Are you looking for the best places to visit in Ontario in winter? Here we have shared more than 25 Places to Visit in Ontario in Winter.
Ontario’s winters are quite chilly everything seems to be slow and frozen. Despite the harsh weather, the city has many great places that you can explore and have some fun. Ontario winters are full of fun activities, and give you a real taste of how Canada looks in winter.
As the temperature drops, the winter showcases its magic and pours the snow, making the place a walking heaven. Many people are afraid of cold and many think it’s the perfect time to explore the winter wonderland in Ontario.
In this blog post, we put together a bunch of different places that you can visit in Ontario during Winter. This will help you to choose the next location for your winter vacation break. We have covered everything from visiting Niagara Falls to exploring Mono Cliff Provincial Park.
Places to Visit in Ontario in Winter
If you are planning to visit and explore the beauty of Ontario in winter then I highly recommend you to go through our list of Unique places to visit in Ontario, during Winter.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Canada. It’s the best place to visit with your friends and family. During the winter, it got a fresh layer of snow making everything slower and quieter.
Don’t worry the waterfall never freezes, only once it was partially frozen back in March of 1848. Here you can expect to see some snow lying around and also icy white fall. To be true, the place is not that cold if you are dressed up in warm clothes.
The best and the free way to enjoy Niagara Falls is via Table Rock Welcome Center. It is basically a viewing platform that remains open 24*7 and you don’t have to pay anything to watch the Niagara Falls.
If you want you can also go for the Journey Behind the Falls. It’s a tour that offers a unique view of the Falls from below and behind. On this tour, you will taken to two outdoor observation decks that are located behind the Falls. From there you will be able to experience how thousands of gallons of water crash down to the basin every single second.
The Hornblower Cruises remain unoperational in winter but you can still go for a short stroll around Niagara Falls and enjoy its incredible views. There are several museums along the way that can explore after you are done with Niagara Falls.
Best Place to Stay near Niagara Falls, Ontario
Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel & Suites – If you want to stay in a place where you can enjoy the stunning view of Niagara Falls then Hilton Niagara Falls is a perfect place for you.
Ramada by Wyndham – It’s a great place to stay especially for travelers seeking a comfortable and reliable stay at an affordable price point. It has clean and spacious rooms, friendly service, and all the essential amenities like free Wi-Fi and breakfast that you want.
Ottawa
What can be more exciting than exploring the Capital city of Canada? Ottawa is really a beautiful place to explore no matter what the season is. During the winters, it became more special as everything got covered in snow making the place so chilly and cozy at the same time.
The city seems to be alive with people enjoying the Winterlude festival and Ice skating over the Rideau Canal.
During the winter season, the entire 7.8 km long stretch of Rideau Canal freezes and becomes a skating rink for the people. In fact, it become the largest frozen skating rink in the world.
If you are visiting the place in February, then there are chances that you can come across the famous Winterlude Festival of Ottawa. It offers a tonne of fun activities that you can do, you can also attend live music concerts, try some delicious street food and a lot more.
Best Place to Stay in Ottawa
Fairmont Chateau Laurier – To be true, The Fairmont Château Laurier isn’t just a hotel, it’s a historic architectural and cultural landmark in the capital city of Canada. It’s one of the historic hotels in Ottawa that has been serving the public since 1912.
Lord Elgin Hotel – Being located so close to Parliament Hill, it’s another great to stay in Ottawa. It is quite popular for its delicious restaurant and park views. The hotel has all the modern amenities from Wifi to Spa Center.
Point Pelee National Park
Being located at the southernmost point in mainland Canada, Point Pelee National Park is really a cool place to visit and explore, especially during the winter season.
It is a peninsula that is perfectly surrounded by Lake Erie with many popular trails to explore. In the winter, the park covers itself with a blanket of snow making it a must place to visit. You can also enjoy the calmness of the place by taking a thoughtful walk on the 5 km Tip Trail, which goes to the park’s southernmost point
It remains open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm during the winter time and you are required to have a permit to enter the park.
Despite being the smallest national park in Canada, it’s a perfect place to spend a weekend off from your hectic life and reconnect with nature.
