15+ Awesome Things to do in Winter in Ontario
That moment after a storm when the sky clears, trees glisten with a hint of ice, and a smooth layer of snow blankets the ground. That is winter in Ontario at its finest! Winter is one of the big reasons travellers flock to Canada. We have fours incredible seasons. And there are a wealth of things to do in winter in Ontario.
12 Best Things to do in Winter Ontario
Most of these winter activities in Ontario share one common thread – getting outside. But don’t let that fool you. Many of these Ontario winter bucket list items involve a little adventure and a healthy dose of reaching into your inner nature addict. But some are more relaxed, can be great for families, and blend a mix of the outdoors with indoor warm-up opportunities.
See the Northern Lights
There is nothing more spectacular and memorable than seeing the Northern Lights. And the truth is, you’ll be surprised that you don’t have to go far to see them. I still remember the first time I saw Northern Lights. It was right outside my door, on my ninth birthday, here in Southern Ontario.
You don’t have to travel to Northern Canada to experience them. There are a bunch of places to see the Northern Lights in Ontario. Some of the best places to the aurora borealis are in Ontario provincial parks!
One great area to see the Northern Lights in Ontario is around Lake Superior. Whether you’re driving between Thunder Bay and Sault Ste. Marie or enjoying quiet time in Lake Superior Provincial Park, this is a great area to check out the lights.
Another great spot to catch the Northern Lights in Ontario is Torrance Barrens Conservation Reserve. This hidden gem is only a few hours north of Toronto. And it’s a great place to enjoy winter in Ontario. Torrance Barrens covers 5,000 acres and is the world’s first permanent Dark Sky Reserve. So, not only is it a great place to take in a starry night sky, but it is said to experience strong geomagnetic activity which results in awesome Northern Lights.
Winter Festival of Lights in Niagara Falls
Nights are long in the winter here in Ontario. So a perfect way to brighten up winter in Ontario is experiencing the Winter Festival of Lights in Niagara Falls.
Home to one of the top Ontario attractions, Niagara Falls draws many visitors for the awesome Horseshoe Falls. However, winter in Niagara Falls offers more magical experiences, like the light festival!
For an 8 kilometre stretch of the Niagara Parkway, between Clifton Hill and Dufferin Island you can drive or walk through an incredible winter wonderland of light displays. It’s one of the top places to enjoy light displays in Ontario!
The Winter Festival of Lights runs from the middle of November to the middle of February. Plus, it’s free! And there’s more! You can find more light displays in the Clifton Hill area, the Fallsview area, as well as Lundy’s Lane. There is also a ton of things going on here during the festival season. Like firework shows, the Fallsview Sound and Light Show, and so much more.
First Light in Midland
One of my favourite things to do in winter in Ontario is to attend First Light in Midland.
As one of the top things to do in Midland, First Light takes place on the grounds of Sainte-Marie among the Hurons. The site is a living museum of Ontario’s first European community and the land of the Huron Wendat people. First Light brings the spirit of the past together with the wonder of the season. How? With over 5000 candles that line the pathways, buildings and more.
Step back in time in the longhouse and be regaled with stories. Enjoy Indigenous drummers. Join in with the carolers. And don’t forget to stop by the smokehouse for tasty treats, the craft market in the museum, and try your hand at the craft table. First Light runs three weekends, Thursdays – Sundays nights, from the end of November to the beginning of December.
Winter Camping
One of the top winter activities Ontario has to offer is winter camping!
While many parks are only open for seasonal camping, there are many that offer winter camping too! Some are open to tent camping and others have seasonal accommodations that are ideal in the winter. So, don’t worry, winter camping can be comfortable!
Winter camping at Windy Lake Provincial Park is one of the top things to do in Sudbury! Visitors can book one of their four yurts that help take a bit of the chill out of winter camping. Plus, Windy Lake Provincial Park has cross-country skiing trails and other attractions to keep you busy.
Many other parks have winter camping too! Another great park to enjoy a winter getaway in is Killarney Provincial Park. Along with tent camping, there are two cabins and six yurts that are open all winter long!
A couple of other great Ontario parks for winter camping include Arrowhead Provincial Park, Silent Lake, and Pinery. All have either yurts or cabins available.
