Lakeland’s Top Cross Country Ski Trails

Cold Lake 

Cold Lake Provincial Park has 30 kms of ski trails with the southern 15 km Longbay shoreline loop excellent for classic and skate skiing. Trees protect skiers from the wind and make it a gorgeous place to ski. Trails are accessible from the parking lot near the boat launch. Follow Cold Lake Nordic Ski Group for updates. 

A few kilometres southeast of Cold Lake, in Cherry Grove, 17 kms of cross country ski trails beckon right outside the door of Hamilton House Inn B&B. Trails consist of one to 8 kms loops and are open to both guests of the inn and visitors for day use. You’ll want a room with an outdoor hot tub or fireplace if you stay. 

Owners Debbie and Brian Hamilton offer flat trails through snow laden evergreens and rent skis for as long as you need them, perfect for anyone who wants to try before they buy. Snowshoes are also available for rent. 

Trails travel over open fields, along a lake, and amid forest laden hills and valleys. Keep an eye out here for deer, squirrels, woodpeckers and even moose! 

Five rooms themed from romance to wilderness in the inn feature rustic pine plank and tile floors, and private ensuites. The Cottage Room is in a private cabin and sleeps up to five. The Island Cabin is ski in only.

Bonnyville 

Kinosoo Ridge is a favourite resort for downhill skiers and snowboarders but cross country skiers will love the trails around Muriel Lake and Moose Lake Provincial Park. They are excellent spots with regular grooming and resets on diverse trails. Anyone interested in outings will want to check in with the Bonnyville Nordic Ski Club for outings, events, lessons and more. Full moon ski, anyone? 

Muriel Lake trails are about 18 minutes south of Bonnyville on Muriel Lake. A few kilometres of trails, some with hills, all groomed for skate skiing, are based out of the municipal park. Here’s a Google Map to access. 

Moose Lake Provincial Park is 16 minutes west of Bonnyville also has trails suitable for all. The 4.8 km Fireroad Trail is the longest loop. Follow the Bonnyville Nordic Ski Club Facebook page for best times to go, conditions and access details.  

The town also has tracks set on up to 10 kms of track along Lakeshore Drive on Jessie Lake right in town, making it perfect to benefit from dusky light and town glow after supper. 

Try Best Western for rooms with hot tub and fireplace.  

St. Paul 

In St. Paul, the Lakeland Cross Country Ski Club keeps everyone up to date on ski demos, lessons, events, maps and trail conditions. The club maintains two sites with classic and skate ski trails open to the public with sign in required on the website. Westcove Campground trails, 20 minutes north of St. Paul, or the St. Paul Golf Course trails both offer a safe and fun ski for beginners and experienced skiers alike. Non members at Westcove are charged a day fee. Ski lessons take place at the St. Paul Golf Course every Sunday from 11 to noon. Drop in!

Bonus: Watch for winter festivals such as Shiverfest in St. Paul and Cabane á Sucre in Plamondon to anchor your ski weekend around. 

Try the Canalta St. Paul, which has a hot tub, waterslide and great breakfast buffet. 

For more accommodation options in the Lakeland, check here.