Believe it or not, snowshoeing is super relaxing and the trails are a short drive away

The Sault’s Hiawatha Highlands has become synonymous with cross-country skiing. But a curious trend has been happening with a totally different beast of a sport – snowshoeing. 

Sandra Trainor, Hiawatha Highlands marketing and communications director, says the numbers have been increasing each year. “I think people love it because it’s a good way to get out in the fresh air and enjoy the trails in such a beautiful winter wonderland setting at Hiawatha Highlands.  It's a great workout too, but doable by nearly anyone" says Trainor. 

The Highlands offer nine kilometers of snowshoe trails and terrain that work for both beginner and advanced. Unlike other sports, snowshoeing is uniquely inclusive. There aren’t the large gaps between novice and expert participants, so snowshoeing is something that can be done in a group of mixed abilities. 

The 4,000-year old Indigenous “sport” (or survival tool) was originally used to cross long distances without falling through the snow.

“But the days of the old clunky wooden snowshoes are over,” laughs Trainor. “They have very lightweight versions that aren’t too expensive either.” 

Accompanying snowshoeing is a different kind of peacefulness, because it is strangely quiet – even more so than cross-country skiing. So there’s definitely a meditative element. Perhaps that is where the idea for snowshoe yoga came from? 

Dubbed “Snowga”, snowshoe yoga might seem like a novelty, but it’s actually one of the more popular offerings at Hiawatha Highlands where participants perform yoga poses a little awkwardly – as they are still wearing their snowshoes! The benefit is the weight of the snowshoes and parkas – making it even more of a workout – something akin to having a goat resting on your back. 

“Those wishing to try Snowga can try it on the Pinder snowshoe trail system on Dec. 31, Feb. 8 (a Bon Soo evening class) and also on March 1 and March 28 for morning classes,” says Trainor. “Ivy Strom of ‘Yoga By Nature’ sort of invented it and has been leading the classes.”

Be prepared for a walking yoga class as the class still does the trail but “stops for poses along the way so you keep warm."

For a more challenging terrain, Trainor recommends the Crystal Trail.

“It has hills on it and is a harder trail, which is fine because modern snowshoes have grips on the bottoms of them – and you can actually make your way up a steeper hill.”

She also recommends that people use ski poles on the tougher trails. 

Guided snowshoe walks in the moonlight are one of their most popular draws.

“People book in groups and come out with helmets and headlights – it’s a very magical time,” says Trainor. 

“Definitely a Northern experience that everyone should try at least once.” 

Trail passes for snowshoeing can be acquired at the Kinsmen Centre or at hiawathahighlands.com