Best winter experiences in Ontario
Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery & Distillery
Ontario is incredible to visit all year round, but it’s especially enchanting to travel here during the winter. Whether you want to experience snow for the first time, try out some classic winter sports, or relax with hot drinks in a cozy café, there’s something for everyone to love about spending the winter holidays in Ontario.
Pack a ski jacket or winter coat, so you’ll be protected from the cold and ready to enjoy all the wonders of Ontario’s winter season.
Here are the top must-do winter experiences in Ontario.
Outdoor winter adventures
There’s nothing more thrilling than trying out new pastimes. Whether it’s skating across frozen lakes or sledding with dogs across snow-covered landscapes, you’ll enjoy your winter getaway to the fullest with these exciting winter activities in the best places to visit in Ontario.
Skating
Rideau Canal, Ottawa
A winter vacation in Ottawa isn’t complete without a stop at the Rideau Canal to check out.
It is the world’s largest outdoor skating rink, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The canal typically opens from January to March as weather permits. On-ice amenities can be found at five different spots along the route, with washrooms, fire pits, benches and heated change rooms. You can also rent skates and sleighs at three locations on the Rideau Canal. Warm up after your skate with hot chocolate and Beavertails.
Location: Rideau Canal, Ottawa
Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto
If you visit Toronto, skating in Nathan Phillips Square is a staple winter experience you don’t want to miss. This large plaza outside City Hall is a popular location that frequently hosts free public events.
Glide under the square’s high arches and soak in the lively atmosphere, even after the sun goes down. Skates are available for rental onsite. If you need a snack or a place to warm up, coffee stands are located around the square. Before you leave, don’t forget to take a selfie beside the giant iconic TORONTO sign.
Location: 100 Queen Street West, Toronto
Woodview Mountaintop Skating, The Blue Mountains
Hidden within Blue Mountain Resort, this 1.1-kilometre mountaintop skating loop offers stunning views of the Niagara Escarpment. After dusk, thousands of interactive, multicoloured lights illuminate the trees along the entire route. Fire pits are placed throughout the trail for warming up between laps. The admission fee does not include skates, but rentals are available on site. Hours vary seasonally.
Location: 201 Scenic Caves Road Unit AW2, The Blue Mountains
Skating Rink at Wayne Gretzky Estates, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Want to combine your love of wine with the thrill of lacing up your skates? You can do that at Wayne Gretzky (WG) Estates in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Primarily a winery, WG Estates features a large outdoor ice rink emblazoned with the number 99—fitting for a place owned by The Great One, who was born and raised in Ontario.
The rink generally opens in early December and runs until mid-March. Guests are asked to reserve a one-hour skating slot in advance. After skating, relax at the Tasting Hall or Whisky Bar Patio.
Location: 1219 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Insider tip: Pair your trip to WG Estates with a reservation at the Riverbend Inn & Vineyard. This historic inn can be found a 10-minute drive from WG Estates and offers picturesque vineyard views, luxurious accommodations and customizable itineraries with visits to other nearby wineries.
Cross-country skiing
Albion Hills Conservation Area, Caledon
This expansive riverfront park transforms into a winter wonderland during the cold season, perfect for cross-country skiing. Its close proximity to Toronto also makes it a great stop on your Ontario winter getaway. Trail passes can be purchased online or onsite. Ski rentals must be reserved in advance. Once you’ve picked up your skis, enjoy the area’s 50 kilometres of picturesque trails. Warming stations are set up around the conservation area offering welcome breaks from the cold.
Location: 16500 Peel Regional Road 50, Caledon
Cross-Country Skiing at Arrowhead Provincial Park, Huntsville
Arrowhead Provincial Park is renowned as a first-class skating destination, but it’s also an amazing place for your cross-country skiing holidays. Its rolling hills and well-groomed trails are perfect for both beginner and experienced skiers, and on-site ski rentals help make your trip stress-free. Arrowhead Provincial Park is a popular winter destination, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead before you visit.
Location: 451 Arrowhead Park Road, Huntsville
Insider tip: Every trail is different. When arriving at the ski centre, ask the staff about the rules and trail etiquette, and let them know if you’re a beginner to the sport. They’ll be happy to help you with anything you need.
Scenic Caves, The Blue Mountains
Scenic Caves is known for its historical trails and caves network, and in the winter offers 27 kilometres of groomed ski terrain There are three different trail designations, so skiers of all experience levels will enjoy their time on these picturesque outdoor trails. Take a moment to enjoy their time on these picturesque outdoor trails. Take some time to rest in between ski runs and appreciate the stunning winter views of the Niagara Escarpment and Georgian Bay. Ski rentals are available, but be sure to check trail conditions before visiting.