Best Place to Stay around Point Pelee National Park
Best Western Plus Leamington Hotel & Conference Centre – Located just a couple of miles away, it’s the best place to stay around the Point Pelee National Park. It has everything that you need in a hotel like modern rooms, restaurants, and also an indoor pool.
Muskoka Lakes
Muskoka is the best winter gateway that you can explore while being in the Ontario Province. The Region is well known for its scenic view, especially in winter when snow covers everything making it a frozen land with so many fun activities to do. People can enjoy exploring snowshoeing paths and gaze the beauty of frozen lakes.
Visitors can enjoy dog sledding tours and skiing on snow trails while exploring the Muskoka region. It has numerous waterfalls like Rosseau Falls, High Falls, and Bracebridge Falls that are totally worth visiting especially in winter.
One of the coolest things that you can’t miss out on is ‘Skating on the Ice rink’, believe me, you will love it you just need to give it a try.
If you are afraid of being sick in winter then you can visit the local markets and have some crafted beers from local breweries.
Best Place to Stay in Muskoka
JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa -It is the best and most luxurious hotel where you can stay while visiting the Muskoka. It’s a perfect destination if you are going with your friends, and family or even if you are a couple.
Huntsville
It’s one of the largest towns in the Muskoka region, during winter it becomes home to tons of outdoor activities that you can do.
With frozen lakes, frosted rooftops, and fluffy snow blankets on the trails, the place becomes heaven if you are an outdoor person. You can also enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing in the snowy forests, ice skating on frozen lakes, or ice fishing in the Lake.
If you want you can also explore the Limberlost Forest & Reserve which is about a 30-minute drive from Huntsville. The best part about the reserve is that you don’t need a permit to enter the forest.
Best Place to Stay in Huntsville
Hilton Garden Inn Huntsville South/Redstone Arsenal – It is the closest place to stay while visiting Huntsville. It provides stylish and spacious rooms with plush bedding, work desks, and flat-screen TVs making it a complete package for families and couples.
Algonquin Provincial Park
Algonquin Provincial Park is one of the oldest provincial parks in Ontario as it was established back in 1893. Also, it’s a unique place to visit in Ontario during the winter season. The park has many trails and outdoor fun activities that will make sure you are not getting bored there.
In fact, it’s a perfect place to spot wildlife, like black bears, moose, beavers, raccoons, wolves, and otters. You can go for ice skating, Cross country skiing, and Snowboarding while exploring the Algonquin Provincial Park.
The best way to explore this park is by walking on the snow-covered trails or going on a winter camping trip.
Best Place to Stay Near Algonquin Provincial Park
Algonquin Lakeside Resort – It’s more of a classic resort with charming cottages and lodge rooms along with a lakeside restaurant making it an ideal location if you want to enjoy the lakefront view.
Niagara On the Lakes
It’s a historic town, located just a couple of miles away from Niagara Falls. The place is quite popular for its wineries and Victorian-era homes. You will be shocked to know that, it has more than 25 wineries and most of them remain open through the year.
Niagara On the Lakes is a great place to taste the finest wine in the province. It also has many shops offering local goods, products, and souvenirs that you can buy as a memory of the trip. Not to mention, almost all the wineries have wine tours that you can book and know how the wine is made from scratch.
As you are done with the exploration, head out straight to Peller Estate to enjoy a delicious meal in a heated covered patio.
Lastly, if you want you can also book a Sentinel Carriage, it’s a house carriage rides that take visitors through the Niagara-on-the-Lake’s historic downtown. It’s a 45-minute tour where the driver will tell you about the history and interesting facts related to Niagara On the Lakes.
Best Place to Stay in Niagara On the Lake
Hilton Garden Inn Niagara-on-the-Lake – It’s a family-friendly hotel that offers spacious rooms and has all the modern amenities like an indoor pool, and a fitness center. Being located so close to the highway makes it a convenient stay if you have other day trips to other attractions.
Rouge National Urban Park
Rouge Park is a hidden gem located on the outskirts of the Greater Toronto Area. The park has so many walking trails that you can stroll around.
If you love outdoor activities then it is a haven for you. Here you can enjoy winter hiking, snowshoeing, ice skating, cross-country skiing, and winter birdwatching, during the winter season.
