25 Epic Places to Visit in Ontario in Winter (2026)

There are so many amazing places to visit in winter in Ontario. This province doesn’t always get the credit it deserves.

As someone who’s grown up in Ontario, I’m no stranger to the unpredictable weather, but also the many beautiful places to visit in our province this time of year!

Whether or not you like snow (I do) – looking for places to visit in Ontario in winter, you might want to consider places that have a variety of indoor and outdoor things to do.

This way, if the weather doesn’t cooperate, there’s still plenty to keep you busy.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect Valentines Day getaway, or a family weekend vacation, I’ve highlighted the best places to visit in Ontario in winter.

So, let’s jump in – places to visit in Ontario in winter!

BEST Places to Visit in Ontario in Winter

Now that you know about the weather and how to get around Ontario in winter, here are the places to put on your Ontario winter bucket list. Whether you live in Ontario or are visiting, these places will charm you and help you fall in love with winter

1. The Blue Mountains

Blue Mountains is an area in Grey Highlands of Ontario, with sprawling hills, lots of ski resorts, great hiking and. Specifically, Blue Mountain Village is the main tourist attraction in the area. It turns into a festive lit-up winter wonderland during the holiday season, but remains a fun place for the rest of the winter too.

Here are things to do in Blue Mountain (and surrounding areas) during winter:

• Walking around the Blue Mountain Village; shopping and eating. Their light festival during the holiday season is especially well done and very pretty. There’s also an outdoor stage with live entertainment, and an anniual NYE celebration
• Rejuvinate at Scandinave Spa – a serene place to relax in a Nordic-style spa (for people 18+ only)
• Canada’s only Aquapath – steam room, saunas, and baths. It’s like a Nordic spa, but its all indoors. This is at Living Water Resort in Collingwood
• Snowboarding, skiing or snow-tubing at one of the many resorts (Devil’s Glen, Mansfield, Blue Mountain)
• Ride the forest roller coaster, in Blue Mountain which is open year-round
• Swim in the hot waters of the Polar Plunge in Blue Mountain Village, an outdoor heated pool open year-round
• Go skating on the on the Woodview Mountaintop Skating trail, about a 10 minute drive from Blue Mountain Village

There are lots of overnight accommodations at the Blue Mountain Village Resort,or nearby in Collingwood.

I will warn you that parking has become challenging at Blue Mountain Village over the past few years due to popularity. Especially on weekends in December, give yourself time to find a parking spot.

2. One of Ontario’s Nordic-style spas

Ontario has a few different Nordic-style spas, with outdoor hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms. They’re popular in the summer, but sitting in a hot tub surrounded by snow is a fun winter experience too.

Outdoor hydrotherapy is a fun, relaxing thing to do as a winter getaway, and there are a few options in the Greater Toronto area.

• Scandinave Spa, near Blue Mountain Village (as mentioned above)
• Vettä Nordic Spa, in between Barrie and Orillia
• Thermea Spa Village in Whitby (I haven’t been to this one, but a friend tells me that its her favourite out of all of them)
• St. Anne’s Spa in Grafton, east of Toronto

Most people in the GTA are trying to choose between Vettä and Scandinave, as they are the closest to Toronto. Read my post comparing the two Nordic spas here.

3. Stratford

Stratford’s history dates back to 1832 and as a result, there are plenty of gorgeous Victorian buildings downtown, such as the Stratford City Hall and the Perth County Courthouse. It’s a gorgeous little town with a surprisingly good foodie scene for a place of its size.

Stratford is known for its famous Stratford Festival in the summertime where Shakespearean plays are performed in multiple theatres downtown. However, Stratford is a great to visit in the winter as well, either for a day trip from Toronto or a whole weekend.

Things to Do in Stratford in Winter

• Visit craft breweries and distilleries, lots of shopping, and great food.
• Do the Stratford Chocolate Trail, a self-guided tour downtown of the historical sights, and allows you to find all the best chocolate.
• Explore the foodie scene – there are over 20 restaurants to choose from in the downtown core. There’s Asian fusion, Italian, or Mexican, you’ll be able to find something that suits your tastes. (Be sure to make reservations on a weekend.)
• Go ice skating at the Stratford Museum, or try snowshoeing at River Valley.
• For more ideas, read my post on best things to do in Stratford for more ideas to do in Stratford (year-round.)

4. Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons

Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons is a pioneer village in Midland, Ontario, and while they are closed for daily regular admission, they have a few special winter events.

First Light, a holiday light event, has become very popular in recent years, but it only runs until mid-December.

