Simcoe County’s hidden scenic skating trail officially opened Friday and continues to be a great find for anyone who doesn’t know it is there.
In its third year of operation, the 1.3 km Simcoe County Museum Skating Trail winds around the grounds of the museum for skaters to take in the winter wonderland. With Saturday’s forecast calling for a possible 20 cm of snow, it isn’t expected that too many people will be skating outdoors today. Museum maintenance supervisor Mike Burns bundled up and took BarrieToday out to the trail as it was being cleared of snow.
“I don’t know how many people will be out today with this storm coming, but we had at least one call asking about the trail so you never know,” said Burns. “The good thing though is we’ve altered the trail a bit from last season, so there are very few open spots. It really winds through the trees, which is very scenic and will help if there is blowing snow.”
The skating trail is made from water drawn from a well and from two water tanks. Two Zambonis help keep the ice clear and smooth as well as a tractor with a full broom and two small Kubotas with brooms for the edges. There is also plenty of space for a skater to get ready even in the outdoors.
“We clear the Sugar Shack building and move in the benches where there is a wood stove,” said Burns. “You walk the rubber mats from the shack to the ice and even that small walk is just a beautiful one with the museum buildings around.”
Burns said that despite the many people who regularly use the trail each year; there are still many more who are surprised it exists.
“So many folks come here because they heard from a friend the day before or they were just visiting the museum one day and heard,” said Burns. “We have 327 acres and it is really gorgeous back here. It is a County of Simcoe secret hidden gem.”
Skating trail hours, weather permitting, are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 6-9 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
The cost varies and all information is available on the website.