‘The Rouge Valley Loop Trail’ is the best trail to walk and enjoy the hidden beauty of the park. It’s a 9 km long trail which takes around 3 hours to complete the whole hike.
Best Place to Stay in Rouge National Urban Park
Toronto Marriott Markham – It’s the most luxurious place to stay Rouge National Urban Park. The hotel has Spacious rooms with sleek designs, plush bedding, and all the modern amenities that you want to have in a luxurious stay.
Arrowhead Provincial Park
During the winter, Arrowhead Provincial Park transforms into a breathtaking wonderland and becomes a heaven for skiing lovers. Many of the trails get covered with snow and go through the Muskoka forest making sure that you have a little adventure while skiing and ice skating.
The park also has a rental center from where you can rent skis, snowshoes, and ice skates if you forget to bring your own. Many small campfires remain lit throughout the whole day so that you can keep yourself warm if you feel cold.
The Best thing about Arrowhead Provincial Park is Fire & Ice Nights. It’s a kind of special event where people are allowed to skate along the beautifully decorated trials and all that happens under the twinkling light of stars.
Tip: The park mostly remains busy throughout the whole winter season, so if you want to visit and explore it, make sure you arrive early in the morning and also have a permit that can be easily purchased online.
Best Place to Stay in Arrowhead Provincial Park
Deerhurst Resort – Being located just outside the park boundaries, this resort offers luxurious accommodations, on-site restaurants, bars, a spa, and everything that you want in a cozy resort.
Blue Mountain Ski Resort
Being located just hours away from Toronto, it’s one of the largest ski resorts in Ontario Province. The place has a variety of spas, restaurants, and cafes that will make sure you always have something to do.
If you are an outdoor person and love skiing then this one is a must-visit place for you. It’s the most popular ski spot in Ontario, as it has around 40 ski trails, 5 terrain parks, and over 40 lanes for snow tubing making it an ideal place for outdoor adventures in winter.
If you just want to relax, then Scandinave Spa is the right place for you, as it is quite known for its rejuvenating experience where they combine traditional Scandinavian spa practices with modern amenities making it a great experience that everyone should try.
Best Place to Stay in Blue Mountain
Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains, by MGallery – It’s the most iconic and luxurious hotel where you can stay. The resort is best known for its mountain views and its world-class spa making it a perfect destination for couples and families.
Timmins
It’s a small city in northeastern Ontario, located right across the Mattagami River. The city is well known for its snowy winter landscapes that make it a haven for outdoor activity lovers. Being the top snowmobiling region in Canada, people love to have some fun with snow.
Besides snowmobiling, you can also try other outdoor adventurous activities like snowshoeing trails, Ice fishing, ice skating, skiing, and a lot more. For those who are seeking a little adventure and a thrill, Mount Jamiwson can be a great option, it’s by far the longest tube park in the province.
Best Place to Stay in Timmins
Cedar Meadows Resort & Spa: It’s a luxurious high-end resort that provides classic rooms, a relaxing spa, a royal restaurant, and all the modern amenities that you want in a hotel.
Elora Gorge
Elora is a small village that is quite popular for its 19th-century architecture. During the winter season, it changes into a wonderland and offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy like ice skating, skiing, and snowball flight.
If you are an adventurous person then you can take the challenge of scaling the 20-meter-high ice wall at the Elora Quarry with One Axe Pursuits. Keep in mind that, you need to be an experienced climber to do this climbing.
Best Place to Stay in Elora
Elora Mill Hotel & Spa: It is an ultra-luxurious hotel located right beside the beautiful Elora Gorge. It is best known for its delicious cuisine, riverfront rooms, and luxurious spa treatment room. If you are a couple then definitely you need to visit the “Elora Mill Hotel & Spa”
Wasaga Beach
Wasaga Beach is a popular tourist attraction, especially in summer where it attracts thousands of tourists every year. During winter, this popular summer beach town changes and becomes a winter wonderland, where visitors can do a lot of recreational activities like ice fishing, snowmobiling, and also fat biking on the frozen lake.
If you are planning to spend your winter vacation in Wasaga Beach, then Wasaga Nordic and Trail Centre are the best places to do so. Both places are located in the Wasaga Beach Provincial Park and have more than 30 kilometers of trails where you can enjoy cross-country skiing with your friends.