Snowmobiling
Yamaha snowmobile and tracked SxS guided tours, Muskoka
Explore Muskoka by participating in a variety of guided snowmobile adventures at Deerhurst Resort. Ideal for people of all ages and experience levels, you’ll receive professional instructions before cruising down their outdoor trails aboard the eco-friendly Yamaha snowmobiles. tours run from late December through early March, with options ranging from 1.5-hour rides to full-day experiences.
Location: 1235 Deerhurst Drive, Huntsville
Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve Ltd., Haliburton
Over 400 kilometres of groomed Ontario snowmobile trails awaits visitors at Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve Ltd.
Visits can rent snowmobiles, helmets and boots onsite. Trail passes are limited to reduce congestion, so secure yours early online. The reserve’s Base Camp provides accommodations, food and parking.
Location: 1095 Redkenn Rd, Dysart et al
Dog sledding
Voyageur Quest, Algonquin
Discover the natural beauty of the Algonquin wilderness by learning to mush your own dogsled and race along the northern trails.with Voyageur Quest. Packages include charming log cabin accommodations and depending on your booking, a variety of experiences including snowshoeing, skiing or snowmobiling, sauna access and gourmet meals.
Location: Algonquin Park Access Point #1 Lake Kawawaymog Algonquin Park
Winterdance Dogsled Tours, Haliburton
Meet the owners of Winterdance Dogsled Tours, husband and wife team Hank DeBruin and Tanya McCready-DeBruin, as well as their lovable dog team of Siberian huskies. Once you’ve learned the basics of driving the sled, follow your guide’s lead and enjoy your time dog sledding in Ontario. Take your time exploring the stunning Barnhardt Lake and surrounding sugar shack trails. After your run, enjoy time for photos and husky cuddles Don’t worry, you’ll have some extra time at the end of your tour to take some photos and cuddle with the dogs a little longer.
Location: Hodgson Drive, Eagle Lake
North Ridge Ranch, Huntsville
The friendly Alaskan Huskies at North Ridge Ranch are eager to whisk you on a magical winter adventure along private Northern Ontario trails. Owners and operators Brad and Leah Fetterley will teach you to drive a sled confidently while adhering to the dogs' safety. Book a one-hour tour to sample the joy of dogsledding or a half-day tour to fully appreciate Muskoka’s beautiful landscape.
Location: 1823 Williamsport Road, Huntsville
Winter festivals and holiday magic
Picture thousands of twinkling lights in every colour imaginable, illuminating the night sky as the snow falls gently around you. Breathtaking, right? That’s what Ontario’s outdoor winter festivals are all about: turning that picture-perfect scene into a festive reality. A staple of the winter holidays, these vibrant festivals are a delight to everyone, whether you’re visiting with a group of friends, as a young couple or as a family visiting with the little ones. Best of all, they’re often held around city centres, making them easily accessible by car, transit or foot.
Niagara Icewine Festival, Niagara
Held over three weekends in January, the Niagara Icewine Festival draws wine lovers from around the world. Icewine, a premium dessert wine made from grapes frozen on the vine, produces rich, sweet, and acidic golden or red wines. As the world’s largest icewine producer, Ontario showcases varieties like Riesling, Vidal, Cabernet and Franc. Wineries across the Niagara region host tasting tours from sunrise to after sunset.
Dates: Check the official Niagara Icewine Festival website for this year’s event dates.
Location: Across the Niagara Region (The Icewine Gala is at the Niagara Parks Power Station)
Insider tip: Due to the popularity of the Niagara Icewine Festival, hotels in Niagara Falls and across the surrounding region during the festival dates fill up fast. Be sure to book your reservations well ahead of time.
Distillery Winter Village, Toronto
Formerly known as the Toronto Christmas Market, the Distillery Winter Village is Toronto’s premier destination for all holiday enthusiasts. Located within Toronto’s historic Distillery District, this winter market features over 65 local shops and cafés arranged in the fashion of traditional European Christmas markets. Tour charming vendor cabins selling handmade seasonal gifts and delicious sweets. An array of Christmas lights crisscrossed over street lamps, cobblestone streets and Victorian-style architecture make this the perfect place for you to experience the magic of the holidays. Dates and ticketing vary every year, so please check ahead.
Dates: Check the Distillery Winter Village website for this year’s dates and ticket pricing.