If you missed First Light, you can still consider:

• Renting one of the crystal houses (pictured above) for an evening 3-course dinner. Perfect for special occasions or date nights throughout the winter. Book here on Eventbrite, or phone the,
• Take part in one of their other winter events:
  • Beyond the Palsaides (running for 1 day only in late Feb)
  • Adventures in Time Travel (mid March)
  • Sweetwater Harvest Festival (late March)

27. Elora (and/or Fergus)

Elora and Fergus are both small historic towns northeast of Guelph (about 90 minutes from Toronto) known for their 1800s limestone architecture, Europe-like atmosphere, and walkable downtowns.

In the winter, Elora features a 20-metre man-made ice wall where you can do ice climbing. Offered by Axe Pursuits, its one of the few places in Southern Ontario where ice climbing is allowed!

If you’re looking for a luxurious getaway, Elora Mills Hotel & Spa which overlooks the Grand River and the Elora Gorge. There are snow globes outdoors in the winter are cozy and stunning. Both Fergus and Elora are such cute small towns, and so many people flock here in the warmer months.

5. The Bruce Peninsula

The Bruce Peninsula is the northern tip of the Niagara Escarpment, which is known for its rocky cliffs overlooking Lake Huron. It’s full of national and provincial parks, and stunning shorelines.

Its towns, Lions Head, Wiarton and Tobermory are some of the has several cutest in Ontario, and they are open year-round. Sometimes there are fewer restaurants and accomodations than what you’d see the rest of the uyear.

Bruce Peninsula is usually visited between May and October, but can be visited in winter with snow tires and weather caution. Its a lot quieter in the winter, with fewer services. Here are things to do in winter:

• Visit the Grotto and Indian Head Cove -one of the most scenic sights in Canada, and visited by hundreds of thousands of people each year. In the winter, you can visit with much fewer crowds (and without having to reserve a parking spot like you do in the summer.) In winter, its popular to snowshoe to the Grotto on a different path than the usual one as the regular trail isn’t maintained. Book a snowshoe tour for the Grotto here!
• Skate on a forest skating path in MacGregor Point Provincial Park.
• Enjoy breathtaking early sunsets; the sunsets on the west side of the peninsula over Lake Huron are stunning
• Visit waterfalls in the Owen Sound area (Jones Falls and Inglis Falls are spectacular), can be done on the way to or home from the peninsula
• Go to the Wiarton Willy Festival, in the town of Wiarton in February, to see if the groundhog sees its shadow.

Good to Know: The closest town to the Grotto is Tobermory, which is a tourist hotspot in the summer. While most of the restaurants in Tobermory are closed during the winter, a few remain open: Pharos, the Pricness Hotel Restaurant, and the Tobermory Brewing Company.

6. Kingston

The historic city of Kingston is culturally pretty significant in Ontario. Its known for the being the “limestone city” as many of the downtown heritage buildings are made of limestone.

It’s a very historic city – did you know it used to be Canada’s capital before Ottawa took over? Kiongston was the hometown of Canada’s first-ever prime minister, and the Tragically Hip lead singer was from here as well.

Kingston, as its full of heritage buildings, is gorgeous in the winter, especially when it snows. A winter visit to Kingston allows you to soak of some of Canada’s history and culture, and there are some fun outdoor winter activities as well.

Things to do in Kingston in Winter

• Explore the historic downtown: check out the Spirit of John A. Canadian Pacific Railway, and take a St. George Cathedral, walk through Confederation Park, and Fort Frederick which is a historic military building.
• Do the Kingston haunted walk (offered year-round), which allows you to explore the historic downtown and hear the haunting rumours
• Lots of indoor stuff to do, especially in the evening: axe throwing, escape rooms, art galleries and breweries
• Go skiing and snowshoeing on Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area, a 973-acre nature reserve just 15 minutes from downtown. (You can rent winter sports equipment at the Outdoor Centre in the park.)

Check out Kingston winter accommodations here

7. Barrie (during Winterfest or not)

Barrie is not usually seen as a top tourist desintation, but it has a special winter festival, plus the opportunity to see the Barrie Colds, and lots of ski hills nearby. Plus, Casino Rama and Vettä Nordic Spa just 30 minutes north.

Barrie Winterfest is one of the top winter festivals in Ontario, and a longtime tradition. There are amazing snow and ice sculptures in the downtown area on the waterfront, and winter entertainment such as lumberjack and ice skating shows, and a polar plunge.

Barrie is located just 90 minutes from Toronto, and less than 2 hours from Algonquin Provincial Park, which makes it a good in-between of southern and northern Ontario.

