In Ontario, we have 4-6 month long winters. I tend to go a little stir-crazy after the first few months. Instead of sulking inside at home, I fill my time with activities that allow me to get outside and enjoy the fresh air (and usually, the snow). I hope this post will give you some ideas of outdoor winter activities in Ontario for those days when you are going stir-crazy!
Winter Hikes
Going on a hike in the winter (preferably in the snow) is my absolute favourite winter activity. There are so many trails in southern Ontario that are beautiful in the winter. Bundle up and head out for some fresh air and good old-fashioned exercise!
Some of my favourite trails for winter hikes in Ontario:
- Crawford Lake Conservation Area – Milton
- Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area – Milton
- Princess Point – Hamilton
- Lions Valley Park – Oakville
- Kerncliffe Park – Burlington
Frozen Waterfalls
I recently discovered how amazing waterfalls are in the winter, especially if they are frozen-over. Visiting waterfalls has quickly become another one of my favourite winter activities in Ontario.
Did you know Hamilton, Ontario is home to over 100 waterfalls? If you are in southern Ontario during the winter, you can’t miss visiting some of Hamilton’s beautiful waterfalls.
My favourite Hamilton waterfalls to visit in the winter:
- Tiffany Falls
- Sherman Falls
- Webster’s Falls
Outdoor Skating
There are tons of indoor skating rinks in Ontario but outdoor skating rinks/trails are much more scenic and special. Luckily, there are plenty of great outdoor rinks in Ontario as well.
Some of the most popular outdoor skating rinks/trails in Ontario:
- Harbourfront Centre Natrel Rink – Toronto
- Rideau Canal Skateway – Ottawa
- Arrowhead Provincial Park – Huntsville
- MacGregor Point Provincial Park – Port Elgin
- Cranberry Marsh Trail – Bala
- Bentway Skating Trail – Toronto
- Colonel Samuel Smith Park – Toronto
Skiing & Snowboarding
Skiing and snowboarding are popular winter activities in Ontario. This is because there are so many great public and private ski resorts across the province. Skiing/snowboarding in Ontario is a fun winter experience for the whole family!
Some of the most popular public ski resorts in Ontario:
- Blue Mountain – Collingwood
- Horseshoe Resort – Barrie
- Mount St. Louis Moonstone – Coldwater
- Calabogie Peaks – Calabogie
- Snow Valley – Minesing
- Hockley Valley – Mono
- Hidden Valley Highlands – Huntsville
Tobogganing
Tobogganing is a classic Canadian childhood activity. I haven’t been tobogganing since I was a kid but who says adults can’t toboggan? Find a hill near you and toboggan away!
Maple Syrup Festivals
Speaking of quintessential Canadian winter activities… What’s more Canadian than a maple syrup festival? Maple syrup was first made and used by the indigenous peoples of North America.
There are many maple syrup festivals across Ontario for you to enjoy. Learn how our ancestors made maple syrup, enjoy maple-flavoured treats and take part in various activities. Some festivals even offer hot pancakes with maple syrup!
Some of Ontario’s maple syrup festivals:
- Sweet Water Season – Crawford Lake Conservation Area
- Maple Town – Mountsberg Conservation Area
- Bronte Creek Maple Syrup Festival – Bronte Creek Provincial Park
- Purple Woods Maple Syrup Festival – Purple Woods Conservation Area
- Sugar Bush Maple Syrup Festival – various locations across Greater Toronto Area
I hope you enjoyed this list of winter activities in Ontario!
