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	skiing and snowshoeing in and around Mississauga
	story Chad Hackl   photographs Fred Loek With old man winter finally touching down in Mississauga, it’s time for Mississauga residents to dust off their cross-country skis and snowshoes. Sure, the winter weather may be short lived here in the city, but that shouldn’t stop you from sidestepping along Mississauga and surrounding area trails when the opportunity arises. Mississauga itself may not be an avid skiers first choice for top destinations on the map, although the landscape of certain parks and trails in the city make it possible for those interested. “We don’t have dedicated trails for skiing but we do have multi-use trails,” said Hazel McColl, Parks and Forestry program co-ordinator for the City of Mississauga. “One thing to keep in mind is that they are not groomed.” The City of Mississauga’s website lists several trails that are ideal for skiers and snowshoeing enthusiasts to explore the great outdoors. One hotspot (so to speak) is the David J Culham Trail, which commences in Erindale Park and extends through Riverwood, Streetsville Memorial Park and up to River Grove. The 18-kilometre picturesque trail runs north of Britannia Road to Pine Cliff Drive. Also linked to Culham is the four-kilometre Glassford Trail in Meadowvale, which begins at Old Creditview Road along old Derry Road taking you through Meadowvale Conservation Park, one of Mississauga’s best kept secrets. The Etobicoke Creek Trail, which consists of two sections in Mississauga, is also a recommended spot for skiing and snowshoeing. It starts at Willowcreek Park, north of Dundas Street East, running to Rathburn Road East with a link to Centennial Park in Toronto. Secondly, it runs from Matheson Boulevard East, through the western boundary lands of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, to Mount Charles Park. Unfortunately for Mississauga residents, lack of support seems to be one of the main issues hindering ski and snowshoe programs getting off the ground in the city. “We had some interest a few years ago but it never really took off,” said McColl, who noted there is no real ski organization within Mississauga. “If there was a group that was interested we certainly would facilitate something.” Rob Kaye, who is the general manager at Skiis and Biikes on 1945 Dundas Street East, has been skiing for 45 years and says establishing an organization within the city would be a major stepping-stone for skiing and snowshoeing. “There is always greater opportunity out there for the sport,” said Kaye, who says customers have been rolling in left and right to get their skis tuned up for the season. “I would love to see it.” Additional multi-use trails in Mississauga include Levi Creek Trail (Old Creditview Rd. to Financial Dr.), Fletcher’s Creek Trail (between Second Line and Courtney Park Dr.), Derry Greenway (between Goreway Dr. and Airport Rd.), Credit Meadows (east of Creditview Rd. at Kenninghall Crescent.) and the Sawmill Valley Trail (between Mississauga Rd. and Erin Mills Pkwy.). For more of a challenge, the avid skier and snowshoer may need to travel further afield – otherwise known as “up north” but not too far north. For most trail destinations you can be there and back inside of a day, as long as you don’t overdo it with your hip flask. Hilton Falls in nearby Milton has 16 kilometres of cross-country ski trails through escarpment woods and beaver meadows. The 645-hectare park was established in 1971 on the Niagara Escarpment. It features three trails, which range in skill level from novice to intermediate. About 140km northwest of Mississauga, Highlands Nordic in Duntroon (just south of Collingwood) is a major hotspot for cross-country skiers and snowshoers in Ontario. The resort features 25 kilometres of ski trails overlooking Georgian Bay. Also in nearby Collingwood, you can carve your way through Scenic Caves, which boasts 22 kilometres of ski, and snowshoe trails through a 200-year-old forest abounding with wildlife. There is also the opportunity to snowshoe across Ontario’s longest suspension footbridge, which features a view of up to 10,000 square kilometres. If Scenic Caves doesn’t sound like the place for you, kick turn your way towards Hardwood Ski & Bike (Hardwood Hills), just outside of Barrie for the ski and snowshoe experience of a lifetime. Whether it’s 27 kilometres of seven different ski trails or four snowshoe trails, Hardwood has something to offer for people of all skill levels. Hardwood was recognized in 2009 and 2010 by readers of Get Out There Magazine as the best place to cross country ski in Eastern Canada. If there’s one person who can point you in the right direction for a ski adventure, it’s Fred Loek, a long-time photographer with The Mississauga News, who has been skiing in the area for more than 35 years. Loek says that any of the resorts will do for beginners to experts but claims Hardwood Hills is the most advanced in the area. “Hardwood Hills is set up perfectly for the public,” Loek said. “They have an up-to-date rental area, lessons, good equipment and it’s just an overall great experience.” “But in the end, it’s about getting more people involved,” he added. So whether you decide to glissade through the tracks here at home or work on those wedge turns elsewhere, there is much opportunity to get out and about in and around greater Mississauga. Happy trails. GL	ABOVE Erindale Park Culham Trail