White Squirrel Golf Course - Walking Trails

White Squirrel may be best known as a golf course in the warmer months, but when the temperatures drop, visitors are welcome to roam through the golf course before joining one of the walking trail loops that pass through the forest running along the creek. 

Experience the property from a new perspective, as the grassy fairways disappear under a blanket of fresh snow. With four marked routes to choose from, it’s a choose-your-own-adventure of sorts when it comes to which path to follow. 

The yellow and orange paths loop through the deciduous forest, following along the edge of the meandering creek. The red route, with its winding pathways through the coniferous forest, is quite spectacular, particularly once Mother Nature has added a glisten of fresh snow, before reconnecting to the yellow route. The yellow route is 3.8 kilometres, while the orange measures 2.9 kilometres. 

With flat surfaces and places to rest, the walk is not terribly difficult, even in the height of winter. Strategically placed benches throughout provide quiet spots to sit and take in the views of the creek rushing by, across the open fields of the golf course or just even a quiet spot out of the wind.

For those who can’t choose just one loop, the rainbow trail takes in all four routes, even the blue trail extending along the creek for a gentle four-kilometre hike. Allow approximately one hour to complete the loop.

If a fresh layer of snow blankets the trails, consider bringing your snowshoes or cross-country skis. Visitors must check in at The Acorn prior to setting off on the trails to complete a waiver form. The trails will remain open until golf season kicks off.

New this year is a walking club that meets on Thursdays at 11 a.m. for people who don’t like to walk alone. There is no cost to join and new friends waiting to keep you company on the trails.

The trails are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and are free to access. Why not plan an afternoon hike and then stay for dinner at their year-round restaurant?

White Squirrel Golf Course is located on Highway 21. Once you see the large white squirrel roadside attraction, you’ll know you’ve arrived. 72538 Highway 21, north of Grand Bend. www.whitesquirrelgolfclub.com