Winter activities and programs
Bruce Peninsula National Park
This season, experience the wonder of winter on the Saugeen (Bruce) Peninsula!
From cozy fireside gatherings to guided walks through snow-draped forests, the park offers activities that celebrate nature, culture, and community. Join us for scheduled programs like social campfires, observing signs of wildlife, and winter wellness walks. Or explore at your own pace with self-guided adventures such as birding, stargazing, and creative art experiences.
Whether you’re looking to learn traditional skills, connect with Anishinaabe teachings, or simply enjoy the crisp air and stunning landscapes, there’s something for everyone. Dress warmly, bring your curiosity, and make this winter unforgettable.
Artwork by Emily Kewageshig
Create special winter memories Looking for fun ways to experience the winter season? Try our self-guided activities, play Bird Bingo, match tracks in the snow, go on a Winter Sensory Scavenger Hunt, or cozy up with colouring sheets. Don’t forget to add your voice to Our Snowman Story at the Visitor Centre! Simple, creative, and perfect for making winter unforgettable. Cold front challenge Winter birding kit (Collect from Cyprus Lake Office only) Winter dark sky kit (Collect from Cyprus Lake Office only) Winter colouring sheets Magnify the magic of snowflakes Bird bingo Art in the park: Expressions of winter Snow track match Explore evergreens of the escarpment Winter nature journaling Winter sensory scavenger hunt Who’s here? Become a citizen scientist Our Snowman Story (View at Visitor Centre) Discover Winter at the Park Embrace the beauty of the season with guided experiences designed to connect you with nature, culture, and community. From cozy fireside gatherings to outdoor adventures, each activity offers a chance to learn, reflect, and enjoy the wonders of winter. Dress warmly, bring your curiosity, and make the most of this special time of year. Scheduled activities are subject to weather conditions. Come ready for safe winter fun by dressing appropriately. Medicinal Tea Demonstration (Beginning January 19) Location: Parks Canada Visitor Centre, Tobermory Time: 10:00 - 10:30 am Fireside Tea & Talk Location: Parks Canada Visitor Centre, Tobermory Time: 10:30 am - 12:00 pm Medicinal Tea Demonstration (Beginning January 19) Location: Parks Canada Visitor Centre, Tobermory Time: 10:00 - 10:30 am Fireside Tea & Talk Location: Parks Canada Visitor Centre, Tobermory Time: 10:30 am - 12:00 pm How to Light a Winter Campfire Location: Head of Trails, Cyprus Lake Time: 10:30 - 11:30 am Community Campfire Social Location: Head of Trails, Cyprus Lake Time: 11:30 am - 3:30 pm Winter Bird Walk Location: Head of Trails, Cyprus Lake Time: 11:30 am - 12:15 pm Evergreens of the Escarpment Location: Head of Trails, Cyprus Lake Time: 2:00 - 2:45 pm Deer Hide Tanning Demonstration (Beginning January 19) Location: Head of Trails, Cyprus Lake Time: 3:00 - 3:45 pm How to Light a Winter Campfire Location: Head of Trails, Cyprus Lake Time: 10:30 - 11:30 am Community Campfire Social Location: Head of Trails, Cyprus Lake Time: 11:30 am -3:30 pm Tracks in the Snow Location: Head of Trails, Cyprus Lake Time: 11:30 am -12:15 pm Winter Wellness Wander (Beginning December 14) Location: Head of Trails, Cyprus Lake Time: 2:00 - 2:45 pm Deer Hide Tanning Demonstration (Beginning January 19) Location: Head of Trails, Cyprus Lake Time: 3:00 - 3:45 pm Friday Movie Join us in the theatre for a weekly movie screening, hosted by the Friends of the Library. A relaxing way to enjoy a film and spend time at the park, new movies each week! Location: Parks Canada Visitor Centre, Tobermory Dates: Fridays at 1:00 pmSelf-guided experiences
Learn more about self-guided experiences
Test your skills and learn how to stay safe in the cold! Inspired by real-life winter disasters, this interactive card game challenges you to pack the right gear and navigate the trails without falling victim to frostbite or hypothermia. A fun, hands-on way for families and adults to explore winter safety and adventure in the park.
Borrow a kit and become a winter bird detective! Each kit includes a field guide, binoculars and a camera rig, everything you need to spot and identify the birds that live in the park during winter. Perfect for all ages, whether you’re a first-time birder or a seasoned birdwatcher.
Explore the winter night like an astronomer! This kit comes with binoculars, a star guide and a headlamp so you can spot constellations, planets and other celestial wonders in the Dark Sky Preserve. Perfect for stargazers of all ages.
Cozy up and enjoy art that connects you to the park and the winter landscape. There are 3 Parka colouring sheets for youngsters while adults can explore 5 beautiful Anishinaabe winter scenes that celebrate local Indigenous culture and traditions.
Discover the magic of winter up close! Use the equipment provided at the Cyprus Lake Office or the Visitor Centre to capture snowflakes and examine their unique beauty under magnifiers. This activity invites families and adults to reflect on the beauty, science and fleeting nature of snow in the park.
Spot, check and win! Use our simple bingo sheet to find winter birds around the park and in the Visitor Centre. A fun and easy way for families and bird enthusiasts to discover who’s visiting this winter.
Discover your inner artist in the heart of winter. This self-guided experience invites everyone to draw, write, sculpt, or paint outdoors. Bring your creativity and your own materials to explore, express, and connect with nature through monthly signature themes.
Become a winter wildlife detective! Match animal tracks in the snow to their makers using our fun game. Perfect for families and explorers of all ages to learn about the animals that live and roam in the park in winter.
