Unveiling MacGregor Point Provincial Park

Lake Huron's Ultimate Winter Retreat

View of Lake Huron from the Sunset Point Trail, a 1.7 km loop hiking and snowshoeing trail. Photo by Out for a Trek

View of Lake Huron from the Sunset Point Trail, a 1.7 km loop hiking and snowshoeing trail. Photo by Out for a Trek

Nestled on the shores of Lake Huron, MacGregor Point Provincial Park beckons winter enthusiasts to discover its hidden treasures beneath the snowy embrace of the season.

Located just under 3 hours from Toronto, MacGregor Point stands out as Southern Ontario’s ultimate winter retreat. Its proximity makes it a magical day trip or weekend escape for those craving a break from the city’s hustle and bustle. The park’s unique blend of activities ensures there’s something for everyone, making it the perfect destination for families, thrill-seekers, and nature enthusiasts alike.

Sometimes overlooked for popular destinations in Muskoka and the Saugeen (Bruce) Peninsula*, MacGregor Point is a playground for winter aficionados, offering a wealth of distinctive activities that set it apart from the rest.

So, grab a pair of skates, skis, or snowshoes and traverse the park’s hidden corners, discovering untouched landscapes that only winter can reveal. Afterwards, warm up by a crackling campfire, sharing stories and laughter with friends and family.

Having a campfire on a Yurt campsite, MacGregor Point. Photo by Anne MacLachlan/Ontario Parks

Having a campfire on a Yurt campsite, MacGregor Point. Photo by Anne MacLachlan/Ontario Parks

*Parks Canada recently announced the Bruce Peninsula will soon be called the Saugeen Peninsula to recognize the park’s presence on the traditional territory of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation.

Skating Trail Extravaganza

Photo by Ontario Parks

Photo by Ontario Parks

What makes MacGregor Point truly stand out is its mesmerizing skating trail. Imagine a frozen ribbon winding through a winter wonderland, with snow-covered trees casting long shadows on the glistening ice.

This unique 400-meter trail offers an enchanting experience where skaters of all skill levels can lose themselves in the sheer joy of gliding through nature’s icy masterpiece. Families, couples, and solo adventurers alike can revel in the magic of this quintessentially Canadian activity, making MacGregor Point the go-to destination for an unforgettable winter skate.

Skating on MacGregor Point’s skating trail. Photo by Out for a Trek

Skating on MacGregor Point’s skating trail. Photo by Out for a Trek

With the warm winter weather we've been having, it is important to check the forecast before heading to any outdoor skating trail. You can see Ontario Park's snow report here.

Cross-Country Skiing Adventures

Hiking and snowshoeing on the Old Shore Road Trail. Photo by Out for a Trek.

Hiking and snowshoeing on the Old Shore Road Trail. Photo by Out for a Trek.

For those seeking a more invigorating winter experience, MacGregor Point’s extensive network of cross-country skiing trails promises exhilarating adventures.

These trails crisscross the park, weaving through pristine forests, wetlands, and open meadows blanketed in snow. From beginners to seasoned pros, every skier will find their perfect trail, with varying levels of difficulty ensuring an exciting challenge for all.

Check out the single track-set Deer Run Trail (4.6 km) and Tomsett Trail (5.9 km) to fully experience the park’s magic. Traverse the undulating landscapes, breathe in the crisp winter air, and immerse yourself in the serenity of MacGregor Point’s winter wonderland—one that leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of all who explore it.

Want another option to explore MacGregor Point’s trails? Check out sections of the Old Shore Road Trail that runs along the Lake Huron shore from Baie du Dore to Sunset Point or the 3.4 km Tower Trail that takes you around a Ducks Unlimited wetland and passes by an observation tower and birdwatching hut for some tranquil pauses to reconnect with nature.

Feathered Friends in the Frost

Photo by Ontario Parks

Photo by Ontario Parks

MacGregor Point isn’t just a haven for winter sports enthusiasts; it’s a paradise for birdwatchers seeking unique, cold-weather sightings.

As the temperatures drop, the park’s avian residents come to life. Chickadees flit among snow-laden branches, cardinals and blue gays add splashes of vibrant colours to the monochromatic landscape, and the elusive snowy owl occasionally graces lucky observers with its majestic presence.

Birdwatching hut on the Tower Trail. Photo by Out for a Trek

Birdwatching hut on the Tower Trail. Photo by Out for a Trek

The Turtle Pond and Ash Swamp areas, conveniently located near the main Visitor Centre, are phenomenal for bird watching. Armed with binoculars, visitors can embark on a winter birdwatching adventure that offers a captivating glimpse into the secret lives of these resilient creatures against the backdrop of MacGregor’s snowy sanctuary.

Getting the Full Winter Experience

Photo by Ontario Parks

Photo by Ontario Parks

Not ready to leave MacGregor Point after a day of adventuring? You don’t have to! Keep the winter fun going by staying in one of six cozy yurts, each fully equipped with a BBQ, picnic table, indoor table, gas fireplace and sleep six. Or stay in one of the 10 new rustic cabins, which come equipped with sleeping space for five, a kitchenette with a microwave, indoor table, gas fireplace and a BBQ.

While these roofed accommodations are available year-round, there’s something magical about playing board games and sitting next to the fire after a long day of trekking through the snow. You can learn more about winter camping at MacGregor Point here.

Photo by Ontario Parks

Photo by Ontario Parks

As the sun sets over MacGregor Point, casting a golden glow on Ontario’s snow-covered west coast, visitors can’t help but be captivated by the park’s winter charm.

From the enchanting skating trail to the invigorating cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails and the serene winter birdwatching experiences, MacGregor Point is a beacon of winter magic, beckoning all to indulge in the unparalleled beauty of the season.

So, whether you’re a seasoned winter warrior or a first-time explorer, let MacGregor Point Provincial Park be your canvas for a winter adventure like no other—an experience that will linger in your memories long after the snow has melted away.

David Bolsby & Graham Hendren

Meet David and Graham, the dynamic duo behind Out for a Trek. What began as a 2021 mission to explore 50 national and provincial parks has blossomed into a grand adventure. They've journeyed from the sun-soaked landscapes of Point Pelee to the rocky cliffs of Sleeping Giant. From backcountry adventures to serene neighborhood strolls, they embrace it all. Join them as they celebrate the magnificence of nature, showcasing that the great outdoors welcomes all.

Read about David and Graham's summer adventures in Bruce Peninsula National Park in Out on the Peninsula in Volume 1 of Northern Soul Magazine.