Top 9 Winter Activities in Ontario to Embrace the Chill

Ontario’s snowy season doesn’t ask you to hibernate. It invites you out into crisp air, quiet forests, frozen lakes, and lively towns where winter culture thrives. Whether you’re chasing powder, gliding through a lit-up forest at night, or dropping a line through the ice, there’s a perfect way to spend a cold day here.

Below are nine standout winter activities with where-to-go ideas, realistic costs, safety notes, and pro tips to help you plan an unforgettable season.

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An Overview of Winter Activities in Ontario

Activity	Skill level	Typical spend	Where to try
Downhill skiing/snowboarding	Beginner to expert	Lift ticket $60–$150+; rentals extra	Blue Mountain, Mount St. Louis Moonstone, Horseshoe Resort
Cross-country skiing	Beginner to intermediate	Park day-pass; rentals $15–$30	Ontario Parks winter destinations like Arrowhead, Killarney, Sleeping Giant
Snowshoeing	Anyone comfortable walking	Park day-pass; rentals $10–$20	Algonquin, Killarney, Silent Lake, Frontenac
Outdoor ice skating	Family-friendly	Mostly free or nominal fees	The Bentway, Rideau Canal Skateway, Arrowhead’s forest loop
Snowmobiling	Licensed riders, all levels	OFSC permit; rentals $150–$250/day	OFSC trail network, Muskoka, Haliburton, Sudbury
Ice fishing	Beginner with guide to advanced	Hut day-rental/guide rates vary	Lake Simcoe, Lake Nipissing, Lake Superior
Winter hiking	Beginner to advanced	Park day-pass	Algonquin, Frontenac, Kakabeka Falls, Killarney
Snowy festivals and events	All ages	Free to modest entry	Winterlude, Bon Soo, Fire and Ice
Dog sledding	Beginner with guide	Guided tour pricing	Haliburton Forest, outfitters near Algonquin

1. Downhill skiing and snowboarding

Ontario’s hills turn into friendly training grounds for new skiers and playful terrain for seasoned riders. Resorts invest in snowmaking and grooming, keeping slopes consistent through long cold spells and quick thaws.

• Blue Mountain anchors the scene with the province’s largest vertical, high-speed lifts, and plenty of terrain variety.

• Closer to the GTA, Mount St. Louis Moonstone and Horseshoe Resort deliver well-groomed runs and night skiing, plus rentals, lessons, and cozy base areas.

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If you or a family member lives with a disability, adaptive ski programs through CADS Ontario create an inclusive pathway onto the snow with specialized equipment and trained instructors. Plus, many ski hills offer other activities like snow tubing, so explore what they have to offer!

Tip: Book lift tickets online early for the best pricing, and arrive for first chair on cold bluebird mornings. It’s quieter and the grooming is at its freshest.

2. Cross-country skiing

Glide through winter silence on classic or skate skis. Groomed networks weave through birch and pine, around frozen lakes, and past wildlife tracks that appear overnight.

Parks with renowned tracksets include Arrowhead Provincial Park, Killarney, Sleeping Giant, and Silent Lake. Many sites rent skis and offer warming huts, and your day-pass covers access to the trails.

Want a little more speed? Look for skate-ski lanes at Arrowhead and other popular Nordic hubs. The cardio payoff is real, and the views keep you moving.

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3. Snowshoeing

When the snow deepens and trails get soft, snowshoes turn any winter walk into an easy, confidence-boosting adventure. They’re intuitive, stable, and surprisingly fun.

Classic places to stomp fresh powder include Algonquin, Killarney, Frontenac, and MacGregor Point. Some parks maintain dedicated snowshoe loops through quiet forests and along frozen wetlands.

Bring microspikes on hard-packed days. You might switch between traction and snowshoes depending on conditions hour to hour.

4. Outdoor ice skating and forest skate trails

Few winter scenes feel more Canadian than lacing up outside and carving turns beneath open sky. Cities and parks maintain rinks and loops that set the tone for an evening out.

• Toronto’s The Bentway twists under the Gardiner with a 220-metre figure-eight and lighting for night sessions.

• Ottawa’s Rideau Canal Skateway opens when cold settles in, transforming a UNESCO site into a massive natural rink.

• For a lantern-lit forest glide, the skating trail at Arrowhead draws skaters to a 1.2-kilometre loop, while MacGregor Point creates a magical nighttime scene around their wooded circuit.

Check park or city websites before you go. Ice quality changes with weather, and maintenance windows can shift after warm spells or snow squalls.

5. Snowmobiling on Ontario’s big network

With more than 30,000 kilometres of groomed routes, Ontario’s sledding scene is built for long days of exploration through hardwood forests, open farmland, and frozen lakes. It’s social, scenic, and surprisingly accessible once you’ve got your licence, permit, and a bit of practice.

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• Muskoka and Haliburton offer weekend-friendly loops and scenic lakeside connectors.

• Sudbury’s District 12 brings rugged granite, tight forest corridors, and photo-worthy tunnels.

• Barry’s Bay and the Madawaska Valley combine river views and heritage trestles that make a ride feel like a tour.

Permits and conditions for the OFSC trail network are posted online, and the interactive map makes it easy to plan routes around fuel stops, making it an excellent resource for winter activities in Ontario.

Safety first: a DOT-approved helmet is required, and riding with an experienced group the first few outings is the fastest way to learn pace, spacing, and trail etiquette.

6. Ice fishing

When deep cold locks in, thousands of anglers gather on frozen lakes to chase perch, walleye, whitefish, and lake trout. Heated huts, short rods, and hot coffee create a cozy vibe in wide-open places.

The best known destination for ice fishing is Lake Simcoe, where Cook’s Bay and Kempenfelt Bay produce jumbo perch and occasional trophies for careful anglers. Outfitters supply huts, augers, and gear shuttles, making it simple for newcomers to get started.

