Duntroon: Cross-Country Skiing, Nature and Culture

Duntroon offers several ways to plan a trip: cross-country skiing and other activities at Highlands Nordic, trails through wooded areas and open spaces, and nature observation at Nottawasaga Lookout Provincial Nature Reserve. Historic sites and destinations with a culinary connection round out the area’s offerings. You can see which of these aspects interests you by looking at the specific offerings and their different focuses.

Cross-country skiing and activities at Highlands Nordic

Highlands Nordic has 30 kilometres of ski trails for classic cross-country skiing and skate skiing. The offerings include both styles. Night skiing is also available on select evenings; dates are seasonal and should be checked before your trip. A separate ski trail is three kilometres long and dog-friendly. Detailed access rules may change, so we recommend checking in advance if you plan to use this trail with your dog.

Highlands Nordic also has an 18-hole disc golf course. It is open daily from 9 a.m. until sunset; as operating status may change, it is best to check before visiting. Rentals include boots, skis, and poles for classic cross-country skiing and skate skiing. As availability may change, check in advance if you need to know which equipment is currently available.

Marked trails and nature on the Escarpment

Duntroon Highlands has 15 kilometres of marked trails through open areas and deciduous forests; snowshoeing is also part of the trail offerings. This sets it apart from the ski trails at Highlands Nordic, which focus on classic cross-country skiing and skate skiing. At Nottawasaga Lookout Provincial Nature Reserve, the landscape is shaped by the Niagara Escarpment’s cliff and ravine habitats, wooded slopes, wetlands, and talus slopes. There are also caves and fissures. The Bruce Trail runs through the reserve, offering opportunities for hiking and nature observation.

The Highlands Art & Tree Trail is located near Duntroon, high on the Escarpment above the town. The loop is two kilometres long and opened in 2025. The concept includes five local artists and several tree installations; the design may continue to evolve. Here, art and tree installations take centre stage, while the trails in the reserve combine nature observation and hiking.

Historic sites and green spaces

Duntroon Hall is a former military drill hall that was rebuilt on the edge of historic, five-acre Islay Park in Duntroon. The park was established in 1934 and now has playground equipment and a large green space. Municipal park amenities may change; if needed, check their current condition before your visit. The hall and park offer different perspectives on the area: the history of the hall sits alongside the park’s green space and playground equipment.

Local products and culinary destinations

Near the destination, Duntroon Cyder House offers local products and a tasting area where visitors can enjoy them. A broader culinary connection is the Apple Pie Trail in South Georgian Bay. This experience trail combines culinary offerings and shopping opportunities with adventures, farms, and other local experiences. It represents a broad regional offering, while the Cyder House is a specific destination near Duntroon.

The offerings therefore differ both in activity and location: you’ll find cross-country skiing and disc golf at Highlands Nordic, while hiking and nature observation are associated with the reserve and the Bruce Trail. Historic sites, green spaces, art installations, and culinary destinations round out the selection. Use the features that suit you to plan your stay in Duntroon.

Discover more destinations: Midland, Port Severn, Brechin, Innisfil, Port Mcnicoll, Borden, Wymbolwood Beach, Tiny.

For the broader travel overview: Simcoe County.