Megan Gamble, general manager for Kawartha Nordic Ski Club, can sum up her destination’s attraction in a sentence: “We offer a pristine skiing experience.”
The quiet, snowy trails are undeniably beautiful, but she’s not just talking about the tranquil North Kawartha landscape. Thanks to the professionally groomed trails, Kawartha Nordic quite literally makes it easy for skiers to find their groove. For those hoping to branch out from classic cross-country skiing, there are also skate ski, fat bike, and snowshoe trails.
“We’ve got 63 kilometers of trails,” Gamble adds. At that scale, no matter how many skiers are on the trails people tend to spread out, giving the impression you’ve got the forest to yourself. “You can come every day of the week and ski a different section and nothing’s the same. Throw in some different conditions, and everything changes each year.”
Only forty minutes north of Peterborough, Kawartha Nordic is just far enough from an urban centre to feel genuinely natural, and just close enough to offer a range of events and amenities. Gamble describes her role at Kawartha Nordic as “a little bit of everything,” coordinating staff and volunteers while planning events and developing relationships with other operators nearby. Hearing her describe the year ahead, it seems she’s looking forward to a busy season.
In January, she’s planned night skiing events timed to the dates of the full moon. To capitalize on the unique after-dark atmosphere, Kawartha Nordic will also be collaborating with Lang Pioneer Village Museum to offer an evening event lit by the glow of vintage lanterns. Then there’s a Poker Run event, where reaching a series of designated milestones gradually earns skiers a full poker hand and a shot at prizes. Not to mention the ladies’ guided snowshoe hike—Gamble recommends checking the Kawartha Nordic website to stay on top of all their offerings.
Warm and inviting nearby accommodations also make a good argument for a winter getaway, so Kawartha Nordic has arranged Stay and Play packages with local resorts. For example, beginning in late January The Burleigh Falls Inn offers the Burleigh Bundle, which includes meals and a Kawartha Nordic day pass in addition to two nights’ stay. A fireplace and a jacuzzi just ten minutes’ drive south on the shores of Stony Lake, with dinner provided, lets guests luxuriate in that well-earned post-ski weariness.
Even if you’re not planning on an overnight, there are other ways to indulge nearby. Gamble recommends Honey’s Diner in Woodview for filling, classic comfort food. The Swiss Bear Bistro and Express also earns her recommendations for its après-ski appeal—schnitzel never tastes better than after a day on the trails.
Regardless of how long visitors stay, Gamble stresses there’s something for everyone. For absolute beginners, Kawartha Nordic can be the perfect launch pad. “We offer rentals, so you don’t need anything,” she says. “You can just show up. We offer lessons, so you can take a private lesson if you want, or you can sign up for a small group lesson that’ll be you somewhere from three to maximum 10 people.”
Even if you’d prefer to strike on your own, Kawartha Nordic’s beginner trails are forgiving by design. “We’ve got a small network of short loopy trails so you can go for ski and just keep hitting loops and ski back around. You’re never really that far away when you want to give up. You’ve got the warmup chalet with the fires going and some hot chocolate in there.”
For seasoned skiers, Gamble’s excited to announce the full return of the Bennett Trail in 2026. Kawartha Nordic’s longest loop, at about 10K return from the forest’s northern edge, rewards intrepid visitors with a refurbished warmup cabin and brand-new stove. The cabin has sometimes been accessible in recent years, but only as an in-out trail. “It’s the first time in a decade that both loops have been open at the same time, so no retracing your steps,” says Gamble.
For beginners and pros alike, Gamble has a philosophical message about Kawartha Nordic’s appeal. Especially as people are choosing to vacation closer to home or exploring Canada instead of travelling abroad, skiing offers a way to embrace the colder season.
“I think too many people feel like they need to suffer through winter,” she says. “They’re just waiting on the edge of their seats for four months, waiting for spring to happen. And I think if you embrace winter as a joyous time for sport, you’ve got something to look forward to. Health benefits, being out in fresh air, getting some exercise, having a bit of social time can really help boost your happiness and wellbeing—you actually look forward to winter!”
Looking for even more winter fun? See our Winter Activities page
