Winter weather sometimes sends us indoors bundled up next to the fire. But winter is prime time for getting out and exploring Kemptville and the hamlets of North Grenville.
Why not make the best of it with this list of fun winter experiences!
Set out on Foot or Fat Bike on the Winter Trails
Snowshoeing, cross country skiing, biking and when the conditions agree, even hiking through the forest on one of the North Grenville Trails is a great way to get out for some fresh air and vitamin D during the winter months.
Photo: Joseph R. Pearce
- Check out the local North Grenville Snowshoe/Trail Stomper Facebook Group for the latest trail conditions and meet up events.
- The Kemptville Winter Trail (KeWi) is a groomed multi-use winter trail in the town of Kemptville, where community residents and visitors can cross-country ski, snowshoe, hike or ride a winter fat bike. Ferguson Forest Centre has partnered with Kemptville Disc Golf Club and Kemptville Winter Trail to offer a three-season disc golf course (spring thru fall), and multi-use groomed trails in winter. Both are for all ages and free to use.
❄️ To access the trail, enter Ferguson Forest Centre from Anniversary/Honour Way, off County Rd. 43 and park at Arboretum/Dog Park.
If you are using trails in the winter, as always watch for snow machines when sharing the trails and use at your own risk.
Live Music
Prefer a cozy night in a warm drinking hole with melodic tunes in the air? Check out our events calendar for an updated listing of live music in the area.
Watch a Hockey Game
Cheer on Kemptville’s own 73’s at home games this season! Check out the home schedule here and join the hometown fans in the North Grenville Municipal Centre
Warm up at Grahame's Bakery
In operation since 1885, the heritage wood-burning oven is now on its third generation of Grahame family bakers. Step in from the cold into the toasty warm bakery for some decadent treats. Grahame's still uses the original recipes to make breads, butter tarts, apple fritters and cookies. They make everything the old way, because at Grahame’s Bakery the old ways have never changed. Please note - cash only.
Build a Snowman and go sledding in Ferguson Forest!
Not only does Ferguson Forest offer the forested dog park, but the arboretum offers a great spot to take the little ones down the sledding hill.
Photos: Nancy Peckford
Toboggan Hill
Located at the Ferguson Forest Centre Arboretum (241 Honour Way, Kemptville). Open daily (8am - dusk) during the winter as weather allows. Parking available across from the dog park.
This small sledding hill is an easy climb and a moderate slide down. Take some time to build a snowman and maybe pop onto one of the trails near Anniversary park. The kids will love traveling by the water on the Turtle trail, finding the animals along the Kinder Trail to learn about the local wildlife in their natural habitat.
Ferguson Forest Dog Park
The Ferguson Forest Dog Park is completely fenced piece of forest that offers many trees for your dog to sniff and explore. It also has a separate small dog fenced area and an open field with agility equipment. It's a great opportunity to allow your friend to run, play and socialize off leash with other dogs in a safe environment. Dogs are also welcomed on the trails of Ferguson forest but must be leashed outside the dog park.
Skate the Kemptville Community Skateway
The Kemptville Community Skateway is an outdoor rink on Kemptville Creek in downtown Kemptville. Maintained by the Municipality of North Grenville and following the natural waterway, the skateway is the length of approximately three and a half NHL hockey rinks and over twice as wide! Opening for its second season, the rink starts at Curry Park and follows the banks of the natural waterway, into downtown Kemptville.
We recommend enjoying a skate and then following the Waterfront Trail to downtown shops and restaurants! Right along the path you'll find Grahames Bakery with it's woodfired baked goods that's been operating since 1885, fusion Cajun restaurant Salamanders on the banks of the creek, the casual atmosphere and great food at O'Heaphy's Pub, and the new Hyde Smokehouse, offering the very best in Southern cooking...with a TWIST! Enjoy great food, hand crafted cocktails and local brews!
- Free to skate
- Lighting after sunset,
- Porta potties
- Parking
- Picnic tables
- Garbage/recycling on site.
Don't have skates? You can borrow skates between 10 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays! The Kemptville Donate to Skate Program has a table set up with volunteers!
- Click for a Google map to Curry Park
- Click for a Map of the Waterfront Trail
Skating on the Kemptville Community Skateway on Kemptville Creek starting in Curry Park
Get out for more skating
Outdoor Skating
You'll find there three outdoor rinks within the municipality accessible to the public during the winter as weather allows:
- Kemptville Community Skateway in Curry Park - is an outdoor rink on Kemptville Creek. Maintained by the Municipality of North Grenville, this skateway follows the natural waterway and is the length of approximately 3.5 NHL hockey rinks along the banks of Kemptville Creek in downtown Kemptville.
- Bishops Mills Park is maintained by the Bishops Mills Community Association. Find details on the Bishop's Mills Community Rink Facebook Page
- eQuinelle subdivision and is maintained by volunteers. Rink in eQuinelle closes at 9pm every night. Hockey Playing Times: Monday - Wednesday - Saturday 8:00 am to 10:30 am Sunday to Thursday: 6:30pm to 9:00pm. SKATING only: at all other times.
Bishop's Mills ODR - Photo: Jill Sturdy
Please note: during COVID-19 the maximum rink capacity is 10 skaters and they must be physically distanced at all times.
Indoor Skating
Skate at the municipal centre nearly every day of the week! Don’t have skates? No worries! You are able to borrow skates and helmets at the rink. See skating times here and check current covid lockdown regulations before heading out.
Hit the Skidoo Trails
Whether you're out for a weekend long excursion, a day trip or just a couple hours with the kids, you won't need to travel the same trail twice in North Grenville! With so many to choose from you can take new trails all day long and never need to backtrack!
- Click for interactive trail maps for North Grenville.
- Don't miss Stinson's gas by the Southbranch River and lunch at the Kemptville Family Restaurant on County Road 43 in Kemptville
- The Kemptville Snowmobile Klub grooms trails throughout the municipality. Follow their Facebook page for all the latest.
- You can also follow the Limerick Forest page for news and updates on Limerick Forest trail conditions.
*Please note, when riding through Ferguson Forest, please stick to the designated OFSC trails. Last year Ferguson Forest Centre reported significant damage to its tree nursery fields and the Xcountry ski club also reported damage it its groomed trails. We are happy to welcome snowmobiles in North Grenville on the designated trails! Stay warm and stay safe!
Photo by Diane Schmitz
Visit the Kemptville Campus Greenhouses
Photos by Wildling Acres
Book a Romantic Getaway
Isn't it lovely to spend a night away from home with your special someone? Kemptville offers several overnight accomodations including the luxury Kemptville Suites and the newly renovated Best Western Hotel (pictured below).