Other things to do in Barrie during winter

• Catching a Barrie Colts game at the Sadlon arena
• Bar hopping on Dunlop Street downtown
• Getting the tastiest gourmet donuts at Mmm Donuts
• Escape rooms, axe throwing, bowling, and movie theatres
• Skating on the Midhurst Skating Trail, near Barrie
• Visit Vettä Nordic Spa, just north of Barrie
• Hiking on nearby trails or skiing at one of the nearby ski resorts, such as Mount St. Louis, Horseshoe Valley or Snow Valley.

The average daily temperature in January in Barrie (middle of winter) and is a high of -3°C and a low of -12°C. It can be especially chilly near the waterfront.

8. Mono Cliff’s + Hockley Valley

The Mono and Hockley Valley area is a dream in wintertime. They usually get a lot of snow; there’s a lot of scenic winter beauty, but also some great restaurants, ski resorts and spas.

• Mono Cliff’s Provincial Park is a nature preserve 90 minutes from Toronto with hiking trails, great toboggan hills. It’s close to Hockley Valley which very much caters to visitors- spas, cozy restaurants, and snow activities. It has dramatic rocks that are apart of the Niagara Escarpment. It’s by far one of our favourite places to hike, and I specifically come in the winter for these rare views. See my recommendations for Mono Cliff’s trails here. A daily vehicle pass is now required, year-round, which you can grab on the park’s site here.
• Hockley Valley, has a lot of really nice winter things to do and see, such as The Hockley Valley Resort (spa treatments, skiing or dinner in their restaurant) or The Rosebud Motel which was used in the TV show Schitt’s Creek is in the area

• Do a tour of Ketchum House, or stay at their cabin. They own Cabin on the 9, which is a magical winter getaway for couples. And Ketchum House is a fully sustainable eco-house, and it has beautiful views as well

Pro tip: Be sure to make an advance reservation if you plan to eat at any of the local restaurants. They’re very popular on weekends

9. One of Ontario’s forest skating trail

Skating trails have become very popular in Ontario in winter in recent years. There are so many of them, and its such a fun way to go skating. Skating on a trail is generally more interesting than just doing circles around an arena, and forest skating trails in particular allow you to spend time in the wilderness as you’re doing it.

Here are a few skating trails around Ontario to check out in winter:

• Arrowhead Skating Trail at Arrowhead Provincial Park, a 1.3 km long loop through the Muskoka forest. It’s the longest skating trail in Ontario. Its also open at night from 6-9pm and is lit with fire lights
• The Midhurst Skating Trail, takes you through the scenery of trees, as well as old locomotives and other structures representing Simcoe County’ history. Just 10 minutes from the heart of Barrie.
• MacGregor Point Provincial Park forest skating loop, which is on the Bruce Peninsula
• Woodview Mountaintop Skating trail in the Blue Mountain area

Pro Tip: Skating trails base their opening hours on the weather. If the temperature rises too much, they may close for the day. Be sure to check websites for all of these places for daily updates.

10. Ottawa

Ottawa, the capital of Canada, is a great place to learn about history and culture and Canada, and enjoy some awesome winter activities, plus see the beautiful historic buildings covered in snow. Ottawa can be a very romantic winter getaway or a fun place to go for families with kids.

Things to do in Ottawa in Winter include:

• See the Parliament buildings and historic downtown Ottawa. They’re very pretty covered in snow
• Winterlude, the largest Canadian winter festival
• Visit any 9 of the best museums in Canada (great way to spend time indoors too, in case its cold) if you want to escape the cold
• Outdoor ice skating, weather permitting. Rideau Canal is a 202 km canal that links the Ottawa River to the St. Lawrence River. Its a UNESCO World Heritage Sight. You can rent skates, or bring your own. Also skating trail in Gatineau Parc (which is just over the river from Ottawa, technically in Quebec) called Forest Lac de Loops.

See our 2-3 day Ottawa itinerary, which is applicable year-round for a way to structure a winter weekend getaway to Ottawa. Average temperatures in Ottawa fall to an average low of -14°C in January, so be sure to bundle up!

Pro Tip: If you’re heading to Ottawa in winter, consider coming during Winterlude, Ottawa’s 3-week winter festival during the first few weeks of February each year. There are ice sculptures, a snow-playground for kids, as well as other special events suitable for families and date nights. In 2024, Ottawa’s Winterlude will be held from February 2nd to 14th.

11. Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a hotspot in the summertime, but its a great place to visit in the winter too. Niagara Falls is ‘frozen over’ and covered in snow in extreme cold temperatures, but don’t be alarmed if you find that it isn’t. The weather in the Niagara region is a lot milder than other parts of the province.

