27 Epic Places to Visit in Ontario in Winter (2025)

Looking for the best places to visit in Ontario in winter? You’re in the right place.

Winter in Ontario means a lot of exciting things to do that are unique to the colder months.

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!

Not everyone in Ontario likes the snow, but in my opinion, the snow is beautiful, and it also means unique activities.

When 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, we’re going to highlight the 21 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. Blue Mountain Village

Blue Mountain Village 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:

• snowboarding, skiing or snow-tubing
• walking around the village; shopping and eating
• the forest roller coaster, open year-round
• the polar plunge, an outdoor heated pool open year-round
• skating on the Woodview Mountaintop Skating trail, nearby

They do an excellent job with their light displays which are up from December through early January.

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

There’s an outdoor stage in the village where a big celebration on New Year’s Eve is held (and broadcast on TV) every year.

Nearby, you’ll also find Scandinave Spa – a serene place to rejuvenate Nordic-style spa.

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

2. A Nordic Spa

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

• Vettä Nordic Spa, in between Barrie and Orillia
• Scandinave Spa, near Blue Mountain Village
• Thermea Spa Village in Whitby
• St. Anne’s Spa in Grafton, east of Toronto

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

3. Stratford

Stratford is known for its famous Stratford Festival in the summertime where Shakespearian 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.

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.

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.

Read my post on best things to do in Stratford for more ideas to do in Stratford year-round.

4. The Bruce Peninsula

The Bruce Peninsula is north of the Niagara Escarpment, which is known for its rocky cliffs overlooking Lake Huron.

It has several charming small towns, such as Lion’s Head, Wiarton and Tobermory.

Bruce Peninsula is usually visited in summer, but winter is a nice time to visit too. Here are things to do in this area in winter:

• Visit the Grotto -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 from the main parking lot. It’s about a 30-40 minute snowshoe hike from the parking lot to the main cave.
• Enjoy breathtaking early sunsets
• Visit waterfalls in the Owen Sound area
• Go to the Wiarton Willy Festival, in the town of Wiarton in February, to see if the groundhog sees it’s 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.

5. Kingston

The historic city of Kingston is culturally, pretty significant in Ontario. Its known for the following interesting facts:

• Its the “limestone city” as many of the downtown heritage buildings are made of limestone.
• being the old capital of Canada for a few years in 1841 before Ottawa took over
• The hometown of Canada’s first prime minister, and the Tragically Hip lead singer.

Needless to say, 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

• In 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 its spooky stories.
• Go skiing and snowshoeing on Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area, a 973-acre nature reserve just 15 minutes from downtown Kingston. You can rent equipment for winter spots at the Outdoor Centre in the park.

Check out Kingston winter accommodations here

6. Barrie (during Winterfest or not)

Barrie Winterfest is one of the top winter festivals in Ontario, and a longtime community 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.

The dates for Barrie Winterfest 2026 are TBA, but its usually held in early February. The sculptures are also left up for as long as weather permits.

Other things to do in Barrie during winter

• Catching a Barrie Colt’s game
• 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, so be sure to dress warmly. It can be especially chilly near the waterfront.

7. Mono Cliff’s Provincial Park

Mono Cliff’s Provincial Park is a nature preserve 90 minutes from Toronto with hiking trails, great toboggan hills and as a bonus: a fantastic place to eat nearby.

In winter, Mono Cliffs turns into a winter wonderland with snow-covered evergreens, and lots of lookouts into the snowy landscape.

Plus, its less popular from November to April, so you can enjoy the park with fewer crowds if you visit in winter!

I hike the Mono Cliff’s trails often, throughout the year. A daily vehicle pass is now required, year round. You can grab your pass at the Ontario Parks website here.

Before or after your hike, be sure to eat at the Mono Cliffs Inn, which is just outside of the park. My husband and I have come here for many anniversaries and celebrations, and the food is great.

Pro tip: Be sure to make an advance reservation if you plan to eat at Mono Cliff’s Inn restaurant, near the park on a weekend, as it gets very busy.

8. A forest skating Trail

Skating trails have become very popular in Ontario in winter in recent years.

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 to check out in winter:

• Arrowhead Skating Trail at Arrowhead Provincial Park, a 1.3 km long loop through the Muskoka forest. 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.

Pro Tip: Skating trails base their opening hours on the weather. If the temperature rises too much, they may close for the day. Check their website for daily updates.

