While staying indoors may seem a bit more appealing during the cold winter months, there are many beautiful places to go to get some fresh air and exercise. Cornwall’s proximity to the St. Lawrence River gives it the added benefit of beautiful waterfront trails that are perfect for walking on sunny days.

PHOTO CREDIT - Colleen Rutledge, OurHometown.ca

Cornwall - Jan. 6, 2012 - While staying indoors may seem a bit more appealing during the cold winter months, there are many beautiful places to go to get some fresh air and exercise. Cornwall’s proximity to the St. Lawrence River gives it the added benefit of beautiful waterfront trails that are perfect for walking on sunny days.

Gray’s Creek Conservation Area is 45 hectares located just east of Cornwall on Boundary Road, perfect for hiking and nature walks. When the snow begins to fall, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are two fun options for the 5 km worth of trails throughout the conservation area. Picnic tables and shelters are available, providing an eating area on clear days and during snowfall. The hiking trails range from easy beginner trails to difficult intermediate trails that are fairly easy to distinguish from each other. Gray’s Creek is absolutely beautiful, and definitely worth the twenty minute drive to get there.

Near Gray’s Creek lies the 75 km paved St. Lawrence Recreational Path, which is a delightful walk, bike or run that mostly follows alongside the St. Lawrence River. The path begins in Lancaster, but there are access points in Cornwall, and Long Sault. The St. Lawrence Recreational Path is a great place to run, as there are rest stops and a beautiful view of the best places in Cornwall along the way. Maps are available in many travel centres, but PDF versions are available from info@cornwalltourism.com.

Cornwall’s waterfront trail is 22 km of winding paths perfect for cyclists, hikers and avid runners. This is possibly the most beautiful of all the places mentioned, as it follows the river and offers some of the best views available in Cornwall. Picnic tables, restrooms and designated rest areas are set along the trail so that those using the trail are able to safely take as many breaks as needed.

Lamoureux Park is a Cornwall favourite that both the recreational path and the waterfront trail cross through. The 23-acre park runs along the shoreline in Cornwall’s downtown area, with a large playground and easy access to the Civic Complex and the Cornwall Square. During the summer, Lamoureux Park offers a splash pad for the kids. The park also offers access to Marina 200, the Cornwall Aquatic Centre, the Cornwall Curling Centre, the Lion’s Club Bandshell and the Cornwall Community Museum.

As you can see, there is a lot of fun to be had while still remaining in or around Cornwall. So for those fretting over the break, enjoy a brisk walk on one of the many trails then stop in at The Grind for a warm mug of hot chocolate.