Walking in a winter wonderland at Shade’s Mills

The beach at Shade’s Mills Conservation Area is a popular swimming and picnic destination during the summer months and a growing number of Cambridge residents are rediscovering the many winter charms of this little piece of wilderness near the edge of town.

“We love coming here in the winter,” Jenna Lavin said. “We have a membership here and we come out at least a couple times a week.”

Jenna, her husband Brent, and their son Carter live in Cambridge, and they invited Brent’s parents, Carol and Dennis Lavin of Hamilton, to join them for a winter picnic in the park recently. 

“We have our fires, which is something new over the last couple years and we usually go hiking on the various trails,” Jenna said. “We’ve gone snowshoeing, as well.”

There are more than 12 km of groomed trails that run through hardwood forests and along Mill Creek and when the snow gets deep, visitors can rent children’s and adult snowshoes as well as cross country skis, boots, and poles.  

“Snowshoeing and winter hiking have both increased in popularity in recent years,” said Cam Linwood, supervisor, strategic communications for the Grand River Conservation Authority. “Cross-country skiing remains a visitor favourite as well, when conditions allow.”

When the ice is thick and safe enough on the 32-ha reservoir, anglers can drill a hole and drop line for northern pike and perch as well as largemouth and smallmouth bass.

“Ice fishing remains a popular activity at Shade’s Mills and Pinehurst Lake Conservation Areas when conditions permit,” said Linwood. 

When the COVID pandemic hit many people were looking for safe and healthy family activities close to home and Linwood attributes that demand, in part, for the growing popularity of Shade’s Mills and other GRCA areas.

“Many Grand River Conservation areas and other natural areas experienced a significant increase in public use throughout the pandemic,” Linwood said.  

“The GRCA continues to experience increased attendance at our conservation areas, including those that are open year-round.”

The increased use and reconnection with these wild spaces has renewed public interest and support for GRCA efforts to protect and preserve the natural areas around us.

“Weather and environmental conditions can influence attendance at our conservation areas, as well as the activities that we are able to provide for our visitors,” Linwood said.

“We continue to review and adapt programs at our conservation areas in response to changing climate conditions. For a list of current winter activities available at Grand River Conservation Areas, visit our winter programs page.”

It is still early in the season and conditions may not be suitable yet for all the winter activities at Shade’s Mills, but there is still lots to do for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts such as the Lavin family during the Christmas holidays.

“It’s a nice, little, out-of-the-city, experience, especially in the winter,” said Jenna. “It is close to home too so, that is great.”