Length of stay: 2 days
Visited: February 2026
It’s been a cold (and very snowy) winter, which means we haven’t been spending much time outside. But the weather forecast was looking promising over the Family Day long weekend so we planned to do some winter hiking. We settled on Presqu’ile Provincial Park as it’s not too far from home and the trails are all relatively flat, which would work well for pulling our little M around in her little red sled. There’s no roofed accommodations in the park during the winter so we booked a room in a hotel in Trenton for a couple of nights, which is 30 minutes from the park.
Day 1: Stuck in the Snow
We drove down Friday evening after work to make the most of the long weekend. After eating breakfast, we headed to Presqu’ile to do some winter hiking. We started with the Marsh Boardwalk (1.2km loop), which weaves through a cattail marsh and contains two viewing platforms overlooking the surrounding area. The trail follows the boardwalk through the marsh and contains a series of interpretive panels that explain more about the marsh and the birds, insects and other critters that live there.
There was quite a bit of snow, but the path was packed down. We saw a few cautionary footprints deep in the snow from those who dared stray from the path. The last stretch leaves the marsh and weaves through a dense cedar grove, ending at the parking lot.
We drove deeper through the park towards the lighthouse. As we neared the shore of Lake Ontario, our car slid on some ice and veered into a snowbank. We were completely stuck. Thankfully a park ranger just happened to drive by and asked if we needed some help. We got out our snow brushes (that’s all we had) to try to dig out the front right tire. But after 15 minutes it became clear that wasn’t going to cut it. And so the park ranger took off to find a shovel and promised to return.
In the meantime, we called a few tow truck companies just in case, but didn’t seem to have much luck. There was confusion about whether they could even enter the provincial park and the only one that seemed willing to help said it would be a two and a half hour wait. With nothing much to do, we hopped back outside and kept digging as best we could with our hands and snow brush.
Thankfully it was mild outside. The temperature was hovering just above freezing. And it didn’t take long for some kind strangers to come over and assist. Soon we had recruited four people. We made some progress and even managed to back up a bit, giving us a glimmer of hope.
The park ranger returned bringing the much needed shovel, along with a few planks of wood to put under the tires for some traction. A few more people came over to help push. All our efforts paid off and we were finally freed from the snowbank. We were honestly surprised and incredibly touched by how many people who offered to help.
We were planning to head back to our hotel around noon. But after all that excitement, we figured we might as well get one more hike in. We settled on Jobes’ Woods Trail (1.4km loop). The trail was named after the family who once lived and farmed here. This part of the farm remained relatively undistributed by settlement activity and today contains one of the oldest deciduous woodlots at Presqu’ile.
It was then time to head back to the hotel to put M down for a nap. Except a nap never came. After a couple of hours we decided to cut our losses and return to the park for another hike. And as soon as we start driving, she of course falls asleep. So we drove towards the park and through the small community that lives there. We did another lap through the park then headed for the Presqu’ile Point Lighthouse. From the parking lot it’s a short walk to get closer to the lighthouse and icy shoreline.
We don’t always see much wildlife at the provincial parks in southern Ontario. But we spotted a rafter of turkeys crossing the road.
We hopped back in the car then drove to Owen’s Point Trail (1.6km loop). The trail is reputed to offer excellent opportunities to see migrating shorebirds along the beach. Not during the winter though. All was quiet. The trail loops through the forest and contains five detours to various viewpoints of the shore. We visited three of the five viewpoints as it all pretty much looked the same.
By the time we wrapped up, it was starting to get dark outside so we headed back to our hotel. We brought dinner from home to heat up in the microwave and just enjoyed a quiet evening in our room.
Day 2: Same Trails Different Day
After eating breakfast, we packed up and checked out. We headed back to Presqu’ile for a bit more hiking before heading home. We wanted to go on a longer hike, but M wasn’t in the best mood and we weren’t sure how she’d fare. So we decided to just repeat some of the shorter trails we hiked yesterday.
We started with Jobes’ Woods Trail. It was cooler this morning (-6°C), but at least the sun was shining. We made our way through the forest, which contained a few boardwalk sections. Not that it made much of a difference since everything was covered in snow.
After that we returned to the Marsh Boardwalk. This time we made an attempt to walk up the wooden stairs of the viewing platform, which were still covered with snow and pretty icy. We then continued along the boardwalk. The landscape looked much different today with some sunshine and blue skies.
As we entered the forest, we passed by a small concentration of horse trees. It’s likely that a late spring frost damaged the central growing stem of these Eastern White Cedars when they were small. One of the side stems then took over as the main shoot. It took awhile for it to bend back upright as it grew, forming a saddle shape as it thickened over the years.
We were back at the parking lot in no time. We wrapped up around lunch time and it was time for M’s nap so we hit the road. This time she fell asleep no problem.
L
Some gorgeous photos here, Linda, especially the one preceding your vehicle push-out picture. The weather appears luminous – just gorgeous. At least it wasn’t completely frigid when you went off the road. I’ve seen that type of tree damage before in Alberta. It’s amazing how a plant or tree will often find a way around such injuries. Cheers.
Thanks Lynette! We really lucked out with the weather. If we had visited the previous weekend when it was -20C outside and gotten stuck, it wouldn’t have been very fun! We aways come prepared with lots of water and car snacks though. I also couldn’t believe how perfect our timing was with the park ranger passing by just minutes after we got stuck. There’s no way we could have freed ourselves on our own.
Wow! That’s a lot of snow. It made me cold looking at it, even though it’s over 30C here! I’m glad you got out of the snowbank OK. xo
We’ve had some unbearably hot and humid days this past week so it’s been nice reminiscing about the winter. I was honestly surprised at how many people pulled over to ask if we needed help. There’s no way we could have gotten out of that snow bank on our own.
That path with the horse trees look fascinating to me. And it’s such a blessing when people come together to help in emergency. Bless them. Hugs to M. I hope she’s more in the mood next time, but glad she get good sleep after. Happy weekend, Linda!
Thanks Hazel. I’m so incredibly grateful for all the strangers who pulled over to ask if we needed help. It goes to show just how many good people there are out there. The horse trees were pretty neat and we’ve never seen something like that before. Once M got a proper nap in, she was in a much better mood! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
A refreshing read on a very hot July day.
Oh I know! We’ve had some unbearably hot weather this past week and I am wishing it were winter right now.
Winter hiking is so beautiful Linda and this place seems to have it all. It is always easier when the snow is packed down or the hike is just too much work without snowshoes or skis. What did your Little One think of it all. As to getting stuck, people are amazing in their willingness to help. That makes a great story for your outing and for M as she grows up. Happy Saturday. Allan
We’ve become huge fans of hiking in the winter and have wondered why we didn’t start sooner. The trails at Presqu’ile were all well travelled which made it much easier to just hike with our regular winter boots and microspikes. Little M was perfectly content being pulled along in her sled. She did try to walk for part of our hikes, but sometimes it was a bit too slippery. Too bad they don’t make microspikes for toddlers! It was pretty amazing how many people offered to help. I’m glad we made it out of the snowbank and that it didn’t take all day. We still had time to do some hiking in the afternoon. Hope you had a lovely weekend. Linda
Lovely! Those horse tree look so much like marker, or trail trees, but they are probably too young to be those. Presqu’ile is a beautiful park and it’s always heart warming to find kind people.
Oh I know. I was pleasantly surprised by how many people offered to help us. It’s also amazing how many people visit Presqu’ile in the winter! The horse trees were pretty cool. We’ve never seen anything like them before.
I love the snowy photos so much!
Thanks so much for your kind words. The snow has a way of making the forest look so magical, especially when the sun is shining.
That is so true.
The image of pulling little M around in her red sled is so sweet — and getting stuck in that snowbank sounds nerve-wracking, but what a testament to those strangers and the park ranger all pitching in to dig you out. As a family that travels, we’ve found the unplanned mishaps often become the moments the kids remember most. Glad you squeezed in a few more hikes after all that excitement!