Best Place to Stay in Wasaga Beach
Wasaga Beach Inn And Cottages: It’s a budget-friendly lodge to stay in Wasaga Beach if you are going with your group of friends. The place has all the modern amenities that you need to stay in a Cottage.
Manitoulin Island
Manitoulin Island, also known as “The Gem of the Great Lakes,” is a breathtaking island paradise, located in the heart of Lake Huron, Ontario. It’s known for being the largest freshwater island in the world.
During the Winter, as the snow falls on Manitoulin Island it becomes a hub of snow sports where you can enjoy a variety of activities like snowshoeing, ice caving, skiing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling.
If you truly want to see how the island looks after being covered in snow, then you need to hike the Cup & Saucer Trail. Once you reach the top of the Niagara Escarpment, you will be mesmerized by the beauty of the snowy views of the island.
For those who don’t want to try hiking but want to experience something unique and special then they can rent a stargazing cabin at Manitoulin Eco Park DarkSky Preserve. if you are lucky enough you can get a glimpse of the famous Northern Lights.
Best Place to Stay in Manitoulin Island
Manitoulin Hotel & Conference Centre: Relaxed & comfy rooms, delicious food, and waterfront views. Great choice for families or groups.
Toronto
Being the largest city in Ontario, Toronto is a perfect place to experience the winter season in Canada. The city is not all about CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, or the Hockey Hall of Fame it has much beyond that.
You can go shopping at the Christmas markets or try skating at Nathan Phillips Square to get the vibe of the winter season. There is always some sort of winter festival going on in the city so try to be a part of it and learn about their culture and traditions.
If you have adequate time then consider exploring some unique neighboring areas of Toronto, like Chinatown, Cabbagetown, and Greektown.
If you love shopping then, Toronto has some of the best shopping streets, like Yonge Street, Queen Street West, and Kensington Market where you buy almost everything from souvenirs to fresh produce.
Best Place to Stay in Toronto
The St. Regis Toronto: Luxurious sophisticated rooms & suites, breathtaking views, rejuvenating spa experience.
Stratford
Stratford is a small city located on the Avon River within Perth County in southwestern Ontario. It is quite popular for its Shakespearian plays which are being performed in the theatres during the Stratford Festival.
The town has a long history back to 1832 and that’s the reason why this city has so many gorgeous Victorian buildings like the Stratford City Hall and the Perth County Courthouse. It also has a lot of restaurants that are known for serving delicious local cuisines.
If you want to explore the town on your own then you just need to follow the “Stratford Chocolate Trail” which is more of a self-guided tour of the historical monuments of the town and reveals a lot about the history of the Town.
Best Place to Stay in Stratford
The Bruce Hotel: Luxurious rooms & suites, Rooftop terrace, Stunning views, Impeccable service.
Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay, also known as the “Winter Heaven of Ontario” is one of the largest cities that is located on the northwestern shore of Lake Superior. It is the most populous city in Northwestern Ontario, with a population of more than 107,000 people.
During the winter season, the city becomes a hub of winter sports activities like skiing & snowshoeing, ice skating, and camping in winter.
If that has convinced you to make a trip to Thunder Bay, then don’t forget to visit the second-tallest waterfall in Ontario, Kakabeka Falls.
You can also visit and explore the Thunder Bay Museum, as it has all the rare artifacts that reveal a lot about the indigenous tribes and early settlers who used to live in Thunder Bay.
Best Places to Stay in Thunder Bay
Sandbar Motel & Cottages: Located on Lake Superior, Cozy cabins, Access to outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, and hiking.
Waterloo & Kitchener
Waterloo & Kitchener are basically two different cities that are located side by side to each other. They are also known as the “Student Town” because of their proximity to universities and colleges.
Every year during the winter season, a special festival is held in late January that attracts hundreds and thousands of visitors. The place is a walking heaven for those who are looking for some adventurous winter activities because both Waterloo & Kitchener have more than 30 skating rings that remain open from the beginning of November to the end of March.
Besides that, you can also go skiing at Chicopee Park which is not that far away from Kitchener. It has many deep vertical drops which will be your adrenaline booster as you skii over it.