Location: Distillery District, Toronto
Winter Festival of Lights, Niagara
The Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights, running from mid- November to January, is Canada’s largest free outdoor light festival. Lanterns, art installations and interactive displays transform the area into a brilliant landscape of colourful sculptures. Explore themed zones showcasing highlights like the two-storey Zimmerman Fountain and an 18-metre light tunnel. For a unique perspective, Niagara Helicopters Limited also offers nighttime flightseeing tours during the festival.
Dates: The Winter Festival of Lights runs from mid-November to January. Access is free.
Location: 6815 Stanley Avenue, Niagara Falls
Winterlude, Ottawa
Celebrate winter in Canada’s capital at the iconic Ottawa Winterlude, held every February. The festival features skating on the Rideau Canal Skateway, the world’s largest outdoor rink, and draws tens of thousands of skaters of all ages. Families will love Snowflake Kingdom, an enormous snow playground with ice slides and sculptures, while everyone can enjoy the ice carving competition and seasonal programs at Ottawa’s museums, celebrating Canada’s northern culture and winter traditions.
Dates: Winterlude runs for several weeks in February.
Location: Across Ottawa
Cozy winter getaways and resorts
Whether you’re an avid skier hitting the slopes or looking for a great place to relax during your winter vacation, there are winter resorts in Ontario for every type of traveller.
Deerhurst Resort, Huntsville
Located in the heart of Ontario’s cottage country, Deerhurst Resort provides winter activities for the whole family, including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, skating, snowmobiling tours and much more. Maximize your time at Deerhurst with the Stay Longer & Save package, which provides discounted accommodation, plus access to the resort’s waterfront, grounds and winter sports equipment.
Location: 1235 Deerhurst Drive, Huntsville
Blue Mountain Ski Resort,The Blue Mountains
As Ontario’s premier ski resort and winter destination, this is the perfect place for those seeking an epic skiing getaway Blue Mountain Resort’s Ski and Stay package includes ski lift tickets for every guest in your reservation, plus cozy resort accommodation. Blue Mountain Village offers a lively apres-ski atmosphere.
Location: 190 Gord Canning Drive, The Blue Mountains
JW Marriott Resort & Spa, Muskoka
Discover gorgeous views of Lake Rosseau at this upscale resort in the Muskoka Region. JW Marriott offers guests access to the many outdoor winter activities that the region is known for. Rest in your private luxury suite, enjoy a meal at their delicious on-site restaurants and take advantage of the resort’s signature spa and indoor swimming pool. After you’ve successfully recharged, check out the pristine outdoor trails for hiking, snowshoeing or skating. Then gather back at the hotel for marshmallow roasting at the year-round fire pit.
Location: 1050 Paignton House Road, Minett
Elmhirst’s Resort, Keene
If you’re visiting from Toronto, take the 90-minute drive to the Kawarthas for a relaxing stay at Elmhirst’s Resort. Overlooking the picturesque Rice Lake, this family-owned business features locally sourced food, a variety of soothing spa treatments and winter activities ranging from ice fishing to sleigh rides. For a truly memorable trip, visit during their annual Kiteboarding Snowkite Weekend in early January, where you’ll strap on some skis and let the wind pull you across the picturesque Rice Lake.
Location: 1045 Settlers Line, Keene
Breathtaking winter landscapes to explore
For those willing to brave the cold, Ontario’s winter wonderlands are best experienced outdoors. From pristine snow-covered landscapes to glittering starry skies, these stunning scenes create unforgettable memories.
Dark sky stargazing
There’s nothing more awe-inspiring than driving out to the Ontario countryside, laying out the warm blankets and gazing up at a canopy of glittering stars in the dark sky. Locals and tourists alike enjoy making the late-night journey to catch a glimpse of star constellations and galaxies. Two of the best places to see the stars at night are the Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Reserve and Bruce Peninsula National Park. Find more of the best places for stargazing in Ontario.
Insider tip: Many of the parks in Ontario require a daily vehicle permit for parking. Purchase your pass ahead of time.
Niagara in winter
Niagara Falls, a world-renowned destination in warmer months, is equally dazzling place to visit in the winter. Attractions like Journey Behind the Falls, Niagara Parks Power Station, and Niagara Helicopters operate year-round, offering unique views of the icy landscape. Mist rising from the falls can give the illusion of freezing, and at night, the waters are illuminated in a rainbow of colours. Best of all, winter brings smaller crowds, making the experience even more magical.
Ontario comes alive in winter with unforgettable outdoor adventures, festive events, cozy resorts, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re seeking thrills on the ice, sampling world-class icewine, or simply taking in snowy vistas, there’s something for everyone. Start planning your Ontario winter getaway today and experience the magic for yourself.
Last updated: December 20, 2025