Best tobogganing hills in Ontario

Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma

Finn Hill

Finn Hill is the most popular tobogganing hill in Sault Ste. Marie for a reason: this broad and long slope makes for a truly exhilarating ride. Recent improvements include enhanced lighting for after-dark sledding.

If you need somewhere to stay during your visit, the family-friendly Water Tower Inn features indoor pools and an outdoor whirlpool.

Location: 75 Village Court, Sault Ste. Marie

Hearst Winter Slide

The northern community of Hearst embraces winter and the town’s designated sledding hill is a popular destination for families.

Multiple steep runs and a smaller slope for younger kids are lit for after-dark sliding.

Location: Piper Street, Hearst

Northwest Ontario

Centennial Park

With the Nor’Wester Mountains as its backdrop, Thunder Bay has no shortage of good sledding hills.

For thrilling tobogganing in a beautiful natural setting, head to Centennial Park. This imposing hill is a favourite of older kids and adults. While you’re here, stroll beside the scenic Current River to view its icy rapids.

Location: 751 Centennial Park Road, Thunder Bay

Balsam Pit Park

A local favourite for free sledding hills in Thunder Bay, this small park offers a range of tobogganing slopes from gentle to adventurous, making it a great choice for all ages.

Nearby, The Sweet North Bakery serves delicious home-baked goodies and gourmet hot chocolate for a post-sledding pick-me-up.

Location: 109 Balsam Street, Thunder Bay

Northeastern Ontario

Bell Park

This sprawling lakeside park is home to two of Sudbury’s best sledding hills and close to some of the city’s top family attractions.

Double your fun with great tobogganing slopes at the Grace Hartman Amphitheatre sliding hill and the Elizabeth Street hill near the park’s north end.

In addition, lace up ice skates and hit the 1.5-kilometre-long Ramsey Lake Skating Path. Plan an extra day of indoor fun and learning at family favourite, Science North.

Location: Bell Park, Paris Street, Greater Sudbury

Onaping High Falls

A short drive northwest of Sudbury, this is one of the region’s best secret sledding hills.

Look for the sizable slopes beside the road just north of the A.Y. Jackson Lookout welcome centre. Don’t miss hiking over the hill and down to the pedestrian bridge to view the wintery spectacle of Onaping Falls.

Just a few minutes away, adventurous families can experience winter glamping in a heated yurt at Windy Lake Provincial Park. The park also offers some of the best cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the region.

Location: ON-144, Greater Sudbury

Thomson Park

Snowy conditions are practically guaranteed at this hidden gem in North Bay during the winter season.

Situated next to the skate park, the tobogganing slope is perfect for younger children and families. The Wee Cafe located in the adjacent YMCA is a great place to sip warm drinks and warm up.

Location: 100 Chippewa Street West, North Bay

Algonquin Park, Muskoka and Parry Sound

James W. Kerr Park

Perched on a hilltop above the Muskoka River, Kerr Park’s designated sledding hill is centrally located with a moderate slope suitable for all ages.

If you’re visiting from out of town, book a cozy room at the historic Inn at the Falls where you can enjoy dazzling winter waterfall views and easy access to downtown.

Location: 130 Beaumont Drive, Bracebridge

Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve

A former ski hill and premier winter resort, Limberlost Forest is a vast private forest reserve with free public access near Huntsville.

Adventurous sledders can slide between the trees on the old ski hill, while the open slopes near Solitaire Lake offer a more mellow ride.

Location: 1002 Buck Lake Landing Road, Huntsville

Cedar Grove Lodge

Year-round family-oriented resort with cozy cabins and a range of winter outdoor activities onsite and nearby, including tobogganing.

Location: Peninsula Lake, 167 Grassmere Resort Road, Huntsville

Bruce, Grey and Simcoe

Campbell's Hill, Little Lake Park

Head to scenic Little Lake Park to launch your toboggan on Midland’s best sledding hill.

This local favourite is surrounded by parkland and features a playground for even more family fun.

Location: 545 Little Lake Park Road, Midland

Innisfil Beach Park

Right on the shore of Lake Simcoe, Innisfil Beach Park offers a designated sledding hill in a scenic location near Barrie. Gentle slopes make this a good choice for younger children.