If you are not an adventurous person then do not worry we do have something for you.
In Waterloo, there is a theater called “Princess Cinemas” which plays independent Canadian films so if you like to watch movies then consider visiting this place.
Best Place to Stay in Waterloo-Kitchener
Delta Hotels by Marriott Waterloo: This hotel is a great choice for those seeking a comfortable as well as convenient stay with all the modern amenities.
Sault Ste Marie
Being the oldest French settlement in Canada, Sault Ste Marie is a perfect place for those who want to get rid of their chaotic life for a few days. The town is known for its decades-long history, beautiful lake views, and also for being the hub of outdoor winter activities in winter.
You can go ice fishing in a nearby lake at ‘Sault Ste Marie’ or try some adventurous sports like skiing and snowboarding at Searchmont Ski Resort.
Best Place to Stay in Sault Ste Marie
Water Tower Inn, BW Premier Collection: Spacious rooms, a rooftop pool, a spa, and stunning views of the St. Marys River.
Greater Sudbury
Sudbury is the most populous and largest city in Northern Ontario. It is well known for its cold winter season, as the snow falls it covers itself with a white sheet of Ice making it an ideal place for nature lovers and photographers.
Cross-country skiing attracts thousands of tourists to the town during the winter season. Besides that, the city has more than 330 lakes which means you will never run out of places to go skating (if the temperature is adequate).
If you are visiting the place with your kids then don’t forget to visit the Wagonwheel Ranch, as the place has plenty of wagon rides which your kids definitely gonna love.
Best Place to Stay in Greater Sudbury
Hilton Garden Inn Sudbury: Relax comfy rooms, Great location, Modern amenities like indoor pool, bar/restaurant, fitness room, and breakfast included.
Bruce Peninsula Park
Being located on Niagara Escarpment, Bruce Peninsula National Park is one of the most beautiful winter getaways that you can’t afford to miss if you are staying in Ontario.
“Grotto” is one such destination that attracts hundreds of tourists every year because of its beautiful natural landscape. The park is surrounded by many charming towns, such as Lion’s Head, Tobermory(a popular tourist hub in summer), and Wiarton which are worth exploring.
If you are looking for something adventurous then book a guided snowshoe tour to the icy Grotto cave where you can stroll in the cave and know how it was formed.
Bonus: If you have a little bit of interest in Space then you need to visit the Bruce Peninsula Dark Sky Preserve where you can watch the stars.
Best Place to Stay in the Bruce Peninsula
Cedar Grove Cottages Family Resort: Comfortable Rooms, Perfect for families, Have a sandy beach, playground, and pool for kids.
Kingston
Kingston better known as the ‘limestone city’ is a historic town that is known for its gorgeous buildings that are made of limestone. You will be surprised to know that it used to be the capital of Canada for a few years back in 1841.
“The Kingston Haunted Walk” is one of the best things that you can do in Kingston. It’s basically a tour that allows you to see and explore this historic town and learn about its history.
Best Place to Stay in Kingston
Roselawn Manor B&B: Experience Victorian elegance, luxurious rooms, personalized service, stunning waterfront views, and a gourmet breakfast.
Killarney Provincial Park
Killarney Provincial Park is one of many winter wonderlands of Ontario. It offers a unique experience for tourists who want to explore the snow-covered forest and frozen lakes during winter.
Camping in the winter season is totally a different experience than doing it in summer. To let you know that you can’t take your vehicle inside the park premises, you have to ski to your campsite and take all your camping gear in a sled.
Best Place to Stay in Killarney Provincial Park
Killarney Mountain Lodge & Conference Centre: Located on the shores of George Lake, with all the modern amenities, it’s a perfect place to escape the bustle of everyday life.
Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington
It’s the most popular tourist destination throughout the year in Ontario. Being the largest botanical garden in Canada, with more than 1,100 hectares of cultivated gardens the park has a large number of nature reserves located right on the slopes of the Niagara Escarpment World.
Every year in early January, Hendrie Park hosts a special festival where the entire 1.5 km stretch is lit up with lights, live musical performances, treats, and hot drinks. If you are planning to explore the places then winter is the perfect time to do so.
