Top Winter Activities in Ontario You Can’t Miss

Best Ontario Winter Activities, Canada

If you are looking for something different to do this weekend, check out this list of the greatest things to do in winter in Ontario. As a blanket of snow envelopes our backyard and the pond freezes over, I am starting to plan our winter excursions for the coming weeks. If you need a winter getaway in Ontario, consider these ideas below.

1. Snowboard or Ski Blue Mountain

Our favorite Ontario winter destination is Blue Mountain in Collingwood. We’ve been going to Blue Mountain for more than a decade. When we lived up north near Barrie, we had a season pass and went snowboarding every chance we had. Blue Mountain is Ontario’s premier ski resort with 365 acres of skiable terrain. There are 3 terrain parks, glade runs, and some steep and fun black diamond runs. At 220 vertical meters, it’s not too shabby by Ontario standards.

2. Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain

When in Blue Mountain, make your way to the Scandinave Spa. This beautiful oasis in the woods is the perfect place to soothe your aching muscles after a day on the trails. There is nothing better than sitting in giant hot tubs as the snow falls around you. With hydrotherapy circuits, outdoor fireplaces, and Muskoka chairs overlooking the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve Niagara Escarpment, it is a little slice of tranquility in the forest.

3. Skate the Rideau Canal

The Rideau Canal is the world’s largest skating rink and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When the temperature dips below zero, the water freezes, transforming the Rideau Canal waterway into a skating rink. It is highly recommended to stay at The Westin Ottawa, located right in the heart of the city directly across from the Rideau Skateway. The ice is flooded and maintained throughout the winter, with warming stations and huts selling maple syrup, hot chocolate, and Beavertails along the way!

4. Attend Ottawa’s Winterlude

Ottawa’s Winterlude is a 3-week long winter festival that brings the city alive with festivities, including ice sculpture competitions, nightly entertainment, festive lights, and activities. We suggest a stay at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier for a truly magical experience during Winterlude.

5. Go Dog Sledding

Winterdance in Haliburton offers an incredible dogsledding experience with Hank DeBruin and his all-husky team. This family run operation provides half-day and full-day tours into the Ontario wilderness, and you can even book a cozy cabin to stay the week!

6. Skate The Ice Trail in Arrowhead Provincial Park

The Skate Trail in Arrowhead Provincial Park offers a 1.3 km skating experience that weaves through the Muskoka Forest. When visiting Muskoka, consider staying in a cozy cabin at Cedar Lodge for a romantic escape or visit Deerhurst Resort for a family-friendly atmosphere.

7. Toronto Christmas Markets

The Distillery Winter Village in Toronto offers an enchanting Christmas Market experience filled with winter lights and holiday decorations. With unique architecture, delightful shopping, and seasonal treats, it’s an essential winter activity.

8. Go Snow Tubing

For a thrilling snow tubing experience, check out Snow Valley in Barrie, Ontario, featuring 14 exciting chutes. Other notable places include Horseshoe Resort and Boler Mountain.

9. Snowshoeing in Algonquin Provincial Park

For snowshoeing, Algonquin Park is highly recommended. With Algonquin Outfitters, you can rent all the gear you need and receive maps and recommendations on the best trails to explore.

10. Take A Romantic Sleigh Ride

For a memorable experience, enjoy a sleigh ride at the Back of Beyond Equine Centre in Muskoka, where you can take a private ride through a picturesque winter landscape and end by a campfire sipping hot chocolate.

11. See the Frozen Niagara Falls Waterfalls

While Niagara Falls is known for its beauty in the summer, visiting during winter is enchanting as the frigid weather creates stunning ice formations. Consider lodging at the Marriott Fallsview Resort for breathtaking views of the frozen falls.

12. Frozen Waterfalls

Explore the stunning frozen waterfalls of Hamilton, the waterfall capital of the world. Do not miss out on seeing iconic frozen falls such as Tiffany Falls and Webster Falls, especially during the colder months.

13. Niagara Icewine Festival

The Niagara Ice Wine Festival occurs in mid-January and is a two-week celebration of Ontario’s famous wines. Enjoy tastings and events along the wine route and in Niagara on the Lake’s Ice Wine Village during this wonderful winter experience.

14. Try Ice Fishing

Ice fishing in Ontario is a cherished tradition. You and your friends can pack a cooler and enjoy a cozy day on a frozen lake, with Lake Simcoe being a popular destination for ice fishing adventures.

15. Hit the Snowmobile Trails

Muskoka is revered for its excellent snowmobiling trails. With over 1600 km of OFSC trails, you can explore a variety of routes, including the Muskoka Magic Loop and the Lake of Bays Watch.

16. Lake Superior Ice Caves

Exploring the Lake Superior Ice Caves is a unique experience, especially during extreme weather conditions. If the lake freezes, guided tours can take you through these stunning natural formations.

17. Take in the Night Skies

Ontario boasts some designated Dark Sky areas. Lake Superior Provincial Park and Killarney Provincial Park provide exceptional opportunities for stargazing, with minimal light pollution for optimal viewing conditions.

18. Go Fat Biking

Fat biking provides a unique way to experience winter and is available on various trails across Ontario. Popular locations for fat biking include Hardwood Hills and Albion Hills.

19. Go Cross Country Skiing

There are numerous cross-country skiing trails in Ontario, particularly in Albion Hills and Horseshoe Resort. These locations are known for their maintained tracks and ample snowfall.

20. Go on a Winter Trek

Consider joining a trek led by experienced guides, such as those offered by Kielyn and Dave Marrone. Their winter adventures in Ontario provide a life-changing experience amidst the breathtaking wilderness.

21. Stay in a Yurt

For a unique experience, spend a night in a yurt available at several Ontario parks, including Algonquin Park and Killarney. This allows for a cozy retreat after a day of winter activities.

22. Photograph Bruce Peninsula National Park

Visiting Bruce Peninsula National Park during winter offers solitude and stunning scenery, from snow-covered trees to breathtaking ice formations. It is an excellent time for photography and serene strolls.

So there you have it, an overview of the best winter activities in Ontario. Make the most of the season by dressing appropriately, trying something new, and embracing the adventure that winter brings!

Before exploring winter in Ontario, remember these tips for staying warm: