Winter is the perfect time to visit Perth County! You’ll fall in love with the snow covered countryside while taking in all the memorable views, tastes, and experiences rural Perth County has to offer. We invite you to pack your snowshoes or cross-country skis for this outdoor adventure in Perth County!
Day One
Get fueled up for a day out on the trails with a delicious breakfast at The New Monkton Diner. This charming small-town diner is located just steps away from the first trail of the day.
After breakfast, grab your snow snowshoes or skis and head down the road for a winter trek on the G2G Rail Trail. While enjoying this flat gravel trail, take in the scenic views of farmland, rivers, and forests – you may even spot some winter wildlife on your trip, such as beavers or cardinals.
Once you finish this trek, hop in the car and head 10 minutes down the road to The Sugar Maple Restaurant to grab a coffee and lunch to warm up. You could even grab a cinnamon bun or mini pie while you’re there – hey, you’re spending a day on the trails, you deserve it!
Now that you’re ready to get back out on the trails, head 10 minutes south to the Sawyer Preservation Woodlot. Look for the big rock identifying the trail entrance, strap back on your snowshoes, and head into this incredible woodlot! No matter what time of the year you enter the Sawyer Preservation Woodlot, you’ll immediately sense the diversity of the flora and fauna that greets you. Wildlife in this destination ranges from black maple trees, wild rosebushes, blue jays, white tailed deer and so much more!
After you’ve taken in all the spectacular sights and sounds at the Sawyer Preservation Woodlot, hop back in your car and head 20 minutes down the road to the Stratford Perth Museum. The museum boasts fabulous 4-season trails, and here’s the best part – while you’re soaking in all of nature’s beauty, you can also gain knowledge about Perth County’s rich history displayed on historical panels dotted along the trails. After your outdoor adventure, head into the museum to continue learning and exploring with their exhibits such as Justin Bieber: Steps to Stardom and The Road to Woodstock.
Wow, what a day! Head 10 minutes down the highway to your accommodation the Forest Motel & Woodland Retreat. After all of this trail exploration, you have probably worked up an appetite… check in, throw your feet up, and order in a pizza from Shakespeare Pizza!
Day Two
Enjoy breakfast at the Forest Motel, and then head out for their newly developed Guided Snow Shoe Tour through 2 kilometers of man-made trails that surround the 30-acre property. Each tour takes 1-hour and includes hot drink options and a fire to enjoy after the tour ends.
After your tour, hop in your car and travel 5 minutes to grab a fresh, farm-to-table lunch at Lynn River Farm Store. Take in the views of the countryside, and then head out for your last trail adventure of the trip.
Just 3 minutes down the road, you’ll find the Shakespeare Conservation Area. This great outdoor space is a fan-favourite for hiking, fishing, and capturing scenic photos by the pond. Enjoy exploring this Perth County hidden gem before you head home from a couple great days of exploration!
Keen for more? Check out other Perth County trails such as the Wildwood Conservation Area trails, North Perth Trail System, or the River Valley trails. Find out more by clicking here!