Things to Do in Winter in Niagara Falls in the wintertime include:

• See the falls glowing different colours at night. (In the winter, you don’t have to stay up to late to see it, as the sun sets by 5pm in January!)
• Winter Festival of Lights from November through to February each year, where there are lit up decorations throughout the town, near the falls
• Visit indoor attractions, like the Niagara Falls Power Station or Journey Behind the Falls that allow you to see the falls up close
• Lots of family-friendly indoor activities, making it suitable for toddlers, kids and teens alike. There’s Bird Kingdom, the largest aviary in North America, a butterfly conservatory, and lots of indoor waterparks.

Fun fact: In the winter months, the volume of the falls might be a bit thinner as some of the water that flows to the falls is diverted to be turned into hydroelectric energy. But you can’t really tell from the naked eye, the difference is subtle.

You can drive to Niagara Falls, but there are also lots of easy options for getting to Niagara Falls from Toronto.

12. Collingwood

Collingwood is a smallish city just 20 minutes from Blue Mountain, and has turned itself into a year-round tourist attraction. It’s downtown is super cute; it has cozy family-owned cafés with delicious baked goods and hot drinks, lots of unique shopping, and the orange brick heritage buildings. You could visit and enjoy attractions in Blue Mountain and Collingwood combined, since its so close to Collingwood.

Otherwise, things to do in Collingwood only (in the winter) are:

• Shop/eat on Hurontario street – Collingwood’s main street with pubs with live music, breweries, colourful murals, great restaurants and boutique shopping.
• Explore Blue Mountain village – as I mentioned, Blue Mountain Village is so close (15 minutes) that its worth combinging with Collingwood or vice versa
• Visit Canada’s only Aquapath (indoor, adults only.) It’s a sauna, hot tub and stream room experience – all indoor. It’s a nice way to warm up from the cold, and rejuvinate. My husband and I visited for a day to enjoy the heat and sauna. You can add an infrared sauna too, if you choose.

13. Toronto

Toronto seems like an obvious choice, but its a really nice place to visit in winter for some unique reasons. Toronto has many special things to do in the winter. The weather is mild compared to other parts of Ontario, but its still often cold enough for outdoor ice skating, snowshoeing and toboganning (and yes, you can do all of that in Toronto!)

Things to do in Toronto in winter

• Skating on the rink in front of Nathan Phillip’s Square, or the Harbourfront Centre (for a view of the CN tower while you skate)
• Toboggan hills and even a ski resort right in the city!
• Snowshoeing on the Toronto islands (where you can get a great view of the wintery Toronto skyline)
• Escape the cold at the the Royal Ontario Museum (largest museum in Canada) or Bata Shoe Museum.
• Casa Loma, Toronto’s only castle, is also nice to visit in the winter when you can see the snow-topped castle towers.
• Visit Little Italy, Koreatown, or Little India at all times of the year and soak up world cultures, and delicous hot meals
• Check out the Winter Solstice celebration in the Kensington Market on the first day of winter.
• Do a food tour of the Kensington Market (Toronto’s foodie neighbourhood) which run year-round.
• Ride to the top of the CN Tower to see the snow-covered land from 1800 feet in the air. You can also dine at the 360 Restaurant, located at the top of the CN Tower. (You’ll need to make reservations in advance.)

In order to be centrally located and minimize time outside in the freezing cold, consider staying near Union Station which puts you within walking distance of the Nathan Phillip’s Square outdoor rink, and right near public transit to get anywhere in the city.

For central places to stay in Toronto’s downtown, read my post on the Best Hotels near Union Station.

14. Huntsville area/Algonquin Provincial Park

Algonquin Park is the largest park in Ontario, and one of the oldest in Canada. Most people come here for the fall, but you can get spectacular views in the wintertime -and, see lots of active wildlife.

Algonquin covers 7,000 square kms of forests, lakes and trails. Its a haven for wildlife. Algonquin Park is open all winter, although there are only 8 different hiking trails open in the winter months.

You can either hike them, or snowshoe or cross-country ski on them. (You can rent snowshoes in Huntsville.)

The whole area surrounding Algonquin is beautiful at any time of year. There are many rustic cabins with fireplaces to rent out in the area, or unique stays like this glass dome – for families or couples looking for something special.

Whether or not you want to go to Algonquin, the nearby town of Huntsville, is a really cute place to visit year-round.

Read my post on the best places to stay near Algonquin Park year-round (includes Huntsville and nearby areas.)

15. Thunder Bay

Located at the head of Lake Superior, Thunder Bay is the largest city in northern Ontario and known for being one of the best “outdoor cities” in Canada. In the winter, there are activities such as hiking on nearby trails, skiing and snowshoeing, ice skating and even winter camping.

