Discussions

Wondering if Brandon has a place to rent snow shoes? Also wondering if Brandon hills is a good place to go?

Is an awsome place to snow shoe, just stay off the groomed ski trail. Thats the great thing about snow shoeing (??), head off into the bush and explore, you always have your tracks to follow back to your starting point..

not such a great place in the brandon hills unless you do trail A only. B trail is hard to stay off the ski tracks because you don't have that much space on either side of ski tracks. Walking is ok but snow shoeing that you need more ground space isnt going well with skiers

1 chance said "not such a great place in the brandon hills unless you do trail A only. B trail is hard to stay off the ski tracks because you don't have that much space on either side of ski tracks. Walking is ok but snow shoeing that you need more ground space isnt going well with skiers "

With the freedom of sno shoes, wy would someone stay to the groomed trails? That defeats the purpose of snow shoeing.  
Its a very popular activity in the hills, if you dont want to forge your own trail watch to the north as you exit the parking lot (where ski trail heads south) fantatic trail. But I do encourage you to head off and explore. Also suggest you take hiking poles as they come in handy on some of the steeper grades.  
Happy shoeing ( need more snow)

You can totally rent Snowshoes from A&L on Rosser Avenue.

Thanks guys. I still am not sure where to go. This would be my first time taking our kids and needs somewhere safe and easy to begin with.  
Mixed messages from people here. Anyone know of anywhere else to go fairly close by

If you are a beginner, try hanbury hill and trails around there (once we get more snow), or through queen elizabeth park, or riverbank discovery center, or south side of river across from discovery center, or even rideau park or the treed areas of the keystone center.  
 
the romantic cabin rentals Nature's Hideaway in the Brandon Hills offers snowshoes to their guests and access to dozens of acres of pristine virgin snow.... but no kids allowed.

Thank you for noting and suggesting that people snow shoe OFF of the groomed cross country ski trails.  
 
Groomed x-country ski trails are damaged by snow shoeing on the tracks, or walking on the tracks, or tobogganing on the tracks, or fat tire biking on the tracks.  
 
There lots of options in the Hills for those activities to take place off of the groomed trails. Just takes a bit of effort to look for them.

Anyone been up today to see what conditions are like up there? Was thinking of heading up tomorrow but not if it's a mucky mess, in this mild weather.

Princess Auto has military grade snow shoes on sale right now for $95.00 taxes in. I bought a set. These are the same frames as the issued ones I have at work ( in the military ) but the binding straps are not as rugged. Great for those who snow shoe recreationally.