Winter Programs

Belwood Lake, Guelph Lake, Laurel Creek, Pinehurst Lake and Shade's Mills offer formal winter programs. Winter programming is subject to change, based on weather conditions. Also, conservation areas and/or trails may close from time to time during the operating season, sometimes without notice for capacity reasons, safety reasons following a storm, or due to a special event. Check our Conservation Area Status page to learn if an area is open or closed.

Services at some conservation areas during the winter months are limited, and may include a parking lot, garbage containers and information signs.

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing

• Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are offered at Laurel Creek, Pinehurst Lake, and Shade's Mills when trail conditions are suitable. 
• Learn more about cross-country skiing and snowshoeing including fees, rentals and how to access information about what trails are open and current conditions.

Ice fishing

• An ice fishing program is offered at Shade's Mills, Pinehurst Lake and Belwood Lake, when conditions are suitable. Conditions are monitored to ensure the ice thickness meets safety requirements. When the ice is unsafe, the program is suspended until it is safe to resume. 
• Learn more about ice fishing including fees, hours and how to access information about current conditions.

Hiking and walking

• The following conservation areas are open during the winter months, even when ski trail and ice fishing conditions aren't suitable for formal winter programs: Shade's Mills, Pinehurst Lake, Laurel Creek, Belwood Lake, Guelph Lake and Rockwood. For your safety, please heed any trail condition postings.
• All other Grand River Conservation Areas remain closed for the winter season, and are generally open from May 1 to October 15.

Where to check the current status of winter activities

Is ice fishing open? How about cross-country ski trails? The status of these activities, and more, can be found on our Conservation Area and Activities Status page. Information is updated in real time as conditions change. To avoid disappointment, check the current status before arriving.