Discover the green giants of winter! Learn to identify the seven evergreen species that thrive along the escarpment. Perfect for families and nature enthusiasts looking to connect with the winter forest.
Pause, notice and connect with the land this season. This collection of 31 journaling prompts for adults, invites you to reflect on nature, your surroundings and your own winter experiences. A mindful way to explore the park and your thoughts.
Engage all your senses this winter! Explore the park by looking, listening, smelling, tasting and feeling the elements of the season. A fun hands-on activity for families and adults to connect with nature in a wholesome way.
Step into the role of a real scientist, right here in the park! Download the iNaturalist app and join our project to record the wildlife you see. Snap photos, identify species, and see what other visitors have discovered recently. Every observation helps researchers understand and protect plants and animals in the park. A fun, hands-on way for families and adults to connect with nature and make a real difference in conservation.
Tell us what makes winter special to you!
Write your thought on a paper “snowball” and stick it to the window in the Visitor Centre. Over time, visitors of all ages can contribute, helping to build a giant snowman that celebrates community, creativity, and shared experiences in the park.Guided programs and activities
Mondays
Join us for a guided demonstration of traditional Anishinaabe tea-making. Learn about the local plants used for their healing properties and the cultural significance of these teas in winter. Warm your hands and your heart while connecting with the land’s natural gifts.
Gather around the fire with a warm cup of tea. Join us for an open conversation inspired by our winter journaling prompts or listen to Anishinaabe stories that share teachings of the land and season. A peaceful way to reflect, connect, and warm up together. Tuesdays
Join us for a guided demonstration of traditional Anishinaabe tea-making. Learn about the local plants used for their healing properties and the cultural significance of these teas in winter. Warm your hands and your heart while connecting with the land’s natural gifts.
Gather around the fire with a warm cup of tea. Join us for an open conversation inspired by our winter journaling prompts or listen to Anishinaabe stories that share teachings of the land and season. A peaceful way to reflect, connect, and warm up together. Saturdays
Learn the art of building and lighting a safe winter campfire! Our demonstration covers fire safety, proper materials, and techniques for keeping warm outdoors. Perfect for anyone wanting to build confidence and comfort in the cold.
Relax by the fire at Cyprus Lake Head of Trails. Bring a camp chair, a warm drink, and your stories (or just yourself) and enjoy informal conversation, laughter, wisdom, and reflection. Or play winter games and activities provided. A great opportunity to build connection with the park community.
Join a Parks Canada guide for a 45-minute snowshoe or hiking adventure to discover winter birds in the park. Learn to identify species using the Merlin app and field guides while enjoying the sounds and sights of the season.
Join a guided winter walk or snowshoe for 45 minutes to identify evergreen species that call the escarpment home. As we find each tree, we’ll explore its role in supporting wildlife, commercial uses, and its traditional significance in Anishinaabe culture.
Join an Anishinaabe guide as they demonstrate the traditional process of tanning a deer hide. Visitors can get hands-on by helping to scrape the hide while learning about the techniques, cultural significance and uses of tanned hides in Anishinaabe traditions and winter life.Sundays
Learn the art of building and lighting a safe winter campfire! Our demonstration covers fire safety, proper materials, and techniques for keeping warm outdoors. Perfect for anyone wanting to build confidence and comfort in the cold.
Relax by the fire at Cyprus Lake Head of Trails. Bring a camp chair, a warm drink, and your stories (or just yourself) and enjoy informal conversation, laughter, wisdom, and reflection. Or play winter games and activities provided. A great opportunity to build connection with the park community.
Join a 45-minute guided snowshoe or hike to discover the hidden stories written in the snow. Learn how to identify animal tracks and signs and uncover the winter survival secrets of wildlife in the park.
Take a 45-minute guided walk or snowshoe designed to nurture your body and mind. Each week features different prompts and exercises to help you slow down, notice the season, and connect with nature. Return week after week to experience all 22 seasonal sessions.
Join an Anishinaabe guide as they demonstrate the traditional process of tanning a deer hide. Visitors can get hands-on by helping to scrape the hide while learning about the techniques, cultural significance and uses of tanned hides in Anishinaabe traditions and winter life.
Glide into Winter on the Cyprus Lake Ski Trail
Looking for a new way to enjoy Bruce Peninsula National Park this season? Bring your cross-country skis and experience the serene beauty of Cyprus Lake in winter.
This relatively level trail winds 4.5 kms through peaceful forest landscapes, offering a refreshing escape into nature. Whether you’re seeking a gentle workout or simply want to soak in the snowy scenery, this trail is a great choice for all skill levels.
Important to know before you go:
- The trail is open from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Park admission fees apply
- Grooming occurs only when conditions allow – call the Cyprus Lake Campground Office (519 596 2233) for current trail conditions
- The groomed section is a single classic cross-country ski track – please stay in the track to preserve grooming
- Dress warmly, check the weather, and pack essentials for a safe winter adventure
Enjoy the crisp air, sparkling snow, and the quiet beauty of Bruce Peninsula National Park. Winter is waiting – are you ready to explore?
Make the most of your visit and check before you trek! Here are some tips to make the most of your winter visit:
- Dress for the weather and in layers to be ready for all conditions
- Proper footwear, winter boots and ice cleats are recommended for winter hikes
- Check the weather and road forecasts before heading out, conditions can change quickly
- Be prepared and check what is open and closed in the area during this season
- Visit the Bruce Peninsula National Park website or Facebook page for updates on in park closures
- Review the winter visit and winter safety pages for more information
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