Location: 676 Innisfil Beach Road, Innisfil Beach

Couchiching Golf and Country Club

Winter snowfall transforms a steep embankment at this golf course into one of the region’s most popular and exciting tobogganing hills.

Catch the longest rides beside the Peter Street access; plenty of use means this slope can get deceptively fast. Continue walking along the ridge for stomach-dropping sledding on the most precipitous pitches.

When you’ve had your fill (and worked up an appetite), Mariposa Market in downtown Orillia serves sweet creations and hot cocoa with whipped cream.

Location: 370 Peter Street North, Orillia

Sweetwater Park

The wide, kid-friendly hill at this community park in Sugarbush is a favourite with local sledders.

In February, the park hosts a lively Family Day event with cardboard toboggan races, plus winter games and horse-drawn wagon rides. Check the Friends of Sugarbush on Facebook for event details.

Location: 3353 Line 6 North, Coldwater

Hamilton, Halton and Brant

Chedoke Golf Club

One of the best of Hamilton’s designated tobogganing sites, Chedoke offers both a long, steep hill for speedy rides and a wide, shorter hill for more relaxed ones.

The hills are popular and can get busy, so arrive early to avoid crowding.

Location: 563 Aberdeen Avenue, Hamilton

Bronte Creek Provincial Park

This popular park, straddling the 50-metre-deep Bronte Creek Ravine, offers a full day of family winter adventure, including an impressive sledding hill. The varying steepness makes this wide hill suitable for people of different ages and skill levels.

The park also has heated shelters so you can warm up even on the coldest days. Catch your breath at the top and take in a unique panorama of the surrounding area.

Location: 1219 Burloak Drive, Oakville

Greater Toronto Area

Riverdale Park East

Two big sledding hills make Riverdale Park a popular winter tobogganing spot in the heart of Toronto.

Adventurous tobogganers looking for a city thrill with a small-town feel will enjoy the great view of Toronto’s downtown skyline. You can also ride down the adjacent hill at Riverdale Park West and then visit the animals at nearby Riverdale Farm (free admission).

Riverdale East is particularly popular for its long, wide slopes that are perfect for families and younger children. The west side is quite steep, so best for thrill-seeking sledders with a bit more experience. For a delicious post-tobogganing hot chocolate, head to Rooster Coffee House at 479 Broadview Avenue, near the east hill.

Location: 550 Broadview Avenue, Toronto

Linus Park

Linus Park is an excellent option if you are looking for free sledding hills in Toronto’s north end.

It features a wide and high hill that’s lit up after dark, so you can keep tobogganing long after the sun goes down. A great spot for kids and families, the tobogganing hill is located beside the park’s skiing area.

Location: 125 Seneca Hill Drive, Toronto

High Park

A gem in Toronto’s urban parks network, expansive High Park boasts several informal tobogganing hills. Colborne Lodge Drive hill is a favourite among locals, offering a steep and thrilling ride. Keep in mind that slopes are not inspected and should be used with caution.

Visit the reindeer, bison, llamas and other furry and feathered residents at the High Park Animal Display (free admission).

Location: 1873 Bloor Street West, Toronto

Chinguacousy Park

This 100-acre park in Brampton features a popular tobogganing hill with well-maintained slopes for younger sledders. The park also offers a dedicated ski and tubing hill, if you prefer your sledding hills with tow ropes. Head to the Chinguacousy Park skating trail (rentals available) if you still have energy to burn after tobogganing.

Location: 9050 Bramalea Road, Brampton

Find more good sledding hills where safe tobogganing is permitted in Toronto.

York, Durham and Headwaters

Albion Hills Conservation Area

Make plans to visit this winter activity destination in Caledon, less than one hour from downtown Toronto.

After a few exhilarating rides on the excellent tobogganing hill, take a refreshing hike through the trails or warm up in the heated lodge.

Location: 16500 Regional Road 50, Caledon

Boyd Conservation Area

Set in the Humber River Valley, this conservation area boasts a well-maintained and wide-open sledding hill for a fast, exciting ride.

Cross-country ski and snowshoe trails offer more ways to enjoy the scenic beauty of this park.