I lived in Thunder Bay for one year and it happened to be the worst winter they’d had in 30 years! My car battery died more than once, and sometimes kids weren’t allowed to be outside for more than 10 minutes at a time to prevent frostbite. Bring an extra car battery, and lots of warm winter clothing if you head to Thunder Bay in the winter.

Things to Do in Thunder Bay in Winter

• Visit Kakabeka Falls, the 2nd tallest waterfall in Ontario, which are a 30 minute drive from downtown. The falls are apart of a provncial park and are open year round.
• Thunder Bay Museum, which has very interactive museums to teach you about the way of life of indigenous people and early settlers
• Thunder Bay Art Gallery, which is free on Wednesdays
• Don’t forget to try a Persian (a local pastry) which is a strawberry-flavoured donut. Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea, perfect way to warm up during a Thunder Bay winter!

16. Bracebridge (Fire and Ice Festival)

The town of Bracebridge is famous for its annual Fire and Ice Festival, which is a unique winter carnival unlike any other in Ontario. The main event of the festival is the large super snow slide on the main street,

Bracebridge is one of the nicest small towns in Ontario, and worth visiting in winter even outside of the winter festival. But, if you’re eyeing Bracebridge, then you may as well experiene this really unique festival. You can find:

• ice sculpting demonstrations
• ice skating and snowshoeing
• marshmallow roasting
• frozen pond hockey
• many other children’s activities
• fireworks in the evenings

The dates for the 2026 Bracebridge Fire and Ice Festival is January 31st. Tickets, when they go on sale, will be available for purchase on their website. If you’re located far from Bracebridge, then I’d recommend booking accommodation at the Wellington Inn, which offers free breakfast and is a short walk from the centre!

Good to Know: Parking downtown Bracebridge can fill up quickly during the festival, but there are shuttles offered throughout the day between 9am and 6:30pm to bring people to the heart of town where the festival is held. Shuttle information can be found on their website here.

17. New Tecumseth

New Tecumseth is a community with the small towns of Tottenham, Beeton and Alliston. We’re not Fergus and Elora, and we’re not Niagara on the Lake. It may not be as ‘cute’ here as other towns in the province, but we do have a few hidden gems and we’re a gateway to many popular things to do in winter.

Things that make New Tecumseth well worth a visit in winter include:

• Spending a day or evening at Wärme Sauna, the perfect winter escape for couples (adults only). Located on a private farm outside of a Tottenham, Wärme Sauna has outdoor hot tub, massage table and sauna!
• Staying overnight at the The Nottawasaga Inn. It provides a snowy atmosphere in the winter. The restaurant and indoor pool have large windows that look out onto the golf course which is often covered in a blanket of snow in the winter. Aside from the large indoor pool, “the Nott” as its referred to by locals, has a hot tub, an arcade, and an indoor jungle-themed mini putt.There are also spa treatments available on site.
• Eat some delicous meals – we have some great restaurants here: the Taste of Freedom or Timo’s in Tottenham, Da Grazia, Gust or Williams in Alliston, – just be sure to make a reservation during the weekend, as our local restaurants are very popular and fill up fast
• Eat a hearty breakfast at the Cedar Kitchen, or Bibby’s in Beeton (you might even see me there!
• Get a glimpse of the 1920s heritage steam train, South Simcoe Railway, which has been used in movies and TV shows.
• Stevenson Farms Bed and Breakfast offers spa treatments and overnight accomodations and great service year-round for adults just outside of Alliston.

18. Stay at a cabin in the snowy woods

Winter is the perfect time to stay in a cabin. I love the rustic house being warmed by the fire, and the snow falling outside.

Cabin on the 9, located just outside of Orangeville, has to be the most romantic winter destinations in Ontario. You can also enjoy hiking or snowshoeing on the grounds, there’s a pond where you can go ice skating, provided its cold enough.

Heating the cabin with a wood fire gives the cabin a cozy feel when its cold outside. My husband and I spent a wintery Valentines Day weekend here and it was a magical weekend.

The owners of Cabin on the 9 are very committed to sustainability and eco-tourism, and you can also stay overnight or book a tour of Ketchum House, which is a fully sustainable house nearby.

While stying at Cabin on the 9, head into the town of Orangeville, which is known for its art scene and great food options.

Locals will tell you its one of the best places to live and visit in Ontario, anytime of year. You can also enjoy winter hiking on Island Lake Conservation Area, nearby.

