With Thanksgiving, Halloween, and autumn’s peak in the rearview mirror, it’s finally time to turn our attention to the highly-anticipated winter sports season here in the Haliburton Highlands. There’s truly something magical about a wintertime escape to Sandy Lane Resort amid falling snow, ceaseless snow-covered forestry, and curious wildlife. Families, couples, and groups choose our peaceful respite time and time again, primarily because of our countless on-site activities, wood-burning fireplaces, and unmatched hospitality. Most folks trek to our serene Halls Lake resort to partake in some of the premier snowmobiling, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing in Ontario. Luckily for you and your family, each of our secluded cottages is just steps from hundreds of kilometres of backcountry trails and wilderness.
Halls Lake: Just a Few Strides from Your Cottage
Sandy Lane is one of the top-reviewed cross-country ski resorts in Ontario thanks to our undisturbed location along the banks of Halls Lake, a hidden gem if there ever was one. Yes, we’re a stone’s throw from prime ice fishing honey holes and backcountry snowmobiling glory, but it’s hard to top a full day of cross-country exploration with friends and family. Most guests start their trip with a lengthy yet rewarding excursion around wide-open, 133-acre Halls Lake. Don’t forget to bring along refreshments and a midday snack. The trees that dot the shoreline of this tranquil body of water are typically speckled with snow, frost, and woodland critters. Some guests and locals set up camp on the lake and enjoy a few hours of cross-country skiing in-between bouts with lake trout and bass.
Well-Groomed Cross-Country Skiing in Ontario: Frost Centre
Many of our favourite cross-country ski trails in Ontario lie just down the road at the Frost Centre, where you’ll discover two systems and nine unique paths that are named after often-observed animals. Volunteers maintain these well-groomed trails. Beginners can rent skis, shoes, and poles at the Frost Centre. Oh, and Sandy Lane Resort offers 20 percent off for all trail passes—just ask about the discount at our front desk! The Haliburton Highlands’ rugged Canadian Shield is highlighted by white pine, hardwoods, hemlocks, and yellow birches, which often give shelter to martens, moose, deer, and owls. We couldn’t think of a better spot for an extended week filled with some of the most memorable cross-country skiing in Ontario.
Top-Rated Haliburton Cottage Rentals
After each full day of adventure and exploration, retreat to Sandy Lane Resort for a warm meal, a hot tub soak underneath the stars, and stories around your crackling, wood-burning fireplace. While there are several highly-praised Haliburton restaurants in the area, we do sell low-priced, pre-made meals, such as New York strip steaks, jumbo hot dogs, and burgers. Make sure to read up about the area’s best craft breweries, wedding facilities, and “rainy day” date ideas before your arrival. To learn more about the allure of cross-country skiing in Ontario, please give us a call today at 705-489-2020.
