Seasonal Activity Kits - Snowshoes

Keep the whole family active over the winter season with snowshoes! This beginner-friendly activity is easy to learn and great for all ages. Learn more about snowshoes for adults and kids below.

Seasonal Activity Kits are offered in partnership with Brampton Recreation and with generous support from the JumpStart Community Development Grant.

What do I need to borrow snowshoes?

You will need a Brampton Library card in good standing to borrow snowshoes. Click here to learn how to get a library card

Where can I borrow snowshoes?

Adult snowshoes (suggested weight range 110–160 lbs) and kids’ snowshoes (suggested weight range 40–90 lbs) are available for pickup at most library branches. All seasonal activity kits are non-holdable and only available on a first-come, first-served basis. We recommend checking availability before you visit the library.

Click here to check availability for adult snowshoes.

Click here to check availability for kids’ snowshoes.

What is included in the kit?

Each adult snowshoes kit includes:

• 1 pair of Outbound™ All-Terrain unisex snowshoes, 25” 
• 1 storage bag

Each kids snowshoes kit includes:

• 1 pair of McKINLEY™ Scout Jr. snowshoes, 17”  
• 1 storage bag

How long can I keep the kit?

You can borrow adult snowshoes and kids snowshoes for seven (7) days. Please keep in mind that we are unable to provide loan renewals or extensions for these kits. We appreciate your co-operation in returning these kits in a timely manner.

Where can I return the kit?

Adult snowshoes and kids snowshoes can be returned during operational hours to Chinguacousy Branch Library. You will need to return the kit in person to library staff at the customer service desk. Please make sure to dry snowshoes prior to return. When transporting the snowshoes, please place them into the carrying bag with snowshoes turned inward, allowing the crampons (claws on the bottom of the snowshoes) to touch.

What if I have never used snowshoes before?

If you’re new to snowshoeing, no worries! Snowshoeing is a beginner-friendly winter activity great for all ages. 

Here are some basics you’ll need to consider for your first time snowshoeing:

• Borrow snowshoes that are right for your weight and intended use.
• The adult snowshoes kit includes snowshoes that are 25 inches long and support 110 to 160 pounds. They are best used on flat to moderately sloped ground.
• The kids’ snowshoes kit includes snowshoes that are 17 inches long and support 40 to 90 pounds. They are best used on flat ground.
• Wear warm socks and waterproof boots.
• Dress in layers with clothing that can handle cold, wet conditions.
• Bring adjustable poles with snow baskets (optional, but recommended). You can borrow trekking poles with your Brampton Library card. Click here to check availability for Trekking Poles.

We also recommend reading a beginner’s guide to snowshoeing by Ontario Parks staff. You’ll find valuable tips that will help you prepare for a fun and safe day.

How do I put on snowshoes?

Use the general guidelines below to learn how to put on and adjust snowshoes for a proper fit. You can also find a general guidelines tag attached to the kit storage bag.

General Guidelines for Adult Snowshoes

Suggested Weight Range: 110–160 lbs

Temperature Rating: -20C

Snowshoe Length: 25” (63.5 cm)

When transporting the snowshoes, place them into the carrying bag with snowshoes turned inward allowing the crampons (claws on the bottom of the snowshoes) to touch.

To tighten bindings:

1. Step into the binding and pull the binding strap closest to your toes 

over your foot until you find a loophole that feels snug.

1. Secure excess binding strap to clip.
2. Repeat the process for the second binding strap.
3. Pull the heel strap behind your foot until you find a loophole that feels snug.
4. Secure excess heel strap to clip.

To loosen bindings:

1. Pull release strap off of the binding buckle for both bindings on the top of your foot.
2. Lift heel buckle and loosen heel strap.
3. Step out of the binding. 

General guidelines for kids’ snowshoes

Suggested Weight Range: 40–90 lbs

Snowshoe Length: 17” (43.18 cm)

When transporting the snowshoes, place them into the carrying bag with snowshoes turned inward, allowing the crampons (claws on the bottom of the snowshoes) to touch.

To tighten bindings:

1. Step into the binding and push the binding strap into the ratchet until it clicks at your desired snugness. 
2. Pull the ratchet lever up to tighten even more if needed. 
3. Pull the rubber heel strap behind your foot until you find a loophole that feels snug.
4. Secure excess heel strap to clip.

To loosen bindings:

1. Pinch the blue ratchet release button and pull the binding strap out at the same time to release the foot strap.
2. Lift heel buckle and loosen heel strap.
3. Step out of the binding.

Where can I go snowshoeing?

Chinguacousy Park has a recreational snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trail that is free to use and open all winter, weather permitting. Click here to learn more about snowshoeing at Chinguacousy Park.

Credit Valley Conservation Authority has several conservation areas with snowshoeing trails. Nearby spots include Terra Cotta in Halton Hills and Island Lake in Orangeville. Place a hold on a family general admission pass.

Click here to learn more and plan your visit. 

Toronto Region Conservation Authority has several conservation areas with multi-use trails for winter activities. Nearby spots include Albion Hills, Claireville, and Kortwright Centre.

Place a hold on a family general admission pass.

Click here to learn more and plan your visit.

Ontario Parks has 28 locations that offer snowshoeing, many with designated trails. Nearby spots include Bronte Creek in Oakville and Earl Rowe in Alliston.

Place a hold on a day-use permit.

Click here to learn more and plan your visit.