The day we visited was beautiful with the sun shining bright and the weather was not too cold or windy, which allowed us to hear a variety of birds and even listen to the sound of the creek.  While we were making our way to the suspension bridge, we saw an area with unique and beautiful wooden carvings. Children can do a scavenger hunt to find different information about the bridge, wolves, and more to earn a prize. They also have guided night snowshoe hikes, which would be a fun experience to explore!  Since the opening of the Nordic Centre in 2002 it has been home to 27 kilometers of terrain that is groomed daily, perfect for both classic and skate skiers. There are three trail designations for different levels of difficulty, which means there is something for every level of cross-country skier! The three beginner trails, five intermediate, and seven advanced trails winds through the forest. 

Scenic Caves offers equipment rentals which includes cross-country boots, skis, poles, and baby gliders. There are warm up chalets, washrooms, change rooms, and a snack bar for our comfort. 

If you are new to Nordic skiing, you can reserve an hour long private lesson ahead of time. We took the beginner/intermediate lesson and loved having a friendly, knowledgeable, professional instructor explain and give tips and techniques to cross-country ski properly and safely! The lessons are well worth taking especially if you are in the beginning stages of learning the sport, as it will help build confidence and skills. Lessons cover everything from the basics such as trail etiquette, getting up and down hills, how to kick and glide, and many more. After the lessons, we will gain the confidence to practice on our own in different trails. During the weekend and busy times, they have instructors to give small group introductory lessons to cover the basics.  

There is also a children's playground with unique structures that children between 2 and 12 will enjoy. Access to the playground is included in the park's general admission. We also love how the Trout Pond looks in winter.  

Scenic Caves is in a location that provides unparalleled conditions to enjoy this winter sport. It is also at the highest point of the Niagara Escarpment which gives us unmatched views and lookouts to enjoy. We love that the trails are clean and peaceful, as pets are not permitted at Scenic Caves. 

We love the feeling of being surrounded by nature, breathing in fresh air, and taking a time out from our routine to enjoy a day at Scenic Caves. Scenic Caves is open during all seasons, and is a fun place for the family to be active.

Disclosure: This post is in partnership with Scenic Caves. Please note that all opinions and thoughts expressed are my own. All rights reserved on photographs and written content Createwithmom © 2010 - 2020. Please Ask First