Winter Travel Tips: Be sure you have everything you need to be safe and comfortable while winter camping. Make sure you know how to safely make a fire. Plus, pack accordingly when it comes to food and clothing.
Plan a Trip to Toronto
One of the best places to visit in winter in Ontario is Toronto! The city offers one of the best Ontario winter getaways, with tons of free and exciting winter activities!
Along with all the top tourist attractions, visitors will find plenty more fun things to do in winter in Toronto! A popular event to start off the winter season is the annual Toronto Christmas market in the Distillery District.
When the snow piles up and the temperatures drop, you’ll find unique skating rinks popping up across the city. One of the most popular skating rinks in Toronto is in Nathan Phillips Square. In front of city hall, this awesome summer fountain becomes a skating rink in the winter.
Another unique rink can be found at The Bentway. This reclaimed urban park, located beneath a highway, is transformed into a winding skating rink. Its an over 700 feet long figure-eight skate trail. Plus, on certain days you can get free hot chocolate and free ice skate rentals!
For those visiting Toronto in February, there are a ton of fun events that don’t need a plus one! A few festivals take place every February including the Bloor-Yorkville Ice Festival and the Toronto Light Festival.
If you’re looking for a thrilling winter activity in Toronto then head over to Riverdale Park to go tobogganing. It’s one of the best snow hills in Toronto!
And don’t worry, there’s plenty of places to escape the cold in Toronto! Visit one of the many museums in Toronto. Or pop into of the top Toronto coffee shops for a warm latte!
Chase Frozen Waterfalls
For me, there is nothing more wonderful in the winter than waterfalls. Especially frozen ones. Seeing those massive shards of ice covering the plunging water, with hints of movement behind, will wow you. And you may not realize this but Ontario is full of waterfalls, from north to south.
There are three main areas to find awesome frozen waterfalls to chase this winter in Ontario. The most popular one is Hamilton. Also known as the Waterfall Capital of the World, with over 100 waterfalls. A few great Hamilton waterfalls to see in the winter are Webster’s Falls, Tiffany Falls, and Albion Falls.
Another great location for winter waterfalls is Grey County. Less than 2 hours north-west of Toronto, Grey County is home to incredible waterfalls that aren’t as busy as the Hamilton ones, but just as awesome. Some of my favourite waterfalls in Grey County to see in the winter are Eugenia and Hoggs Falls. You can even do a day hike between each.
If you’re looking for somewhere a little more off the beaten path and more adventurous I recommend Thunder Bay. It’s one of the best destinations in Canada for outdoor enthusiasts, any time of year. And within Thunder Bay and area, there are over a dozen waterfalls that will amaze you.
One of my favourite places in Ontario to chase waterfalls is in Muskoka. There are a ton of things to do in Muskoka in the winter, one of which is checking out the many incredible waterfalls in the area.
Go Snowshoeing
I love hiking! And if you do too then you’ll love snowshoeing! It’s a great way to stay active, get outdoors, and have fun during our sometimes long Ontario winters. And if you’re not ready to commit to buying a pair of snowshoes at first there are many places, stores like MEC, and even some Ontario parks, where you can rent them from.
There are endless places across Ontario to go snowshoeing. But one of the best is Grey County. It’s close to Toronto and makes for a great day trip this winter. Where to go? The Kolapore Uplands is a great spot, with 50 kilometres of marked trails. An interesting spot is the Nottawasaga Bluffs. It’s home to awesome views, caves, and other trail features.
Head to Algonquin Provincial Park for more snowshoeing trails to try this winter! Algonquin is one of Canada’s most famous parks. And it’s fabulous any time of year but is a wild wonderland in the winter. If you are a novice snowshoer, try Algonquin’s Logging Museum Trail. And for more of a challenge, try Hemlock Bluff Trail.
One of the best winter day trips in Ontario is Muskoka! Among the many things to do in Muskoa in winter, snowshoeing tops that list! Or, if you want to make a weekend of it then book a cozy Muskoka cottage getaway!
Winter Travel Tip: Whether it’s your first time snowshoeing or twentieth, be sure to plan accordingly. One of my top winter hiking tips is know the trail! Being snow covered, the trails may have hazards that you can’t see. So, check before you go.
