Take the path less travelled, snowshoe the Biener Trail

They’re lighter, stronger, smaller and easier-to-use than ever before. Combine that with the great scenery in Bruce County, plus a whack load of snow and you’ve got the perfect winter adventure for you and your family. The Biener Trail is the perfect place to get out there and try this rapidly growing sport.

The snowshoe revolution has begun!

The Biener Trail

If you don’t own snowshoes, no problem. Simply head over to Thorncrest Outfitters in Southampton and get hooked up with some rentals.

Now you’re ready to head to Biener’s Bush. The Biener Trail on this property is the perfect place for a stroll on snowshoes. Not far from downtown Port Elgin, this trail couldn’t be any easier to find. Simply follow Concession Road 10 (just north of downtown Port Elgin), to its western end and park on the south side of the road in the parking lot. There is helpful signage ensuring you won’t get lost out there. The 3.3 kilometre red trail is a great start for beginners of any age!

The double-wide trail is easy to follow and will take you through evergreen forests, over streams, up and down some small hills and around a pond. There are a couple offshoots too, if you want to add a bit of length to your adventure.

Once you’ve hiked to your heart’s content, why not head somewhere warm, cozy and full of delicious food? Try the local hot spots, Wismer House for awesome pub-fare, or the casual fine dining of Elk & Finch for some of Bruce County’s best dishes.

History of the Snowshoe

Archeologists estimate that snowshoes have been around between 4000 and 6000 years. Those first snowshoes were nothing more than bent twigs of ash, birch, willow or spruce with rawhide lacing. North American aboriginal peoples found snowshoes to be helpful for hunting and travelling in winter.

In more recent years, the snowshoe has evolved. Lighter aluminium frames replaced the old wooden ones and neoprene buckles replaced rawhide lacing. So if you think of giant wooden contraptions when you think of snowshoeing, think again. Today, snowshoes are durable, light, inexpensive and easy to use. A great low-impact way to burn some calories, snowshoeing holds little chance of injury. Time to try it right here in Bruce County!