If you haven’t explored a snow-covered MacGregor Point Provincial Park, you don’t know what you’re missing!
The ice skating trail is the premier winter attraction, but MacGregor Point also offers skiing, snowshoeing, camping and other winter fun!
We’ve assembled a list of frequently asked questions and top tips for planning your visit:
- Are the skate trail / ski trails open?
- When is the park open?
- How do I avoid crowds and lineups?
- What is there to do at the park?
- How do I get to MacGregor Point?
- Where do I park?
- How much does it cost?
- Can I rent skates / skis / snowshoes?
- Are there washrooms?
- Can I stay overnight?
- Is food available for sale?
- Where can I go if the park gets crowded?
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1. Are the skate trail / ski trails open?
Winter outdoor activities are always weather dependent. Check park conditions before you leave home, as some activities could be closed:
- Check out the Snow Report on the Ontario Parks website (updated daily at 9:00 a.m.) for skate and ski trail conditions
- Call the park office at 519-389-9056
- Check for updates on the park’s social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter)
When conditions are right, we offer a 400-metre skating trail that provides an unforgettable outdoor experience. We turn on our trail lights for skating under the stars until 10:00 p.m. every day of the week, and that’s when things get truly magical.
We also have a large ice pad for outdoor hockey enthusiasts, so as to not interfere with skating on the ice trail.
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2. When is the park open?
The park is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. all year long.
Availability of skating and skiing is weather dependent, with both typically becoming available in January. Check the Snow Report for conditions and the park’s social media for park updates (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter).
Remember: MacGregor Point can get EXTREMELY busy during peak times.
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3. How do I avoid crowds and lineups?
The park is usually quieter during the week, so try planning a weekday trip.
MacGregor Point’s busiest times are any weekend or holiday, between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Plan your visit outside of these times to avoid crowds.
To help guarantee access for day use, visitors can now plan their trip ahead of time and obtain a daily vehicle permit up to five days in advance.
For the most successful trip we recommend checking conditions on the park’s Snow Report before booking your day use permit.
Permits can be booked online through our reservation page.
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4. The skating trail is full. What else is there to do at the park?
There is tons to do in the winter at MacGregor Point!
Try cross-country skiing on some of our family-friendly trails! The single track-set Deer Run Trail (4.6 km) and Tomsett Trail (5.9 km) suit both novice and family-level cross-country skiers. This trail network gently winds through upland hardwood forest and wetland areas.
Strap on some snowshoes! Start the day with a refreshing tramp through the woods. Snowshoe trails are located at the southern end of the park on both the Lake Ridge Trail and the Tower Trail.
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5. How do I get to MacGregor Point?
MacGregor Point Provincial Park is located on the shores of Lake Huron, 4 km south of Port Elgin.
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6. Where do I park?
When you drive into the park (particularly on a Saturday), you may see a line up. Please check the park’s social media for capacity updates prior to venturing out to the park.
Upon arrival, please stop at the office. Staff will help direct you to where parking is available. Please do not park on the road.
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7. How much does it cost?
The cost of a daily vehicle permit is $18.00. This includes access to the:
- skating trail*
- ice pad*
- cross-country ski trails
- snowshoe trails
Guarantee your spot by booking your daily vehicle permit in advance.
Maps are provided to help find your way to the trails. You can also find our winter trail map here.
*Our skating surfaces are made with natural ice. Use of our skating surfaces is weather dependent and not guaranteed.
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8. Can I rent skates / skis / snowshoes?
No, rental equipment is not available. Please bring your own equipment.
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9. Are there washrooms?
Yes, washrooms are available at the skating rink. Check our winter trail map for precise locations.
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10. Can I stay overnight?
Yes! Snag one of MacGregor Point’s cabins, yurts, or bring your tent or trailer for a more rustic camping experience.
A heated comfort station with showers and flush toilets is open. Reserve your yurt or campsites online using our reservation service.
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11. Is food available for sale?
No, food is not available for purchase. It is best to bring your own food.
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12. Where can I go if the park gets crowded?
To help guarantee access for day use, you can now plan your trip ahead of time and obtain a daily vehicle permit up to five days in advance.
For the most successful trip we recommend checking conditions on the park’s snow report before booking.
Permits can be booked online through our reservation page.
If MacGregor Point is full when you arrive, you may want to check out other nearby parks:
Wasaga Beach Provincial Park offers some of the best Nordic ski terrain in central Ontario, with over 30 km of groomed and track-set trails.
Explore the trails at Awenda Provincial Park! Enjoy the park’s 17 km of backcountry-style ski and snowshoe trails.