Go Ice Climbing
Forget about staying straight on the path! If you’re looking for something more adventurous to add to your Ontario Winter Bucket List then Ice Climbing is it! Whether it’s straight up a cliff face or clambering up a frozen waterfall, ice climbing can be dangerous. But if you do it with a reputable company you’ll have the time of your life.
Some of the best ice climbing locations in the world are found right here in Ontario. Northern Ontario is considered the ultimate ice-climbing country. There are dozens of options, some of which will take you up waterfalls and to heights of 400 feet. Most of these locations are remote but very worthwhile once you’re climbing.
For something closer to home head to Muskoka this winter. Here you’ll find the Canadian Shield which makes for incredible granite rock walls that are perfect for ice climbing. There are a variety of tour operators to choose from and they offer adventures the range from beginner to intermediate.
If ice climbing isn’t your jam, consider some other snow fuelled winter activities like cross country skiing, ice fishing, downhill skiing, or snow boarding.
Ice Skate the Rideau Canal Skateway
Winter in Canada means frozen lakes and rivers. And an Ontario winter activity that’s great for singles, families, and couples alike is ice skating. But forget those boring skating rinks. There are so many cool ice skating trails in Ontario.
The most popular Ontario skating trail is the Rideau Canal Skateway. In Ottawa, the capital of Canada, during the winter you’ll find the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink. The Rideau Canal is one of the country’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
In the winter, this World Heritage Site becomes one of the top places to visit in Ontario! At over 7 kilometres long, skating the Rideau Canal is the perfect way to spend a winter day. You can skate, enjoy views of beautiful Ottawa, and don’t forget to grab a Beavertail for dessert! Plus, if you visit during Ottawa’s Winterlude in February, there’s plenty of other fun winter activities and events going on!
More Skating Trails in Ontario
As mentioned, there are lots of fun ice skating trails in Ontario! While the Rideau Canal Skateway is the most famous, there are other popular ones to try.
A popular ice trail, just three hours north of Toronto is in Arrowhead Provincial Park, in Huntsville. This picturesque 1.3 kilomentre trail winds its way through the magical forests in Muskoka. The trail generally opens near the end of December, weather permitting. It was even named one of the world’s stunning natural ice skating rinks by Travel & Leisure.
Just outside Midland, at Discovery Harbour, there is a cool skate trail that runs along the shoreline of Georgian Bay. This ice trail is open from the middle of January 12 through mid-March. And not only is there a 1.5 kilometre skate trail but there so much more outdoor fun. Like fireworks, ice sculptures, and other crazy entertainment.
Blue Mountain Village
For those looking for places to visit in Ontario during winter that have something for everyone, that place is Blue Mountain Village!
This fabulous ski resort is home to a wealth of winter activities. As one of the most popular places to ski in Ontario, you can ski, snowboard, and snow tube down the hills. But there’s so much more to this resort town!
Blue Mountain Village is located just outside Collingwood, in the south Georgian Bay area. On top of the ski hill adventures, visitors can snowshoe and enjoy a skate trail at the top of the mountain. There’s even a roller coaster ride!
One of my favourite things to do is visit the Blumination Trail! It’s one of the best Ontario light displays! The trail winds around the large pond in the village and it’s free to enjoy.
Beyond all of the outdoor activities, Blue Mountain Village is a great place to relax! It’s home to the world famous Scandinave Spa. Plus, there are a variety of cute shops and boutiques to browse. And you’ll eat well in the colourful village! There are lots of great restaurants and cafes for a little après ski treat!
Visit a Christmas Market
A wonderful way to start enjoy the Ontario winter season is by attending a Christmas market!
There are so many incredible Ontario Christmas markets that take place across the province. Some of them are traditional, with wooden huts and roasted chestnuts. While others are more unique and offer fun experiences like wagon rides and local crafters selling their goods.
Visiting one of the many holiday markets it the perfect way to get the festive spirit! And if you’re looking for festive things to do in Toronto, you’ll find one of the best Christmas markets. The Toronto Christmas Market takes place every year in the Distillery District and will make you feel like you’ve found a slice of Europe in Ontario!
Many markets start in November and running through December. A few of the best markets to visit include the Christkindl Market in Kitchener, Ottawa Christmas Market at Lansdowne Park, and the Merry Market in London.
