Incredible Places in Ontario to Visit This Winter

Arrowhead Provincial Park

By Natasha of Great Ocean Road Collective

For a stunning outdoor winter destination, head to Arrowhead Provincial Park north of Huntsville, Ontario. Located in the heart of the Muskokas, Arrowhead is known for its excellent hiking trails and winter sporting activities. The park is great for skiing, snowshoeing, skating as well as tubing.

Arrowhead maintains over 33-kilometers of trails for skiing and skating, with various tracks for all skill levels. You can bring your own equipment from home or rent it during your visit. If you aren’t skiing, you’ll need a daily vehicle pass (18$ during the week, 21$ on weekends). This fee covers everyone in the vehicle. If you plan on skiing, individual rates apply.

You can even stay at Arrowhead Provincial Park overnight! There are several cozy wooden cabins that can be rented, but book in advance as spots fill up quickly. Either way, you’re sure to love this gorgeous park in winter.

Check out the best places to stay in Huntsville!

Kingston

By Carolin of Happy When Abroad

The charming student city of Kingston has about 137,000 inhabitants and is located directly on Lake Ontario. Kingston is not only a popular tourist destination in summer – the small town with the famous Queen’s University has a lot to offer in winter as well.

Especially recommended is a walk in the newly constructed Lake Ontario Park, from which you have a beautiful view over the lake. Another fun activity is ice skating at Springer Market Square – the perfect location to enjoy the Canadian winter with your friends.

Moreover, there are several magical Christmas markets, such as the famous outdoor Christmas market at Hochelaga Inn, the Fat Goose Holiday Market in the Grant Hall of Queen’s University, or the “All Things Christmas Sales” Event in the Kingston Symphony Warehouse.

The city in Eastern Ontario is also known for its countless cute restaurants, cafes, and little shops in the old town. I mean what could be better than walking through the snow, looking for Christmas presents in authentical shops, and then warming up with hot chocolate in one of the best cafes?

If you are planning to visit more of Ontario, then Kingston is also the perfect place to take a little rest between the turbulent cities of Toronto and Montreal.

Check out the best places to stay in Kingston!

Hamilton

Hamilton is one of the best places in Ontario to visit this winter due to the 100+ waterfalls in the area, incredible restaurants, and fun events. Conveniently located just over an hour from Toronto, the city makes for a great day trip via car, bus, or Go Train.

Some of the best waterfalls to visit in winter in Hamilton include:

• Albion Falls
• Webster Falls
• Tew Falls

After admiring a beautiful (and possibly frozen!) waterfall, head to downtown Hamilton to explore the charming downtown area, typically decorated for the holiday season. There are many different restaurants to choose from with numerous different cuisines. You can also opt to check out one of the many bars in the area too!

Check out the best places to stay in Hamilton!

Algonquin Provincial Park

By Oksana & Max of Drink Tea & Travel

Algonquin Provincial Park is a great place to visit in the winter. It is Canada’s oldest provincial park and covers an impressive 7,653 square kilometres. The winter will give you a sense of solitude that you won’t find in other seasons of the year as well as a great opportunity to spot wildlife.

There is a great network of ski trails which crisscross the park. The Fen Lake Ski Trail, Minnesing Trail, and Leaf Lake Ski Trail are all of varying lengths. The Minnesing Trail is not groomed and therefore suitable for snowshoeing as well.

Be sure to stop into the Visitor Centre on your way into the park for a map and to inquire about trail conditions. While you are there check out the natural museum and viewing platform which has 180 degree views of the park.

For basic winter camping, book a spot at Algonquin’s Mew Lake Campground. It is open year-round and has heated Yurts available. A skating rink also becomes available at the campground.

Toronto

Toronto is definitely a great destination in Ontario to visit during winter due to the incredible winter events that take place in the city. There are many incredible Christmas markets, including the biggest one at the Distillery District.

Throughout the city, there are many outdoor skating rinks to enjoy that also offer skate rentals. There is one at Nathan Phillips Square that is in the downtown core, right in front of the big Toronto sign!

The city is lots of fun during the winter season with the holiday displays at Hudson’s Bay, the giant Christmas tree inside the Eaton Centre, and all the decorations throughout the city!

Check out the best places to stay in Toronto!

Blue Mountains

Another one of the best places to visit in Ontario during the winter is Blue Mountain Resort in Collingwood! In a single weekend away you can ski, snowboard, snowshoe, and more with your family and friends. One of my personal favourites is the snowshoe and wine tasting package that includes a guided hike through the Kolapore Uplands followed by a well-deserved sampling of cheeses and three local wines.

Another thing that I’ve enjoyed at Blue Mountain is the Woodview Mountaintop skating. This family-friendly experience included a skating loop that was over a kilometer long and awesome views of Niagara! After a day of snowshoeing, wine tasting, and skating, I was able to get cozy by the fire back at my room with a glass of hot chocolate – a must-do for both couples and families alike.

Check out the best places to stay in Blue Mountains!

Niagara Falls

By Dzangir of Dr Jam Travels

Niagara Falls is one of the most spectacular and famous waterfalls in North America. They are located between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario on river Niagara and are composed of Horseshoe Falls – 790 meters, separated by Goat Island from smaller American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. The highest drop is around 60 meters. It is a great source of hydroelectric power with 2,400 m³ of water passing each second. Yearly there are more than 30 million visitors.

In wintertime, the falls partial freeze. The only record of completely frozen waterfalls is from 1844. During the night there is a light show until midnight. Journey Behind the Falls is a popular attraction and is a set of tunnels that take you behind the Horseshoe waterfall. If you decide to go there in the wintertime, mind that it is cold and wet. So take shoes and jackets that are warm and watertight. 

Check out the best places to stay in Niagara Falls!

Ottawa

Ottawa is one of the best places in Ontario to visit in winter due to the stunning photogenic buildings and incredible events. One of the biggest attractions is skating along the Rideau Canal, one of the largest skating rinks in the world! There are also plenty of places to go winter hiking, tobogganing, snowshoeing, and many other winter activities.

Check out some of the best places to stay in Ottawa!