Things to do in the Winter at Inverness Falls Resort

Winter at Inverness Falls Resort brings a different way to spend time outdoors. The lake freezes, the trails transition into ski and snowshoe routes, and the forest and shoreline take on a slower pace. It’s a season built around ice fishing, winter trail use, wildlife viewing, and gathering by the fire once the day is done.

When Brereton Lake freezes over, ice fishing becomes a regular part of a stay. Northern pike, perch, walleye, and black crappie remain active through the winter months, making ice fishing a rewarding way to spend the day. Anglers spread out across the lake, setting up tents or fishing in the open, drilling new holes and adjusting locations as they track changing conditions beneath the ice.

With the resort situated close to the lake, access is easy. Step onto the ice and head toward your chosen location, whether you’re fishing close to shore or venturing farther out in search of deeper water.

For many, ice fishing isn’t the off-season; it’s simply the next chapter of the fishing year. Brereton Lake is where that chapter often continues.

In the winter months, the Inverness Trails turn into a must-try groomed ski network. Designed for novice to intermediate skiers, the rolling terrain moves steadily through forest, offering both shorter loops and longer routes depending on how far you’d like to go.

The trail begins just beyond the parking area and quickly enters the trees. About half a kilometre in, you’ll reach a road crossing that leads toward the warming hut. From there, a 1.5 km loop branches off before reconnecting with the main trail. Continuing on, another junction allows you to extend your outing with an additional 4 km loop or complete the 4.2 km route back toward the starting point.

The layout makes it easy to adjust your distance while staying within the network. It’s a comfortable system for those building confidence, while still offering enough variety to keep experienced skiers engaged.

While ski trails are reserved for skiing, much of the surrounding forest and shoreline can be explored on snowshoes. The River Trail remains a favourite route in winter, offering a steady trek through the trees alongside the Rennie River. At the end of the River Trail, you’ll find the 4.3 km Amisk Trail loop, which also provides a longer option for those wanting to extend their outing.

Many guests head out onto the frozen lake itself, where open space and snow drifts create an entirely different perspective of the area. Snowshoeing allows you to move at your own pace, step off the trail when needed, and explore areas that aren’t accessible in other seasons.

Winter evenings naturally draw people toward the fire. Our two riverside bonfire areas remain open throughout the season, offering a place to gather after a day on the trails or the frozen lake. It’s a simple way to wind down before heading back indoors.

Bring warm layers, a thermos, and settle in as the fire burns against the winter backdrop.

Feeders are located on the decks of the Chalets, making it easy to watch bird activity during your stay.

White-tailed deer and foxes are commonly seen moving along the forest edge and across the frozen lake. Ravens and eagles soar overhead, while owls are sometimes heard or spotted during quieter parts of the day.

Songbirds become especially noticeable in winter. Chickadees, blue jays, gray jays, redpolls, nuthatches, and evening and pine grosbeaks are common visitors. From November through the end of March, we carry out a bird feeding program using an average of 2,500 pounds of sunflower seed each season. Feeders are located near accommodations, making it easy to watch bird activity during your stay.

Wolf tracks may occasionally appear after fresh snowfall, and sightings do happen from time to time. Guests in the Chalets are often treated to a visit from flying squirrels to the feeders after dark.

While there’s plenty to fill your days right here at the resort, a short drive opens up even more of what winter in Whiteshell Provincial Park has to offer.

Ice Fishing: In the Whiteshell, you’re never far from a great fishing spot. Within 30 to 45 minutes, you can reach nearly all of the park’s road-accessible lakes. Our Guest Information Package includes a helpful guide to Whiteshell lakes and the fish species found in each.

Pine Point Rapids: A popular winter stop, Pine Point Rapids offers an 8 km or 5 km loop hike with scenic river views and open water that remains active even in colder months.

Bear Lake Trail: A 6km out-and-back winter hike or snowshoe option that moves through forested terrain and offers a peaceful trail experience.

Cross-Country Skiing: Additional groomed ski trails can be found at Alfred Hole, Pine Point Rapids, and Jessica Lake (Loops A & C), providing more variety for those looking to explore beyond the resort network.

Snowmobiling: With access to over 300 km of groomed trails throughout the Whiteshell, snowmobilers can depart directly from the resort and connect to the wider trail system.