19. Kitchener-Waterloo, and St. Jacobs

Kitchener and Waterloo (two different cities side by side) are located just 90 minutes west of Toronto. They have become a decent large city, but just outside of them is the small cute town of St. Jacobs which makes the whole area worth visiting./

Being a ‘student town’ with two universities and one college in the area, there are a lot of fun things to do year-round, and winter is no different. Ways to enjoy winter in the KW area include:

• Visiting St. Jacobs: See live threatre at the St. Jacob’s Playhouse – see their calender here. The Farmer’s Market offers food tours on Thursdays – $47 per person, includes 6 tastings
• Take part in Winterloo, held in late January. There are food markets, ice sculptures, and snow activities, and even sled dogs.
• Go skating on any of the 30+ skating rinks in Kitchener-Waterloo that are open from November to March, depending on the weather.
• Go snow-tubing, skiing or snowboarding at Chicopee park, which is just 15 minutes outside of Kitchener. It has a 200 ft vertical drop, and plenty of beginner as well as more advanced hills.
• To get indoors, check out the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery, which has mostly contemporary works – both Canadian and international.

Pro Tip: I lived in Waterloo as a student, and one of my favourite things to do in the city year-round was to go see a movie at the Princess Cinemas, which are located in historic buildings downtown and play independent, international and Canadian films. Check what’s playing here.

20. Niagara on the Lake

Niagara on the Lake is a popular place to visit year-round, but in the wintertime, they have their special Icewine Festival, which takes place over two weekends in January.

Held outdoors in the heritage downtown, the Ice Wine Festival features ice wines made from local wineries, as well as delicious gourmet finger foods from upscale local restaurants.

Of course, if you can’t make it to the Ice wine Festival, Niagara on the Lake is worth a visit anytime of the year.

There’s less to do in winter, but its a beautiful town to visit year-round (plus it will be cheaper, and you won’t have to fight crowds.)

Check out the best places to stay in Niagara on the Lake (photos, tips and honest reviews) here

21. Creemore

Creemore is a small village nestled in hilly farmland area less than 2 hours north of Toronto. It has a quaint historic downtown with shopping, and is home to the smallest jail in North America, as well as the brewery for the popular Creemore Springs beer.

Being only 20 minutes to Blue Mountain, and 10 mins to Devil’s Glen (the tallest ski slope in Ontario) Creemore makes a quiet place to enjoy small-town culture in winter, as well as lots of winter sports and activities nearby.

Things to Do in Creemore in Winter

• Go on winter hiking trails just outside Creemore. The Bruce Trail is nearby. My personal favourite winter hike near Creemore though is the Creemore Nature Preserve. It has a variety of loops, ranging from easy to difficult.
• The Creemore Springs Brewery in downtown Creemore offers the following tour options throughout the year: Tours at the Creemore Brewery typically take 20-30 minutes, and advance registrations are needed.
• Cozy up to the many great cafés in town
• Find more ideas on my post Things to do in Creemore Ontario

With the great winter hikes, ski slopes nearby, as well as the quaint downtown with the smallest jail and brewery, Creemore makes a fantastic weekend winter getaway in Ontario.

Check out this bed and bed breakfast on farmland just outside Creemore

22. Mount St. Louis Moonstone (largest beginner ski hill in Ontario)

While Blue Mountain, mentioned above, is the largest ski resort in Ontario, Mount St. Louis is known for having the largest beginner hill in Ontario.

Its a fantastic place to learn to ski, but there are also plenty of intermediate and advanced runs for those looking for more of a challenge.

Mount St. Louis Moonstone is located just outside of Barrie, which makes it central and accessible to those in Toronto, as well as from further north of Ontario. Mount St. Louis 11 chair lifts, and 38 slopes, varying in ability levels

There are lessons offered at Mount St. Louis for any ability level, from beginner to advance. There are also two different chalets, on site as well as a rental equipment shop.

23. Sudbury

Sudbury, located over 4 hours north of Toronto, is known for its cold winter temperatures, but also for being a picturesque winter Wonderland that draws nature lovers and photographers.

Sudbury is worth a visit in winter because its one of the best places in Ontario to go cross-country skiing. There are a hand full of different parks where you can go, and rentals are available on site at most of them too.

With 330 lakes in the Greater Sudbury Area, there are lots of places to go skating if its cold enough, but a few different rinks and trails through the forest too- try Ramsay Lake Skate Path, Kivi Park, or Nina’s Way Skate Path.

Families with children will enjoy a visit to Wagonwheel Ranch for Maple Taffy wagon rides and bonfires during the winter.

24. Orillia

There are lots of great things to do in Orillia year-round, and winter is no exception. Known as the Sunshine City, Orillia has plenty of great things to do outdoors in winter – skiing at nearby slopes, trails for snowshoeing and ice skating.