9. Ottawa

Ottawa, the capital of Canada, is a great place to learn about history and culture and Canada, and enjoy some awesome winter activities.

It can be a romantic winter getaway or for families with kids.

Things to do in Ottawa in Winter:

• 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.

10. Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a hotspot in the summertime, but its a great place to visit in the winter too.

Things to Do in Winter in Niagara Falls:

• 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.
• visit the Niagara Falls Power Station to learn about the history of the falls being used for energy – lots to learn for both kids and adults.
• 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.

11. Toronto

Toronto has a lot to do year-round, and makes a fun weekend winter getaway for couples as well as families.

Toronto has many special things to do in the winter, and makes a good winter getaway destination.

Things to do in Toronto in winter

• Skating on the rink in front of Nathan Phillip’s Square
• 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 he 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.
• Little Italy, Koreatown, or Little India at all times of the year and soak up world cultures.
• 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.

12. 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, such as moose, bear and birds.

Algonquin Park is open all winter, although hours for facilities may vary between November and March.

There are 8 different hiking trails open in Algonquin during the winter months. You can either hike them, or snowshoe or cross-country ski on them

My personal favourite trail in Algonquin year-round is the Track and Tower (7.5 km loop) which gives you a scenic lookout of the lake, with islands and snowy atmosphere ahead. For an easiergoing trail, try the Spruce Bog (1.5 km loop.)

Ski and snowshoe equipment can be rented from Algonquin Outfitters in Huntsville, just 30 minutes from the park.

Read my post on the best places to stay near Algonquin Park year-round.

13. Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay is the 2nd largest city in Northern Ontario, with a population of just over 100k according to the 2021 census.

Located at the head of Lake Superior, Thunder Bay is 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.

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 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!

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.

14. 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, but there are also a lot of other winter-fun going on, such as:

• 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 for the 2024 Fire and Ice, when they go on sale, will be available for purchase on their website.

If you’re 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.

15. Wärme Sauna in Tottenham

Wärme Sauna is the perfect escape for couples in the GTA.

Located on a private farm outside of a small town, Wärme Sauna has outdoor hot tub, massage table and sauna.

While you’re in Tottenham, eat a hearty breakfast at the Cedar Kitchen, or get a glimpse of the 1920s heritage steam train, South Simcoe Railway which has been used in movies and TV shows.

If you’re in town for dinner, I recommend eating at the Taste of Freedom Inn – just be sure to make a reservation during the weekend, as its very popular.

Wärme Sauna retreat can be a day, or overnight trip and can booked online.

15. 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 iceskating, 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.

16. Nottawasaga Resort in Alliston

The Nottawasaga Resort in Alliston provides a snowy atmosphere in the winter, and lots of indoor and outdoor things to do.

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 which is enjoyable for kids and adults. There are also spa treatments available on site.

We have stayed at the Nottawasaga Resort and eaten many meals here. The food and service is great, and there are a number of things to do in New Tecumseth, including winter activities, such as:

• Ski resorts in the Barrie area (Snow Valley, Horseshoe Valley, Mount St. Louis Moonstone)
• Hiking trails in the Alliston Area – The Beattie Pinery and the Gibson Hills (privately owned by generously open to the public)
• Toboggan hills – there’s a large one in the Treetops subdivision which is only 5 minutes away from the Nottawasaga Inn
• Ice skating at the Alliston Recreation Centre indoor arena, or at the outdoor Tottenham arena 20 minutes away (be sure to look up hours for public skating.)

The Nottawasaga Inn is a popular place in the winter months, as its often used by hockey teams. As you can tell, it’s very family-oriented.

If you’re looking for a quieter, more secluded place to stay, then consider the Stevenson Farms Bed and Breakfast, which offers spa treatments and great service year-round for adults just outside of Alliston.

Pro Tip: The community of New Tecumseth has several small-town Christmas events held every November and December

17. Kitchener-Waterloo

Kitchener and Waterloo (two different cities side by side) are located just 90 minutes west of Toronto.

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:

• 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 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.

18. 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

19. 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

Ontario has hundreds of ski resorts. 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. Elora (and/or Fergus)

Elora is a small historic town northeast of Guelph (about 90 minutes from Toronto) known for its 1800s limestone architecture.

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 cozy places to visit in winter.

26. 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.

27. 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. Lots of great restaurants and cozy café there
• 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.