When you think of our wildly authentic playground, you might picture swimming or paddling on the endless pristine lakes or enjoying a craft beverage on a smalltown patio in the summer sunshine. When the temperatures drop and the snow arrives, there are numerous activities and attractions that make the County come alive. 

Day 1 | Take a snowy hike
 

Pull on the snow pants and lace up the boots at places like Vanderwater Park, with its 16 kilometres of trails along the Moira River. There’s also Sager Conservation Area, with the highest lookout in the region, and the beloved Callaghan’s Rapids near Marmora for a solid winter hike. 

The O’Hara Mill property near Madoc has seven trails perfect for snowshoeing. Whichever route you choose, you’ll be taken through mature forests, across creeks and marshes, and past old stone fences. But don’t worry about getting lost here; all of the trails connect and bring you back to one of two trailheads and the homestead grounds. 

 

Day 1 | Warm up with a hearty lunch
 

After a snowy hike, warm up with a hearty lunch at one of our cafes or diners before heading back out to enjoy our Canadian winter. A few of our favourites are Hidden Goldmine Bakery in Madoc, known for their family recipe baked goods, The Iron Rooster Rotisserie and Grill in Marmora for their winter soups and Mo's Diner in Tweed for their hearty homestyle classics. 

 

 Day 1 | Check into your cozy accommodations
 

Check into your cozy accommodations after a late lunch to spend the late afternoon curled up by the wood stove, one of the best parts of a winter getaway! Moira Lake Cottages and Motel offer cabins on the lake in Madoc or motel rooms just outside of town, both updated with everything you need. For other accommodations, visit our accommodations page on our website. 

Day 1 | Relax with a pizza
 

After your day of travelling, snowy hikes and warming by the fireplace, we recommend grabbing a pizza and curling up with movie or board games for the evening. We have great pizza place options, with Fresh & Hot Pizza in Stirling, Vito's in Tweed, Stirling, Bancroft or Theo's in Marmora. For more choices, see our Pizza mini map. 

Day 2 |  Drill a hole, drop a line
 

With 180 lakes and four major rivers, you have plenty of options for ice fishing in this angler’s mecca. Stoco Lake Lodge rents Ice Huts by the day to keep you warm while you fish.  Moira Lake is also a favourite. Need supplies? Head to Chris’ Live Bait in Marmora or Mack Attack Outdoors in Bancroft for all your needs. If looking to join a guided experience, Frigid Fishing in Bancroft offers packages for all levels, whether your a beginner or a pro. Warm, safe and fully equipped huts, experienced guides and knowledge of the best lake for the type of fish you are looking for.  

 

Day 2 | Grab a late lunch
 

We are known for our warm cafes with delicious homemade lunches. Stop by Farm Girl Cafe in Stirling, Wattle and Daub Cafe in Bancroft or Rustic Roadside in Gilmour for freshly baked items, sandwiches and paninis and rotating lunch items. Make sure to take a deep breath in and enjoy the bakery smell before sitting down to enjoy!

 

Day 2 | Skate on an outdoor rink
 

Experience a true Hastings County winter experience by visiting an outdoor skating rink! Take in the feeling the cut of a blade on ice and the cold wind on your cheek at one of our seven open air rinks. One, in Tyendinaga, was built on top of a horse ring and has a roof and boards. Another is in Coe Hill at the Recreation Pavilion, which also has a roof and boards. The third is just south of Bancroft in L’Amable at the Dungannon Recreation Centre. The fourth rink located in Foster Lake Park has a well maintained skating area, equipped with a warming hut for when your toes get cold. Further, Hastings Highlands maintains three rinks at Bird's Creek Park, a rink in Maynooth and one at Lake St. Peter.  

 
 

 

Day 2 | Relax with a cozy dinner & head back to your accommodations
 

Now that you have spent the day ice skating, ice fishing and staying warm with a homemade lunch, relax with a cozy dinner and head back to your accommodation for more movies, games or enjoying the winter evening. Try a dinner spot you haven't had the chance to yet during your visit with Mexican food at Fiesta Flavours or the casual favourites at Bancroft Brew Pub in Bancroft, Smokin' Barrel Bar & Grill in Stirling or the newly opened Madoc Firehall Restaurant in Madoc. 
 

Day 3 | Ride the wilderness
 

One of the best ways to see the most of Hastings’ winter wilderness is on a snowmobile. And the best way to make the most of your trip is on a guided snowmobile tour of the trails near Algonquin Park with Ride the Wilderness. For all experience levels, these tours include all you need and it's sure to be an experience you won't forget.  More of an independent sledder? Check out the Old Hastings Snow Riders Snowmobile Club and this Hastings Highland tour. Just remember to buy a permit, follow all trail rules, and be safe.

 

 

Day 3 | Sip and savour a Hot Chocolate before travelling home
 

On your way home, try out one of the stops on our Hot Chocolate Map. Candy cane sprinkles, the best Belgium chocolate, white hot chocolates, mochas and the classic styles are all types you'll find on our map. Try one or two this time and save a few for your next winter visit!