We got a lot of great use from that little sled this past winter. The timing worked out well with the park ranger passing by moments after we got stuck in the snowbank. While it wasn’t ideal, it could have been way worse! I was genuinely surprised by how many people offered to help. You’re right, it’s those unpredictable situations that can sometimes be the most memorable. And they make for such a great stories afterwards! Thanks for reading and leaving a comment. Linda
Oooh pushing that car in winter — ❄️ Nothing like it 😉Wonderful pics and love that lighthouse and the wild turkey.
We really lucked out with the weather and it was actually pretty mild outside. If we had visited the weekend before it would have been -20C! Brrrr.
That’s a beautiful place to get stuck, Linda! such a wonderful view. There are still a lot of good people in this world, those who helped get your car moving again proves this. It’s amazing how snow can completely change the way the woods look, and the marshes, very beautiful! 😍🇨🇦☺️
It could have been way worse! I’m so glad we were visiting over a holiday when there were more people around. With the help of that park ranger and a few strangers, we were able to make it out of there and still have time to do a bit of hiking. You’re right, the snow has a way of transforming the landscape and making everything look so pristine and magical.
Good people!
Totally! It restored my faith in humanity. Goes to show there are still nice people out there that are willing to help a total stranger.
Yes, there are still a lot of good people in this world! 🤙🏻❤️
Which is fantastic given all the shitty things happening in the world. It helps balance some things out.
Exactly. I hesitate to say certain things on other people’s blogs I visit as I don’t want to be rude. But this shit is what it is and it’s so incredibly vile. So sad. You and your family please be safe! 🤙🏻✝️🙏🏻❤️
So glad you got help to get unstuck on that first day.
Oh I know! I’m so thankful to all the strangers who stopped to ask if we needed assistance. There’s no way we could have gotten out of that snowbank on our own! And thankfully it didn’t take too long and we were able to do a bit of hiking afterwards.
Wow! Getting stuck while driving is never fun. We had a similar experience when we went to Lake Powell in Arizona. The lake level has gone down so much that it exposed a lot of sandy areas. We never thought that the sandy areas were soft! Luckily, we got rescued, of all people, some French tourists visiting the area too!
This was our first time ever getting stuck in a snowbank. Thankfully there were plenty of people around, many of which offered to help. Sorry to hear that you had a similar experience, but with sand. And glad to hear you benefited from the kindness of strangers too.
It is utterly stunning in the snow. But wow, skidding on the ice and getting stuck in the snow bank must have been scary/challenging. Really glad people stopped to help.
I’m so glad we were visiting on a holiday and that there were lots of people around, many of which offered to help. Thankfully it didn’t take terribly long to get out of the snowbank and we were able to still do some hiking afterwards.
We visited this park years ago when we were living in Toronto but never in the winter. We aren’t much winter people. But it is fun to see it with the snow which gives a very different perspective. (Suzanne)
It’s funny how the landscape can look so different depending on the season. We’ve been to Presqu’ile a few times and have even camped there in the summer. They have a lovely beach area. The nice thing about visiting in the off-season though is that there aren’t nearly as many people around and the trails are quieter.
We, people who live in the tropics, see the snow as something magical. But now I realize that living with it is a lot different from just experiencing it on a holiday. It’s really heartening to know that a lot of people offered help when your car was stuck. This further affirms the stereotype that Canadians are generally very nice, which is nothing to complain about.
This was our first time ever getting stuck in the snow. Thankfully we were visiting the park on a holiday when there were other people around. And it’s amazing how many of them offered to help us. Goes to show that there are still good people out there 🙂
My mom grew up in Belleville and my dad was stationed at the airforce base in Trenton, so I know this area quite well. I’ve never been there in winter though, so enjoyed seeing it with you. And you gave M a true Canadian experience, getting stuck in the snow 😊
Ha! I guess you can call it that! I’m just so glad it was a mild day outside … and that we had plenty of water and car snacks. It’s incredible how many people offered to help us.
Always nice to have faith in humanity restored! Glad there were people to help. I bet the hikes were peaceful only hearing the crunch crunch of your boots, and perhaps a giggle from the sled 🙂
You bet. I’m really glad we were visiting on a holiday when there were other people around. Because there’s no way we could have gotten out of that snowbank if it weren’t for some help. Thankfully it didn’t interfere too much with our hiking plans and we were still able to enjoy the trails and snowy scenery. Our little M had a blast being in the her sled.
