Cross-Country Skiing

• Ski trails will not be set until after December 1 when the hunting season has closed.
• Trails that are set with double ski tracks are limited to use by cross-country skiers only from December 1- March 31 or until snow conditions allow.
• Cooking Lake-Blackfoot has about 125 kilometres of groomed trails plus 60 kilometres of ungroomed trails. The trails offer opportunities for both novice and advanced skiers.
• Check our trail report for conditions.
• We have about 85 kilometres of track set trails. Trails are double tracked for two way traffic.
• About 35 kilometres of trail accessed from Blackfoot Lake Staging Area are packed for skate skiing. These trails are challenging and very scenic, with excellent wildlife viewing.
• The first four loops from Waskahegan Staging Area are ideal for families with children - 14 kilometres of trail follow gently undulating terrain. Rest stops are spaced along the first three loops and there's a larger shelter at junction of Lost Lake and Meadow trails.
• Trails around Central Staging Area are fairly flat, with one major hill on Beaver Loop Trail heading west from the staging area.
• More than 30 kilometres of cross-country ski trails can be accessed from Islet Lake Staging Area. Two short loops with small hills (Highline and Middle trails) are good for novice skiers. Trails around Elk Push Lake are more difficult.
• Warm-up shelters are provided along many trails.
• The park is the site of many events hosted by the Canadian Birkebeiner Society, including the annual Canadian Birkebeiner Ski Festival. Visit their website for upcoming events.

Rules to Remember

• Only cross-country skiers are permitted on trails with double ski tracks set.
• Keep all dogs on leash in Cooking Lake-Blackfoot.
• Skiers and equestrian users share portions of some trails. Skiers meeting horses should stop and step aside to allow them to pass.
• Please review winter trail etiquette & safety info.

Dog Walking, Sledding & Skijoring

• Dog sledding and skijoring are permitted from Blackfoot Lake Staging Area on the groomed trails provided in that sector.
• A long dog sledding run (approximately 40 kilometres) starts from the Blackfoot sector.
• Please clean up after your dog. Dog waste does not decompose the same way as wild dog waste does due to diet.
• During winter months, dogs are PROHIBITED from any trails that are track set for cross country skiing.  This is for dog and skier safety and to preserve the tracks.  Please keep to trails such as the Central Alleyway, Waskehegan North, Wapiti, Round-Up, Winter, and trails starting from the Blackfoot Staging Area, as well as open pastures.
• Dogs must be on leash at all times within Cooking-Lake Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area

Fat Biking

• Bikes are not allowed on ski trails set with double ski tracks
• On single ski track trail, please stay off set tracks. This damages the tracks and makes it difficult to ski
• Blackfoot Staging Area offers the best opportunities to fat bike.

Skating

• When there is ice, skating is available on a rink behind the shelter at Waskahegan Staging Area.
• Check our trail report.

Snowmobiling - CLOSED

• Snowmobiling is permitted on Central Alleyway Trail from Waskahegan Staging Area to the shelter at the junction of Central Alleyway and Winter trails.
• Snowmobiling is also allowed in designated fields when there is sufficient snow (indicated by signs at field entrances). There must be at least 30 centimetres of compacted snow before snowmobiling is permitted.
• Check our trail report.
• Snowmobiles must be transported to the staging areas on trailers.
• Snowmobiles are not allowed on equestrian, cross-country ski and boundary trails.

Snowshoeing

• Snowshoeing is permitted on equestrian trails, pastures, and frozen ponds and lakes.
• Please stay off double ski track set trails.
• On single ski track trail, please stay off set tracks. This damages the tracks and makes it difficult to ski