Orangeville is the perfect outdoor winter escape

As a professional photographer and outdoor adventurer, Sylvia Pond knows how to embrace the cold weather and track down the winter fun. She resides in the Kitchener-Waterloo area and makes frequent day trips to Orangeville to get her nature fix. Sylvia recently spent a day at Island Lake Conservation Area and shared her snowy and icy adventures with us. Here's what she had to say:

One of the best ways I get over the winter blues is by embracing it! Orangeville is the perfect day trip for some winter fun and less than an hour and a half drive from Kitchener-Waterloo.

If you're a fan of ice fishing, Orangeville won't disappoint. Island Lake Conservation Area becomes a prime spot for anglers to drill a hole, drop a line, and enjoy some time on the ice. The heated ice huts are available for rent, great for those of us who don’t have our own and makes those chilly days feel comfortable and cozy. If you have some competitive spirit, there’s an annual Ice Fishing Derby here February 8 to 17.

After sitting in the hut for half a day, it’s time to stretch my legs. Island Lake has some wonderful hiking trails. From short loops within the park to a full 7.7 kilometre hike around the lake, there’s a trail for every level of hiker. The trails, dusted with snow, transform into a picturesque wonderland. I love the crisp air and sounds of snowy footsteps as I trek along. There’s something special about embracing nature during every Canadian season.

If that isn’t enough activity for you, bring your skates too. There is an area on the lake that is specifically groomed for ice skating. I had a lot of laughs and giggles as a first timer skating on a frozen lake. It’s nothing like an ice rink! Skating on a frozen lake means expecting a few bumps and wobbles, but that’s part of the fun.

So, bundle up and embrace the winter season with a road trip to Orangeville where you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities!

Author Bio: Sylvia Pond is a professional photographer, foodie and content creator at Sylvia Pond Photography and Marketing and The Silly Kitchen based in Kitchener, Ontario. She has a passion for capturing unique places and moments. Whether it’s exploring the great outdoors, hiking to breathtaking destinations, or indulging in the flavours of delicious cuisines, she thrives on storytelling through her lens. You can follow Sylvia on Instagram at @SylviaPondPhoto and @TheSillyKitchen, and on YouTube at @TheSillyKitchenwithSylvia.