And if you’re looking for adorable small town markets, be sure to add the following to your list. Niemi Farm Christmas Market, Holiday Market in Uxbridge, and the Annex Handmade Holiday Market in Bracebridge.
Have an Epic New Years
You can’t forget the biggest night of the winter – New Year’s Eve! One of the best things to do in Ontario in December is attend a New Years Eve party!
And Ontario has some pretty awesome big cities to ensure you have an epic New Years. But because this big night comes but once a year you better start planning early.
My favourite place to ring in New Years is Toronto. Their big event is held at Nathan Phillips Square. And not only is it a family-friendly event, but it’s also FREE! Leading up to the crack of midnight there is a ton of things going on in the Square. There is food and drinks, live music and entertainment, skating and of course fireworks.
Niagara Falls has been called one of the top places to spend New Year’s. And every year in Queen Victoria Park, right beside the Falls, they host an epic New Year’s Eve party. Why should you go? Niagara Falls hosts an awesome outdoor concert with some of music’s biggest acts. And the concert is free! But there is also food and drink vendors, as well as not one, but TWO fireworks displays.
5 More Things to do in Winter in Ontario
Winters in Ontario are long! Make the most of winter by planning to enjoy all of the fun things to do in winter in Ontario! Whether you want outdoor adventures or unique experiences, I’ve got something for you!
Icewine Festival – For a sweet winter festival in Ontario, plan a weekend in Niagara! Every January the Niagara region celebrates their famous ice wine with the Niagara Icewine Festival. Visitors will find plenty of wine tastings, culinary events, and so much more!
Try Fat Biking – Another fun winter activity in Ontario to try is fat biking! As one of the top things to do in Bracebridge in winter, there are plenty of places to explore on bike. Plus, if you don’t have one, LIV Outside offers rentals on fat bikes as well as snowshoes and cross country skis.
Stay in an Igloo – If you’re looking for unique places in Ontario in winter then head north! There’s a place in Cochrane where you can stay in an igloo! At the North Adventure Inn, you can spend the night in one of their two igloos!
Experience the Lake Superior Ice Caves – One of the coolest experiences in winter is checking out the Lake Superior Ice Caves! A great place to see them is Old Woman Bay in Lake Superior Provincial Park. Exploring the ice caves is one of the best day trips from Sault Ste. Marie!
Snow Tubing – Snow tubing is one of the best things to do in winter in Ontario with kids! Thundering down a snow hill in the comfort of a giant tub is fun for all! There are numerous places to go snow tubing close to Toronto and beyond! A few great places to go are Snow Valley Ski Resort, The ROC, and Lakeridge Ski Resort.
Must-Attend Ontario Winter Festivals & Events
If you’re looking for more fun things to do in winter in Ontario then you’re in luck! There are a ton of great winter festivals and events that take place across the province. So, don your toque and grab your mitts and check out these awesome Ontario winter events!
Maple Syrup Festivals – held across Ontario from March through April
Winterlude in Ottawa – during Februray
Fire and Ice Festival – annually at the end of January in Bracebridge
Winter Festival of Lights in Stratford – starts the middle of December through January
Cochrane Winter Carnival (Ontario’s oldest winter carnival) – during Februray
Winter in the Wild Festival at Algonquin Park – happening the middle of Februray
Frequently Asked Questions about Winter in Ontario
When visiting Ontario in the winter you will likely have a few questions. Below I answer a few of the most asked questions about visiting Ontario in winter.
What are the winter months in Ontario? – The winter months in Ontario are December, January, and February. However, winter weather can happen beyond those months, in November and March too.
How cold does it get in Ontario? – Average Ontario winter temperatures are generally below 0°C. However, winter temperatures in Ontario can often drop below 0°C to -30°C.
Is Toronto worth visiting in winter? – Yes, Toronto is worth visiting in winter! There are so many things to do in winter in Toronto!
Best places to visit in winter in Ontario – Toronto, Muskoka, Blue Mountain Village, Ottawa, Niagara Falls, Lake Superior Provincial Park, and Algonquin Park.
Best things to do in winter in Ontario – Skate the Rideau Canal Skateway, snowshoe, winter camping, ice climbing, Christmas markets, skiing, and winter festivals.
So, forget about hibernating this winter! Get out and enjoy winter in Ontario this year!
What are your favourite things to do in winter in Ontario?
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