Skip to content

Discovery Harbour's popular skate trail on ice for good

'Due to fluctuating weather conditions and other skate trail offerings in the surrounding area,' the skate trail has been closed permanently, says official
DSC00233
Discovery Harbour's skate trail in Penetanguishene has closed permanently. Andrew Philips/MidlandToday File Photo

Discovery Harbour in Penetanguishene has closed its popular skate trail for good.

Marketing and visitor services manager Emily Brown of Huronia Historical Parks (HHP) announced that the tourist destination is not planning to resume the skate trail, instead choosing to focus on “other exciting winter programming” at both Discovery Harbour and Sainte-Marie among the Hurons in Midland.

“Due to fluctuating weather conditions and other skate trail offerings in the surrounding area, HHP will be planning a new winter event for next year’s Penetanguishene Winterama Family Day weekend event,” said Brown.

“COVID-19 has impacted the ability to safely plan and participate in Winterama 2022, however, we look forward to launching an ‘Experience Winter’ event next year which will be designed to suit varied winter conditions.”

The 1.5-kilometre skate trail along the shores of Penetanguishene Bay began as a winter attraction in January 2017, as part of the nationwide 150th anniversary of Confederation celebrations in Canada.

Neighbouring skate trails open to the public can be found in Bala at the Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery; the Woodview Mountaintop Skating at Blue Mountain Resort; and at the Simcoe County Museum in Midhurst.


Reader Feedback

Derek Howard, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

About the Author: Derek Howard, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Derek Howard covers Midland and Penetanguishene area civic issues under the Local Journalism Initiative, which is funded by the Government of Canada.
Read more