Packed full of opportunities to connect with the natural environment, you will find a new experience round every corner. Strap on cross-country skis or snowshoes and head for parks, conservation areas and hundreds of trails all over the province. You can sled or toboggan almost anywhere, even in the city centres!
Get revved up snowmobiling on the longest interconnected system of groomed snowmobile trails in the world. Or let a team of Alaskan sled dogs or Siberian huskies do the work for you on a dog sledding adventure. For mountain lovers, take your pick from skiing, snowboarding or tubing at a variety of ski resorts, each complete with rustic accommodation and a colourful après-ski nightlife.
So wrap up warm and discover that nothing beats fresh air, exhilarating activities and of course the odd snow ball fight. Well nothing except a well-earned steaming cup of hot chocolate in front of the fire at the end of an adventurous day in the snow.
Algonquin Provincial Park
Ontario is full of winter adventure opportunities, but nowhere are those adventures more abundant than in Algonquin Provincial Park. Situated just 3 hours from Toronto, the best time to visit is between January and March, when the park is less busy after the holidays, and the snow is at its best! The park offers dog sledding trails with over 40 kilometres of mixed and hardwood forest habitats to zoom through. Pop on a pair of crampons and get ready with an ice-pick to climb 60 feet up incredible frozen waterfalls. There are great wilderness snowshoeing trails, over 48 kilometres of groomed and 23 kilometres of non-groomed Nordic (cross country) ski trails, winter camping is available at Mew Lake campground all winter (even heated yurts are available). If you’re into mountain biking you could try the new fat bikes (large wide tires for snow) out too, not to mention how great the wildlife viewing is with all the winter tracks in the snow. You will find outfitters located near the park, who rent all and any of the necessary equipment required for all of these snowy activities. The winter options here really are endless!
Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve
Two and a half hours from both Toronto and Ottawa lies a privately-owned forest on more than 70,000 acres of rolling hardwood trees, beautiful lakes, meandering rivers and extensive wetlands. In the winter months, Haliburton is covered in a blanket of snow, ideal for winter sports such as cross country skiing, orienteering, dog-sledding and snowshoeing. Rated as one of the top 10 snowmobiling destinations in North America; Haliburton has over 350km of interconnected snowmobile trails!
Ice-climbing
Whether you're a novice or an expert, there are hundreds of places for you to climb above it all in Ontario. From Thunder Bay and Red Rock to Marathon and Orient Bay on Lake Nipigon, this is the ultimate ice-climbing country, where dozens of ice-clad routes reach heights of over 90 m (300 ft.)
Dog-sledding
Nothing compares to gliding through the silent woods with only the breath of the dog team and the hiss of the sled on the snow. Have a guide drive the team, or take the sled on your own. Looking for something new? Take up kicksledding or skijoring - something of a cross between dog sledding and cross-country skiing, and a whole lot of fun. Don't worry if you don't know how, Ontario’s outfitters will teach you the basics and introduce you to one of the finest ways to enjoy a winter day.
Ice Fishing
In Ontario when the lakes freeze over and the boats are put away; you know it’s time for some great winter fishing! For die-hard fishing fans, nothing can beat the thrill of heading out across a frozen lake, drilling down into the cold icy depths and preparing to cast off. Ice-fishing adventures are enjoyed by thousands every year, right across the province, making it one of the most popular winter activities. Ice-fishing hot spots include Lake Simcoe, Lake Nipissing and Georgian Bay for fantastic fishing, in stunning scenery.
Ice Skating
Another gem in Ontario’s winter season is Winterlude, hosted in Canada’s capital: Ottawa. The fun-filled three weeks, beginning at the start of February, is known as ‘the greatest winter celebration in North America’ attracting over 600,000 snow-seekers every year. Skate on one of Ontario’s greatest icons, the UNESCO world heritage listed Rideau Canal, when it freezes over to become the world’s largest skating rink. Afterwards, grab some Canadian style fuel; a cup of piping hot apple cider and fill up on the local speciality - a beavertail pastry. The festival also features a remarkable display of snow sculptures and the world’s largest snow playground on the continent. An immense celebration of all things fun and snowy, if you love the white stuff, then Winterlude is not-to-be-missed. Not one to be out done where the ice is concerned, you can also ice-skate in Toronto against the beautiful shore of Lake Ontario; this is easily the city’s most scenic ice-rink. The Natrel Rink has been an unparalleled skating destination in Toronto for 30 years, and if you don’t have skates – don’t worry! All equipment can be rented on-site.
Getting there
A number of operators specialise in Winter breaks to Ontario. Booking an inclusive package lets you sample a variety of winter activities on offer without having to worry about organising your own equipment – simply turn up and start enjoying the snow!
Discover the World’s Winter Adventure in Ontario includes husky-sledding, backcountry skiing and snowshoeing, from £972 per person.
Voyager Quest also offer a number of great ‘sampler’ packages encompassing all of the actives listed above. Prices start from $450pp for a weekend’s dog-sledding adventure.
