Winters in Canada can be LONG! And when the days are short and cold, it’s hard to get outside sometimes. But there are so many great things to do in Ontario in the winter that it’s worth getting bundled up!
Even though it can be pretty chilly, Ontario is still a gorgeous place to explore in the winter. Instead of hiding out inside and feeling like the winter lasts FOREVER, you may as well get outside and enjoy what Ontario has to offer. (Just bundle up well!)
So we’ve rounded up some of the best things to do in Ontario in the winter, guaranteed to make you enjoy the season a little more! Bundle up and get out to enjoy the winter in Ontario.
Best Things to Do in Ontario in the Winter
Here are some ideas for outdoor winter activities in Ontario to get you out and enjoying the winter months.
1. Experience the Niagara Winter Festival of Lights
The Winter Festival of Lights in Niagara Falls is Canada’s largest outdoor light festival, with over 3 million lights along the Niagara Parkway, Dufferin Islands and across Niagara Falls. And it’s free!
The light displays are located outdoors, along a 8km route stretching from the Falls to Dufferin Islands.
The wide pathways make walking along the light displays easy or you can view the lights from the warmth of your car as you drive the 8km route.
Be sure to see the famous falls, which are illuminated at night as well, and then take some time to explore the many things to do in Niagara Falls.
2. Skate on an Outdoor Trail
If you haven’t tried one of the many outdoor skating trails that Ontario has to offer, you’re missing out.
While some people find going around in circles on a skating rink to be a bit boring, an outdoor trail is anything but!
You can skate through the forest at Arrowhead Provincial Park near Huntsville, along the shoreline in Sudbury or even through a Cranberry Marsh in Bala! There’s also an outdoor trail that winds under the Gardiner Expressway in Toronto and plenty more throughout the province.
3. Ski at Blue Mountain
The town of Blue Mountain is just over 2 hours from Toronto and is a popular spot to ski or snowboard.
The town itself is charming, so when you’ve had your fill of skiing, stroll around the town, visit the small shops and warm up at one of the many great restaurants.
4. Experience Winterlude
One of the biggest and most popular winter events in Canada, Winterlude takes place in the Ottawa region during the first three weekends of February each year.
Perfect for the whole family, Winterlude features many free activities, including ice skating, concerts, ice sculptures, snow activities for children and more.
February 2, 2024 to February 19, 2024
5. Skate on the Rideau Canal
Each winter beginning in January when the weather cooperates, the Rideau Canal turns into the largest skating rink in the world.
Grab your skates and head along the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ontario.
The Rideau Canal Skateway is open daily from January to the end of February or early March, weather dependent.
Along the 7.8km route, there are access ramps, heated change rooms and washrooms, plus kiosks offering food and drinks.
Skating is free and open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Check for updated ice conditions here.
6. Experience the Icewine Festival in Niagara
The Niagara Icewine Festival is the largest wine festival in Canada and one of the most unique winter festivals that you’ll find!
Held over three weekends in January, there are different events and experiences each weekend from street festivals, galas, wine tasting and culinary pairings.
I’m not a fan of icewine, but maybe you will be? Either way, it’s an interesting experience!
January 12 – 14, 19 – 21, 26 – 28, 2024
7. Enjoy Feb Fest
Throughout the month of February, the city of Kingston makes the most of the snow, ice and cold and throws a month long festival.
Featuring outdoor skating, hockey games, free horse-drawn wagon rides, outdoor fire pits, snowshoeing and even frozen slides for kids to enjoy, the Feb Fest has something for the whole family!
8. Have Fun at the Bracebridge Fire and Ice Festival
Each January, Downtown Bracebridge hosts a unique Fire and Ice Festival.
There are activities for the whole family, including ice displays, a skating trail, outdoor mini golf and curling, and a giant downtown tube run.
Fire pits are placed throughout the Downtown area and there are fireworks to end the festival!
January 27, 2024
9. Explore a Frozen Waterfall
Did you know that Ontario is home to over 400 waterfalls?
Niagara Falls is by far the most well-known, but there are plenty more in Ontario just waiting to be explored.
While visiting a waterfall is usually considered a summer activity, the winter is just as spectacular, just a bit colder!
Although you can find waterfalls all over Ontario, Hamilton is known as the Waterfall Capital of the World.
There are over 150 waterfalls to choose from, and while some may not be running, others will be frozen and magnificent to see! Here are 10 of the best waterfalls in Hamilton to explore!
10. Check Out an Ice Cave
You can find ice caves in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere but we’ve got plenty right here in Ontario too!
The ice caves are formed when the waves crash against shores and meet with the freezing temperatures. The strong waves also push ice in towards the shore, creating ridges and caves.
The more spectacular ice caves are found in Northern Ontario along the shores of Lake Superior and around Sault Ste. Marie, but some years there are also some ice caves found along the shores of Lake Erie in Southern Ontario.
11. Try Winter Camping
Camping is another activity that you probably think to be a summer adventure, but there are plenty of opportunities for winter camping in Ontario.
And while the weather will be cold, with proper gear it’s not a problem. You can also rent a heated yurt or cabin at some of the Ontario Provincial Parks.
They are popular though, so you may have to book a few months ahead. Killarney, MacGregor, Sleeping Giant, Bon Echo, Algonquin and Arrowhead are just a few of the provincial parks that offer winter accommodation.
Check for the full list and more information here.
12. Go Skating
I know we mentioned skating already, but if skating on an outdoor trail isn’t your cup of tea, there are also plenty of outdoor rinks throughout the province to enjoy!
Many cities and towns have local outdoor rinks for everyone to enjoy, and it’s a great way to get out and get some exercise, while still having some fun in the winter!
Most outdoor rinks will be open from the beginning of January until the beginning of March, depending on the weather. Here are some great places to go outdoor skating in Hamilton.
13. Head Out for a Hike
While I much prefer to hike in the fall, winter comes a close second. The trails aren’t as busy, and it’s just beautiful!
You’ll want to ensure you’re probably dressed, with warm clothes and good boots, as it may be slippery under the snow.
Chances are you will see some wildlife as well, so be sure to take a camera or phone with you!
14. Go Tobogganing
Tobogganing is a classic winter activity for kids, but kids of any age will enjoy heading outside and tobogganing down a hill.
It’s a perfect activity for all of the family to enjoy, and chances are there’s a local hill near you.
But if you’re looking for something a bit bigger, some ski hills also offer tubing hills, or you can visit Chicopee Tubing Park near Kitchener.
15. Try Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is another classic winter activity that you can do almost anywhere in Ontario.
Many provincial parks and conservation areas have trails that are perfect for snowshoeing. If you don’t have your own snowshoes, many parks rent equipment, or many outdoor stores, like Decathlon, offer rentals as well.
Here are some suggestions on where to snowshoe in provincial parks or you can check out these great snowshoeing trails on AllTrails.
Some other outdoor things to do in Ontario in the winter:
- ice climbing
- ice fishing
- cross country skiing
- snowboarding
- or just head out for a wintery walk!
Final Thoughts: Best Things to Do in Ontario in the Winter
There are so many great things to do in Ontario in the winter, whether you enjoy activities like skating and skiing, or prefer to find a festival or fun event to get you outside. No matter where you are in the province, there’s bound to be some great winter activities to enjoy during the chilly months.
What are your favourite things to do in Ontario in the winter? Let us know in the comments below!