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Lake Nipissing, Lake Temagami, and parts of Superior country also shine when the freeze holds strong. Always check local advisories and measure ice thickness as you go. Blue, clear ice is the benchmark; grey or slushy layers can be unsafe.

Essential kit to pack:

• Insulated boots, mitts, and a windproof shell

• Ice picks on a lanyard, a throw rope, and a headlamp

• A hand or power auger, scoop, and a small sled for hauling

• Licences and ID in a waterproof pouch

7. Winter hiking

Short days and frosty mornings bring quiet trails, crisp air, and views opened up by leafless trees. The trick is simple preparation.

Trail picks that shine mid-winter:

• Algonquin’s Spruce Bog, Two Rivers, and Bat Lake loops for classic boreal scenery

• Frontenac’s Doe Lake Loop for windswept lookouts near Kingston

• Kakabeka Falls’ boardwalk for dramatic frozen falls west of Thunder Bay

• Killarney’s pine ridges and granite viewpoints under a dusting of snow

Before heading out, download the map and recent reviews in one place. Many Ontario hikers now download the AllTrails app for offline GPS, trail conditions, and route-sharing. Recent user reports often note “icy near the crest” or “packed powder, microspikes recommended,” which helps you choose the right traction that day.

Download the AllTrails App for detailed offline maps, GPS tracking, up-to-date trail information, and honest reviews from fellow hikers.

A few reliable habits:

• Dress in layers and start slightly cool

• Carry microspikes, trekking poles, and a spare mid-layer

• Pack a thermos and a headlamp even for afternoon hikes

• Respect seasonal closures and avoid any unverified lake ice

• Consider exploring snowshoeing trails during periods of heavy snow

Ontario Parks posts winter safety and packing guidance, and the advice in their cold-weather hiking tips is well worth a read.

8. Winter festivals and events

Winter culture in Ontario runs on ice sculptures, food, music, and cheerful crowds warming their hands around hot drinks.

• Ottawa’s Winterlude spreads across the city with carving competitions, family activities, and canal festivities too celebrate the holidays.

• Sault Ste. Marie’s Bon Soo is pure northern fun with a long list of community events.

• Bracebridge ramps up the adrenaline with its downtown Fire and Ice Festival, building a snow-luge right on Manitoba Street.

• Toronto’s Winterlicious turns the city into a restaurant playground with special menus.

Bundle up and bring cash or tap for food vendors. Many events are free to enter, with optional paid attractions or tastings on-site.

9. Dog sledding with experienced outfitters

If you’ve never heard a team lean into their harnesses and take off across a frozen lake, you’re in for a treat. Guided dog sledding teaches the basics in minutes and takes you into quiet, beautiful terrain.

Haliburton Forest runs well-regarded tours through a vast private trail network, while outfitters in the Algonquin region and north of Sudbury offer half-day and full-day trips. Most provide warm gear and a full briefing before you step onto the runners.

Respect for the dogs comes first. Good operators focus on dog welfare, rest breaks, and creating a positive experience for both guests and the team.

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How to dress and pack for cold days

Ontario’s weather can turn on a dime. A few minutes of planning makes all the difference.

• Layering system: wicking base, insulating mid, windproof shell

• Hands and feet: warm socks, insulated boots, liner gloves plus mitts

• Traction: microspikes for hiking, skate guards for transit, ski helmet for downhill days

• Warmth: toque, neck tube, spare mid-layer in a dry bag, hand warmers

• Safety: headlamp, small first-aid kit, whistle, phone in an inside pocket, paper map or downloaded GPS route

• Food and water: a thermos with something hot, high-calorie snacks, insulated water bottle

Families can stash a blanket and extra mitts in the car for the ride home. Little touches make the day feel easy.

Planning tips that keep trips smooth

• Reserve timed day-use permits where required at popular parks on peak weekends.

• Check grooming reports for downhill and Nordic areas before driving.

• Watch road conditions and give yourself more time after snowfalls.

• Try midweek or early morning outings for quieter trails and rinks.

• Book rentals and lessons in advance at resorts and touring centres.

For snowmobilers, confirm your OFSC permit and track the interactive map so you know what’s green, yellow, or closed on your route that day.

Three easy winter weekend ideas

• Muskoka sampler: Friday skate under the lights at Arrowhead, Saturday classic skiing on groomed loops, Sunday snowshoe to a lookout and coffee in Huntsville.

• Georgian snow fix: Saturday laps at Blue Mountain with a long lunch on the village patio, Sunday forest hike and bakery stop in Collingwood or Thornbury.

• Capital classic: Saturday on the Rideau Canal Skateway and ByWard Market for treats, Sunday cross-country at Gatineau Park just across the river.

Where to rent gear and learn something new

• Resorts like Horseshoe Resort and Mount St. Louis Moonstone rent skis and boards with beginner-friendly lesson packages.

• Nordic centres at parks across the province rent classic skis and snowshoes; check the Ontario Parks winter page for locations and details.

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• Dog sledding, ice climbing, and snowmobile courses are best booked through established operators. They supply safety gear and the coaching that makes first days enjoyable.

• If you’re starting out in alpine snow sports with unique mobility needs, CADS Ontario connects you to adaptive instruction and equipment.

Budget shortcuts that still feel special

• Choose community rinks and forest trails on free-skate days.

• Pair snowshoe rentals with a park picnic instead of a restaurant lunch.

• Chase sunrise or golden-hour light for photos and skip lift tickets that day.

• Time a visit during midweek festival events to avoid peak crowds and prices.

Ontario winter isn’t one-size-fits-all. Pick one new activity this month, lock in a simple plan, and see how good cold can feel when you’re prepared and outside with the right crew.