It’s great that a bunch of people came to your aid. That situation was a dangerous one till the ranger and others appeared.
Oh I know! We were so grateful for the amount of help we received. I’m so glad we were visiting on a holiday when there were more people around. Because there was no way we were getting out on our own!
Beautiful scenery! Getting stuck in the snow is always a pain, but it’s always heartwarming when others stop to help. Seems like a nice weekend!
For sure. The timing worked out well with the park ranger passing by just moments after we got stuck. Thankfully it wasn’t too cold outside and we had an enjoyable time passing the time by chatting with a few strangers who pulled over to help.
Another hiking adventure. I really admire how you work through the difficulties that come up. How nice that you had a crew of random hikers to help you out of the snow bank. And of course, with a little one, you already know how to pivot!
Thanks! I was pleasantly surprised by how many people pulled over to ask if we needed help. Thankfully it was such a mild day outside and that we were able to free ourselves without having to wait around for a tow truck. And we were still able to get some hiking in afterwards!
That’s great! I’ve always thought I should put a little shovel in my trunk in case I get stuck in the snow. Maybe I need to put a wooden plank in there too!
Thankfully we don’t need to think about winter anytime soon though!
I’ve always wondered if you get stuck in snow too (like it happens with us here in South Africa in thick sand). But how wonderful that so many people jumped in and helped you. When I look at your pictures, the snow looks pretty deep. And I’m with Little M and her bad mood – don’t make me go for a hike in -6°C 😂.
Oh I know. It was amazing how many people stopped and offered to help us. And thankfully the whole ordeal didn’t take too long, only a couple of hours. We were still able to do some hiking afterwards which was great. And -6C was actually pretty mild compared to the previous weekend when it was -20C outside!
Glad you weren’t stuck in that snowbank for long. It really restores your faith in humanity seeing so many people willing to stop whatever they’re doing and help someone else out. I love those snowy forest scenes. Beautiful! And thank you for teaching me the collective noun for turkeys.
For sure. I’m so glad we weren’t somewhere remote and that we were visiting the park over a holiday when there were more people around. There’s no way we could have gotten out of that snowbank on our own. I wasn’t sure what a group of turkeys was called either and had to look it up. You learn something every day!
Beautiful winter pictures! I love the snowy marsh and the lighthouse in the snow! Glad so many people came to rescue to get you out of the snowbank and back to enjoying the park 🙂
Thanks Meg! It was heartwarming to see how many people stopped and offered to help. There’s no way we could have gotten out of their on our own. And I think we’re going to get a little shovel we can just stick in the trunk during the winter just in case.
It is hilarious to me from here in Alabama that you consider just above freezing to be “mild”. That is downright frigid to us! Haha What I wouldn’t give to lie in that snow right now-it got above 100 degrees here this week! Beautiful photos! As always – greatly enjoy your post!
Michelle – with Heads East Tails West
Ha! It’s all relative I guess. We had such a cold winter that just above freezing felt like it was practically shorts wearing weather! We’ve had some hot and humid days these past two weeks and I wouldn’t mind lying in the snow either! It’s been refreshing just reminiscing about the winter. Stay cool out there. Linda
Presqu’ile is a wonderful park and for us so close to home. We loved our camping weekend there a few years ago and the boardwalk is wonderful in the summers with the wall of wild plants on either side. And I have many cute photos of T on those horse trees! 😊
I’m glad you got assistance with being stuck in the snowbank. What an ordeal that must’ve been!
We’ve always had a nice time visiting Presqu’ile, even during this latest visit when we got stuck in a snowbank! It was amazing how many people stopped and offered to help. The marsh boardwalk is our favourite trail in the park, which probably explains why we hiked it twice when we visisted. Those horse trees would definitely make for some good photo ops! We’ll have to return during the summer at some point as I imagine toddler M would enjoy the sandy beach. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
The beach is a very nice spot in the summer! 😊
Wish I was there right now!
Oh no! Getting stuck is never fun. I’m glad there were people around to help you get un-stuck. Aside from that, this sounds like a lovely weekend. I really like the lighthouse and the wonky trees.
This was the first time we’ve ever gotten stuck in the snow. Thankfully we weren’t anywhere remote and were visiting the park on a holiday, so there were other people around. I was pleasantly surprised by how many people offered to help. And luckily it didn’t take too long to get un-stuck and we were able to salvage the afternoon and do some more hiking.
Glad you are no longer stuck… and you were able to enjoy the sunshine
What a memorable winter adventure filled with beautiful scenery, unexpected challenges, and the kindness of strangers.
As beautiful as it looks here, it gives me the shivers….
May you continue making wonderful family memories on trails near and far. 🙂
Thanks Willie. It was pretty incredible how many people were willing to help us. Thankfully it didn’t take too long to get us out of the snowbank! And, it makes for such a memorable story afterwards. But I think we’ll start bringing a small shovel in our car during the winter now. Just in case something like that happens again.
It’s funny to see so much snow during a heatwave – if only it were possible to take a few handfuls of snow out of the photos. Getting stranded with a car is a nightmare. The last time I was in Ireland, I got stuck in the sand with a return flight due a couple of hours later – not a pleasant memory.
Oh I know. It’s been refreshing to recap our adventures from the winter. This was our first time ever getting stuck in a snowbank. I’m so glad we weren’t somewhere remote and that there were lots of other people around since we visiting the park on a holiday. Thankfully it didn’t take too long for us to get out. Your situation sounds like it was super stressful given that you had someplace to be. Hope you made it back to the airport in time!
What a beautiful place! Honestly, seeing all that snow is helpful because it reminds me the heat won’t last forever. Thank you!
It’s fortunate that someone came along to help you so quickly.
Very true. It’ll be fall then winter before we know it. This summer has already felt like it’s flown by so far. And yes, we were so incredibly grateful by how many people who offered to help. I’m glad we were visiting one of the more popular parks as more people were around.
Oh wow. I’m glad you guys got help. That happened to me before on the way to a client’s school. Luckily I had help too. It’s scary when that happens . Presqu’ile Point Lighthouse looks incredible ! I love lighthouses . Matt and my brother and I went to a lighthouse in Erie. It was so neat. It’s a little unnerving climbing to the top but the views are worth it. Glad you guys are safe. Great photos
Oh I know! The timing worked out well with that park ranger passing us minutes after we got stuck in the snowbank. She went back to the park office to get a shovel. Without that, along with a few helpful strangers pushing the car, there’s no way we could have gotten out otherwise. Sorry to hear a similar thing happened to you. Thank goodness for the kindness of strangers!
How cool that you got to climb to the top of a lighthouse. I don’t think we’ve ever done that before!
I definitely recommend it if you get the chance and yes, thank God for kind strangers is right 👍 glad you guys were safe and ok
For sure. And now it makes for a funny story!
Absolutely lol
Thankful for the kindness of strangers xx
Absolutely! There’s no way we could have gotten out of that snowbank if it weren’t for some help.
The scenery is amazing with this snow. I hope you didn’t damaged your car. It is nice that people stopped to help you.
Thankfully the car didn’t sustain any damage. I’m just glad we were visiting on a holiday as there were other people at the park too. It was amazing how many people offered to help.
Nothing worse than getting stuck in snow!! I felt for you reading through all the efforts that went into getting the car back on tracks!! Deciding to do another hike afterwards was so perfect with the view of the Presqu’ile Point Lighthouse and the turkeys!! So worth it! I had never seen them “horse tree” formations before and must say it is the oddest thing I’ve ever seen a tree do as a reaction to damage being done to it.
Ugh, that was actually our first time getting stuck in a snowbank. I’m so glad we weren’t anywhere remote. We were actually there on a holiday so there were plenty of people around. It was heartwarming to see so many people offer to help. Thankfully it didn’t take too long to get out and we were able to do some hiking afterwards. The horse trees were pretty neat and something we haven’t seen a lot of. It’s amazing how resilient some types of trees are.