Winter at Hemlock

While Haleway Drive is plowed during the winter, it is still a packed snow surface. Winter tires are essential. Make sure to drive slowly and take care as melting snow can create slippery sections or icy patches. Southwood Road is notoriously bumpy, especially during periods of freeze and thaw. Uneven road surfaces due to compacted snow and ice mounds mean slow driving is generally better. Fresh snowfalls may not be plowed immediately so patience and care is required when using the road during and after inclement weather. You will be notified ahead of your stay should inclement being forecast to impact your stay.

The cottage can be accessed during the winter months with some added care. Every effort is made to clear a pathway to the main cottage door before arrival however snowfall can be unpredictable and, if weather hits, there may be some snow to clear. Use the deck area (pathway to the right of the entrance staircase) to access the main door (this keeps you on a level surface). A shovel is left at the base of the stairs as well as at the main cottage door.

Be very cautious of walking on the frozen lake. While ice begins to form on the lake surface in early December, the thickness of the ice takes much more time to support any load. Be extra cautious approaching the shoreline as it can be hard to determine where ice begins. Avoid accessing the lake surface until safety can be properly established, the cottage includes a detailed section in the cottage compendium to determine appropriate ice thickness. When in doubt, stay off the lake.

We have three pairs of snowshoes for guests to use while at the cottage (S, M, L). These are stored on the back deck. Take precautions when accessing the lake surface and when in doubt, use the snowshoes along the main road or in the forested areas behind the cottage.

The cottage is heated via Heat Pump with two, wall-mounted units providing the heat. Please ensure these are turned down to 16 degrees before leaving (do not switch off as the cottage needs to be constantly heated to prevent freezing of interior systems). The propane stove should be used only as a supplementary heat source or for enjoyment as the heat pump is more than sufficient to heat the space otherwise.

We do our best to provide updates to guests who may be impacted by inclement before or during their stay. Should the road become unusable or the weather deteriorate to a point where access to the cottage is not possible we will provide an update and refund.

When visiting Hemlock Lake House during the winter, remember to pack some of these essentials:

1. Warm hat, mitts, gloves, scarves! It can be cold up here and we strongly recommend packing an extra set of mitts/gloves if you are pursuing any outdoor fun!

2. Snow boots! Accessing the cottage really requires a good set of snow boots! Snow can be deep so boots are essential!

3. Winter jacket! The wind and temperatures can make enjoying outdoors difficult without adequate warmth. Bring a heavy, warm winter jacket to make sure you can enjoy the best of the colder months!

4. Skis/sleds/skates! If you are looking to pursue some outdoor fun, why not throw the skis on the car or pack a sled for the pup to pull? The winter season is one of the best times to explore the area. Snowshoes are provided at Hemlock Lake House (3 pairs, size S, M and L).

During the winter our regular campfire spot is generally covered in snow (and rendered pretty much inaccessible for the winter season). With that in mind, a solo stove is placed on the deck for outdoor fires to warm up after a snowshoe or lake ski! Firewood is available at 2356 Southwood Road (we have included it as a stop on our pre-made Google Maps links under the ‘Getting to Hemlock lake House’ tab). We often stop here for local, dry wood for fires. Be sure to bring cash, it’s $10 a bag!