There are 150 shops and 30 restaurants in the downtown core of Orillia, making it a great place for a stroll any time of the year. Visit the Orillia Arts District downtown to admire street art, and visit art galleries.

If you’re an art fan, you should also consider driving about an hour north of Orillia near a town called Magnetawan. There you’ll find Screaming Heads, which is free of charge and open in the winter. (Great for snowshoeing and appreciating rare, wacky art.)

If you’re looking to escape the cold in Orillia, step into history by taking a tour of the Leacock House, which was owned by a Canadian author, or visiting the Ontario Provincial Police Museum.

Although the Budweiser Stage in Toronto is closed during the winer, Orillia’s Casino Rama is open all year. It has a 5,000-seat concert venue, 9 restaurants, a spa and a hotel. It’s basically your hotspot for (mainly adult) fun in Orillia any time of the year.

Check out Glen Oro Farms to look into winter horseback riding, or luxury camping experiences in Orillia.

25. Owen Sound

Owen Sound is one of the most underrated places to visit in Ontario in winter. Owen Sound is in Grey County and there are a ton of waterfalls in the area. One of my favourites is Inglis Falls. Jones Falls and Hogg’s Falls are also breathtaking anytime of year.

If you’re in Owen Sound during December, check out the Festival of Northern Lights, which runs from November 18th until January 7th.

Owen Sound has a diverse foodie and art scene, and there are lots of great places to eat on the main street. One of my favourites was Sabitri’s, which serves Indian and Nepalese food. Check out the Tom Thompson Art Gallery downtown, to see this Group of Seven Member’s greatest works.

Just a 40 minute drive from Owen Sound is the Beaver Valley Nordic Ski Club which offers 8 kms of cross country ski and snowshoe trails.

26. (Bonus) Hamilton (waterfalls!)

Last but not least, check out the city of Hamilton – just over an hour’s drive southwest of Toronto – in the winter. Hamilton is known as the “City of Waterfalls with over 100 of them being located nearby.

Visiting in winter gives you a chance to see these waterfalls in a different setting, and likely with fewer crowds than the summer and fall months.

Fun fact: Due to Hamilton’s location on the lake and being south of Toronto, Hamilton often has milder weather in the winter compared to other Ontarian cities. The average high in January is -1°C and the low is -9°. However, its not completely immune to cold snaps here and there – this photo of Trinity Falls nearby was taken during a particularly cold few days.

Things to do in Hamilton during winter:

• See the waterfalls in winter! Here’s my list of best waterfalls in Hamilton to visit
• Visit the small town of Dundas, which is apart of Hamilton. There are lots of great restaurants and cozy café there; even though its apart of the greater Hamilton area, it feels like a small town
• Take part in their Winterfest which they host every February which has live performances, snow sculptures, games and family-friendly activities, etc

What You Need to Know about Ontario in Winter

Here’s everything you need to know to be prepared for winter in Ontario

• As mentioned, the weather can be unpredictable in Ontario, at any time of the year. Prepare for days as cold as -20°C (-4°F), as well as days that go up to 10°C. Anything on this spectrum is possible in Ontario in winter.
• I wish I could tell you that Ontario was a winter wonderland throughout the whole winter, but that isn’t necessarily true. The snow tends to come and go throughout the winter, especially in Southern Ontario.
• The further north in Ontario you go, and the deeper into the winter (mid-January through February) the more likely you are to encounter snow.

Driving in the Snow

For those who aren’t used to snow, its important to know that driving in the snow requires you to drive slower and think ahead more.

Ensure that your car has proper winter tires. There are many days in the winter where locals avoid driving anywhere. Pay attention to the weather forecast and don’t drive anywhere during a snowstorm.

If you’re in the Toronto area don’t own a car, or don’t have one that you trust for long winter drives, then consider renting one from Discover Cars.

Things to Do in Winter in Ontario

Regardless of where you go in Ontario in winter, these kinds of activities are available close to most major cities and towns. Here are the things you can do in Ontario in winter, and where you can go to do them.

1. Go tobogganing

Tobogganing has a long history in Canada, and although mostly thought to be a kid’s activity – adults can certainly do it too.

Tobogganing has cultural roots in Ontario, and in Canada – the word “toboggan” is derived from the French word, tabaganne, which is believed to have derived from the Algonquian word, tepagan.

You can do tobogganing anywhere in Ontario. There may be hills in the forest, in a subdivision, or park.

Usually the best people to ask for the place to toboggan locally are people who live in the area – they’ll know where the best toboggan hills are.

2. Go snow-tubing

Snow-tubing offers a substitute to downhill skiing and snowboarding, as well as tobogganing. Similar to tobogganing, you’re sliding down a slope. However, snow-tubing is usually offered at ski resorts as a separate activity to snowboarding and skiing.

