winter trails

Brandy Lake bridge

Walking south from the Brandy Lake parking area you will cross the Brandy Lake bridge sponsored by the Rotary Club of North Bay and built by the Friends of La Vase Portages.  Just past the bridge a sharp left, or eastward turn perpendicular to the main trail, marks the start of the linear trail to Cooper's Lake. It takes about an hour to hike or snowshoe the trail each way.  

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Cooper's Lake beaver dam

Doesn't matter how cold it gets there always seems to be open water and very thin ice just below the beaver dam.  As of January the ice on Cooper's Lake has had some surface slush but has been otherwise great for walking and snowshoeing.  There are no marked trails on the Lake and this is an isolated area so be mindful of the hazards and use it at your own risk. 

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Bernie's canoe rest

In advance of last year's canoe day Bernie added two much appreciated canoe rest along the height of land portage and also on the Birch's Road portage.

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Cooper's Lake 

Just as pretty in the winter as in the summertime, but definitely easier to walk on in January.  Takes about 45 minutes to an hour to hike or snowshoe in from the Brandy Lake access point.  Please use the appropriate trails and avoid private property in the area.

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Winter Trails

            Starting from the Brandy Lake parking area a linear trail can be found running from the North Bay Mattawa Conservation area to Telford's Landing and Cooper's Lake.  Generally the trail is fine for hiking with winter boots ( in the winter months ) and keeps to the higher ground.  Snow shoeing is always another option following heavy snowfalls.

             Walking south from the parking area, just past the bridge over a small stream area and on the east side, the trail splits at  right angle to the main trail.  Follow the flagged trail along the east shore of the swamp area, throuh a large spruce and pine grove, and about a kilometer along the trail it rises to a high clearing - home of an abandoned cabin foundation.

              At this point you continue another two kilometers to Telford's Landing and Cooper's Lake.  From the landing the high hilltop of Murray's Lookout can be seen opposite the landing on the west bank and if ice conditions allow for the crossing, the hike to the top offers a great view on a clear day.

               You will need to return via the same trail or continue south down Cooper's Lake to Birch's Road but will need to either make separate arrangments to be picked up at the south end or return by the same track.

                On the return please be sure to respect the posted no tresspassing signs as they mark private property and keep on the same trail as you came out on.

                The trail to Cooper's Lake and back takes about two hours plus any additional time if you climb Murray's Lookout.   From Brandy Lake to Birch's Road you should allow about two hours aswell and importantly all ice crossings are at your own risk.