Best Place to Stay in Royal Botanical Gardens
The Prince of Wales Hotel: Close proximity to Hendrie Park’s main entrance, Luxurious and Comfy Rooms, and Friendly Staff.
Orillia
Orillia is a charming city located on the shores of Lake Simcoe and Lake Couchiching in Simcoe County. It offers plenty of fun activities that you can do like snowboarding, snow skiing, Ice skating, and snowmobiling making it a perfect place for those who love adventure activities.
You can go for a guided tour of the Leacock House which tells you a lot about the history of the Orilla.
You can also catch a live performance at the Orillia Opera House which is quite popular in the town for its live musical performances. If you think you are lucky enough then try your luck at the slots or table games at Casino Rama, which is a world-class gaming and entertainment complex in Orillia.
Best Place to Stay in Orillia
Stone Gate Inn: Experience Victorian elegance, Comfortable Rooms, Personalized Service, and gourmet breakfast with a stunning waterfront view.
How can I enjoy winter in Ontario?
During the Winter Season, Ontario transforms into a winter wonderland and becomes home to a lot of winter activities. Here are some ways by which you can enjoy the magic of winter in Ontario:
Enjoy in Snow: Ontario is home to many ski resorts where all levels of skiers and snowboarders(either you are a beginner or a pro) can enjoy the Snow. Experts in skiing can go with the challenging runs of Blue Mountain while beginners can go with the family-friendly trails of Horseshoe Resort.
Explore the Snowy Trails: During the winter season, many parks in the province become a hub of cross-country skiing. If you like to have a bit of adventure then head out straight to Parks(Rouge National Park) lace your snowshoes and explore the snowy trails.
Go for Ice fishing: You can also go for ice fishing on frozen lakes and rivers. Be patient you will be able to catch fish walleye, pike, and perch as they are quite common in the area. All you have to do is release the hook in the water and wait patiently.
Explore museums and art galleries: What can be more exciting than exploring the rich history and culture of Ontario? The Province is home to so many museums where you can see a lot of artifacts and rare monuments that are totally worth visiting.
Best Places in Ontario to Visit in Winter [Google Maps]
Things You Need to Know about Ontario in Winter
- The Weather in Ontario can be unpredictable, winters can be quite chilly, with the average highs ranging from -5°C to -10°C (23°F to 14°F). So, you are required to wear layers of warm clothing, including a hat, gloves, scarf, and waterproof boots to catch up with the snow.
- The amount of snowfall can vary from region to region, with the places closer to the Great Lakes receiving more while those far away receive a little less. So, be prepared for icy and slippery conditions, especially on the sidewalks and roads.
How to Commute in Ontario during Winters?
The best way to commute in Ontario during the winter season is by car (either on your own or rent it out). Although the province has the best public transportation network within cities, bad weather conditions can easily cause a delay in their operational time.
If you want to explore places outside the cities then you can either go with the car rentals or book a tour from some known tour company.
Car Renting in Ontario during Winter
If you thinking about renting a car then we recommend you do so in advance otherwise during the peak season it will be great trouble for you to get one.
Ontario has so many car rental companies but not all of them provide their service in every city. Keep in mind that you need to be at least 21 years old to get a rental car in Ontario. Almost all car rental companies charge young driver fees for drivers who are less than 25 years of age.
What to Pack For Ontario in Winter?
If you planning to explore Ontario in Winter, then keep in mind that the weather in Ontario is not a joke, be serious and pack some warm clothes, a warm hat, and gloves. The temperature can drop up to -30 degrees celsius making it extremely chilly that you can keep your hand out even for a minute.
These are things that you definitely need to Pack for Ontario in Winter.
- Thermal base layers
- A Woolen Sweater
- Pair of pants one Regular with snow pants over them
- Fleece Jacket
- Warm Woolen Socks
- Warm Gloves
- Good waterproof winter boots.
Final Thoughts: Places to Visit in Ontario in Winter
Ontario is home to so many amazing places that you can visit and explore in Winter. There are many small towns that are totally worth exploring, as the snow falls they become major tourist destinations.
I can bet, that you can get tired but the number of places will not. From Niagara Falls to Orillia, Ontario is truly a magnificent place to spend your winter vacation in Nature.