Location: 8739 Islington Avenue, Vaughan

Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington

Dickson Park

Enjoy tobogganing in one of Cambridge’s oldest parks. A broad, open hill beside Dickson Park’s historic grandstand is ideal for young sledders who may not have the stamina for a long uphill climb after their ride. Plenty of space means this hill never feels too crowded.

Location: 30 Park Hill Road West, Cambridge

Moe Hill

Fans of big sledding hills will love Moe (or Mole, depending on who you’re talking to) Hill, located behind Centennial and College Heights high schools.

This is Guelph’s largest and fastest tobogganing hill, making it a favourite for local adrenaline-seekers.

Location: 87 Municipal Street, Guelph

Lakeside Park

Quietly tucked away in the heart of the city, Lakeside Park is one of the best secret sledding hills in Kitchener. Peaceful lake and forest views and a not-too-steep hill make this a great option for family tobogganing.

Location: 206 Lakeside Drive, Kitchener

Southwestern Ontario

Pinery Provincial Park

There’s a slope for everyone at this scenic spot on the shores of Lake Huron. The tobogganing hill is lit up at night and the nearby Winter Chalet has heated washrooms.

Location: 9526 Lakeshore Road RR #2, Grand Bend

Doidge Park

Join the local sledders who flock to this popular community park behind London’s St. Joseph’s Hospital. Doidge Park’s bowl shape and variety of steep, thrilling tobogganing hills stem from its days as a quarry more than a century ago.

Warm up with mouth-watering baked treats and real semi-sweet hot chocolate at Black Walnut Bakery Café at 724 Richmond Street, just a couple blocks south of the park.

Location: 895 Wellington Street, London

Ottawa Region

Mooney's Bay Hill

With steep slopes and a large sledding area, Mooney’s Bay Hill is one of the most popular tobogganing spots in Ottawa. Take a break at the top to enjoy the afternoon sunshine and scenic Rideau River views.

Location: 2960 Riverside Drive, Ottawa

Conroy Pit

Another Ottawa favourite, the big sledding hills at Conroy Pit are steep and fast, delivering a heart-pounding experience for adventurous tobogganers.

This hill is maintained by the City of Ottawa and lit from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. for after-dark sledding. The surrounding Pine Grove Forest offers plenty of trails for more winter fun.

Location: 1779 St Barbara Street, Ottawa

Walter Baker Park

Adjacent to the Tony Graham Recreation Complex in Kanata, this is a large, fast hill that is well-lit for evening sledding. The surrounding parkland makes this a family-friendly place to spend the day.

Location: 100 Charlie Rogers Place, Stittsville

Tobogganing tips

Always check that the sledding hills are open. Generally, toboggan hills are open daily throughout the winter, weather permitting. Some of the best sledding hills in Ontario are also lit after dark for evening tobogganing.

Safety and etiquette

Make tobogganing fun and safe by following a few basic rules.

Make sure that tobogganing is permitted (look for signage and check with your local authority if you aren’t sure) and that facilities and equipment are safe for use. Toronto, for example, has 28 designated tobogganing hills that are inspected regularly to ensure safe conditions.

Young children should wear a properly fitted helmet and be supervised by an adult. Secure long hair and check clothing to make sure there aren’t any hanging drawstrings or loose scarves that might get tangled up or block someone’s view on the way down.

Check the conditions of the sledding hill—too many trees or rocks, patches of ice or a dangerously shallow landing spot can cause serious injuries. Follow your toboggan’s usage guidelines and share these essential rules with your kids: remain seated, ride with a maximum of two people at a time (depending on your toboggan’s size), keep a safe distance from others and move out of the way of fellow sledders.

And remember, make sure you climb up the sides of the hill to avoid getting run over by descending sledders.

Buying a toboggan sled

Tobogganing is a classic winter activity in Ontario, so it’s simple to shop for sleds for your family. During the winter season, purchase new toboggans at outdoor retailers, sporting goods stores or big-box stores like Canadian Tire or Walmart.

Consider shopping for a used toboggan through online marketplaces like Facebook or Kijiji. Thoroughly inspect any second-hand sleds for cracks or other damage before buying.

Ontario’s diverse landscapes offer an array of tobogganing options, from urban sledding hills to scenic natural parks. So, bundle up, grab your sled and experience the excitement and laughter of zooming down a snowy hill with family and friends.