Snow-tubing is great fun for kids and adults, and it gives you the thrill of flying down the hill on the snow without needed to perfect for skiing or snowboarding skills first.

You can buy a snow-tube and go down any regular toboggan hill, or for added fun, visit resorts like Blue Mountain or Horseshoe Valley which have great snow tubing slopes.

3. Go ice skating

You can go ice skating on a public skating rink, an ice skating trail, or in some cases, a frozen pond. There are both indoor and outdoor rinks throughout towns Ontario.

Depending on the municipality you’re in or visiting, look up their town recreation centre and you’ll be able to find information on the public rink, if there is one.

One of my favourite places to skate outdoors in winter is Toronto – Nathan Phillip’s Square and the Harbourfront Centre outdoor rink.

4. Cross country skiing

Cross country skiing is a low-impact activity, but still great exercise and often allows you to ‘get out in nature’ in the winter in Ontario. It can be done at many clubs and provincial parks around Ontario, or on private property.

One of the best places in Ontario to do cross-country skiing are the Mono Nordic Ski Club outside Orangeville. It’s open 7 days a week, and you can either get an annual membership or just do a day pass.

At only $10/day for kids 8+ and free for 7 and under, its certainly much more affordable than downhill skiing!

5. Snow-shoeing

Depending on where you go in Ontario, it might be easier to snowshoe than to do a winter hike. If a trail is well maintained/patted down, then you can simply hike in your boots. But if the snow is deep, then you might want to consider snow-shoeing instead of hiking.

Look up the trail conditions of the place you’re visiting to see what the conditions are like, to determine whether you should bring winter hiking boots or snowshoes. Snowshoes can be rented from many places, one of them being Nordic

Good to Know: These resorts near Toronto all offer equipment rentals for both cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Always check the weather conditions before you visit.

6. Downhill skiing or snowboarding

Downhill skiing and snowboarding are very popular winter sports in Ontario. I won’t lie, you can find bigger and more impressive hills if you go to Western Canada, to places like Banff or Vancouver. But Ontario has a lot of great ski resorts too.

Devil’s Glen is the tallest ski hill in Ontario, while Blue Mountain is the largest resort. One of my favourites, mentioned above, is Mount Saint Louis.

Either way, regardless of your level, you have your pick. If you’re new to skiing or snowboarding, check the website of the ski resort to see what lesson options they offer to beginners.

7. Visit a Nordic Spa

There’s something about visiting a nordic spa in winter. Sitting in a hot tub, warmed by the steamy water, outside while its cold is a relaxing sensation and worth experiencing.

There are a few nordic spas in Ontario which are very popular – my two personal favourites outdoor spas which I’ve been to many times are Vettä Nordic Spa in Orillia, and Scandinave Spa in Blue Mountain.

There is also a fantastic indoor Nordic-style spa in Toronto called Othership

Places to Visit in Ontario in Winter: FAQs

Here are the most commonly asked questions about visiting Ontario in the winter, and the best places to visit during the winter months

How can I enjoy winter in Ontario?

You can enjoy winter in Ontario by getting out into nature and taking in the beauty. The scenery can be beautiful when its covered in snow. part in some snow sports – there are some easier ones like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, and if you’re up for more of a physical challenge – downhill skiing, snowboarding and ice skating.

Which province is best to visit in winter?

The best province to visit in winter depends on your personal preferences. If you enjoy winter sports, then British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec are home to the largest and tallest ski resorts. If however, you want to explore historical and cultural cities then you might want to consider Quebec or Ontario.

Which Canadian cities are worth visiting in winter?

Many cities in Canada are worth visiting in the wintertime. If the cold doesn’t bother you too much, head to Quebec City, Montreal, or Banff (not a city, but a very picturesque destination.) If you want as mild weather as possible, then consider Vancouver or Victoria – some of the warmest cities in Canada.

Places to Visit in Ontario in Winter: Conclusion

By now you know the best places to visit in Ontario in winter, and have an idea of some exciting things that happen around Ontario in winter. If you enjoy the snow and don’t mind the cold, then there are many places in Ontario that you can enjoy in the winter months.

Be prepared for snow anytime between the months of December and March, but to not get your hopes up too much if you’re in Southern Ontario (anywhere south of Orillia) because there are some scattered days throughout the winter where there’s no snow at all; only slush or chilly weather.

Whether its a city, town, resort, national park or spa, there are so many creative ways to enjoy winter in Ontario and make the best of the chilly season, and often, participate in activities that have deep cultural roots in Ontario and Canada too.