Looking for a cross-country ski destination in eastern Ontario?
In partnership with a wonderful local ski club, Murphys Point Provincial Park (only 1.25 hours from either Ottawa or Kingston) offers an ideal environment for winter adventure.
The trails
The Tay Valley Cross Country Ski Club — in cooperation with park staff — grooms and tracksets a trail network of more than 20 km for classic and skate skiing trails.
While all trails are groomed, ongoing favourites are the Hardwood and Fallows Loops, followed by the Hogg Bay Loop. A new 1 km loop will be also available in the Ash Hill Campground. Two warm-up huts allow skiers to take a break between runs.
If you’re not a club member or Ontario Parks annual/winter pass holder, don’t forget to bring cash to purchase a day use permit at the reception kiosk in the winter parking lot or Lally Homestead.
To guarantee your access, you can book your day use permit online in advance. Reservations become available at 7:00 a.m., five days before your arrival date.
Find the full trail map here, and check our Snow Report for trail conditions.
The club
Founded in 1972, the Tay Valley Cross Country Ski Club is a volunteer, not-for-profit community organization. We’ve been celebrating our shared love of winter with the club for decades.
“I have worked closely with the club for several years now, helping groom trails at the Lally Homestead and looking after maps and signage,” says Mark Read, assistant superintendent at Murphys Point.
“They are a very knowledgeable group who work hard maintaining the trails, whilst also providing youth and adult coaching, and organising their annual Loppet – a must for all skill-levels.”
Clinics and events
Introducing a friend or family member to skiing? The club offers regular Jack Rabbit programs for youths, and Adult Clinics for newbie skiers.
