Haliburton Highlands - The headline in the Haliburton Highlands Winter Guide on Snow Shoeing reads “No Snow too Deep”, and that is certainly true for this winter season—as the snow in Haliburton has surpassed last years total fall.

The innovative Haliburton Highlands Trails and Tours Network has designated a number of their hiking trails as official snow shoeing trails for the 2008 winter season. Nine specific trails incorporating more than 75 km. have been designated for snowshoeing, creating one of the most extensive snowshoeing choices in the Province of Ontario. Trails vary from a rating of easy to moderate to challenging. Locations include areas close to Carnarvon, Oxtongue Lake, Halls Lake, Kennisis Lake, Frosts Centre near Dorset, Village of Haliburton, Snowden Park between Kinmount and Haliburton Village, and the Wigamog-Pinestone Resort Trail. The shortest is a 750 meter trail in Haliburton Village at Glebe Park, and the longest is up to 10 km depending on the number of loops completed. Time can vary depending on the fitness level of individuals the elevations, and rest times. The Algonquin Highlands Ridge Trails suggests allowing between 5 and 8 hours. Snowshoe trails are also available at Sir Sam’s Ski & Snowboard Area in Eagle Lake.

Amy Brohm, Tourism Coordinator for Haliburton County says, “The Highlands Trails and Tours Network has taken our extensive hiking trail system, and selected a number of trails for the primary use of snowshoe enthusiasts. Our requests for snowshoeing locations have increased over the past year, and are continuing to increase in 2008.”

Wildlife Viewing, Animal tracks, Vistas are Natural Works of Art

Snowshoeing is a relatively silent sport as one moves through wilderness areas “the natural works of art will appear for the watchful eye.” adds Brohm.

With the increasing popularity of snowshoeing it is important to designate the snowshoe trails as many snow shoers were using cross country ski trails that had been track set.

Brohm adds, “We are now offering 1 and 3 day packages that include snowshoeing as well as a chance to experience other winter activities. We want people to really experience winter. Humans don’t hibernate!”

Areas of the Haliburton Highlands are magnets for deep snow right into the spring as the higher elevations in the Highlands keep the snow longer.

Several Haliburton accommodation properties are offering snowshoeing experiences with on-site trails and snowshoe rentals and can be viewed by going to the Haliburton County Website or calling http://www.haliburtonholidays.com/Winter