Winter in Ontario Parks

More Winter Activities in Ontario Parks

Tobogganing

The young or young-at-heart might want to toboggan on the hills at Bronte Creek and Pinery.

Ice fishing

Fishing season doesn’t end when the lake freezes over. Our parks are home to some world-class ice fishing opportunities.

Windy Lake Provincial Park offers light-weight, easy to set up ice fishing kits for rent from the Park Office. Staff will even show you where to fish!

Remember – a fishing licence is required, even in the winter.

And more importantly, make sure you’re safe while you’re on the ice. It’s important to bring an ice chisel to check ice thickness, as well as cleats, a pick, a floatation suit, and of course, a friend and a plan.

Winter biking

Fatbikes are mountain bikes with over-sized tires that allow them to travel over snow with ease. Algonquin is a great place to start. The park’s Old Railway Bike Trail is open all year and local outfitters offer fatbike rentals.

Others enjoy winter mountain biking at Bronte Creek and Sleeping Giant.

Dog-sledding and Skijoring

Algonquin has two trails available for dog-sledding. If your own dog isn’t willing to pull, there are outfitters who offer dog-sledding expeditions in the park.

And if you and Fido are looking for something a bit more unique, you can try skijoring (basically, skiing with your dogs) at Arrowhead and Quetico’s groomed campground trails.

Even More!

• Winter is the perfect time to view wildlife at Ontario Parks. The snow leaves clues of their comings and goings. Check out our blog on winter tracks to get started as a wildlife detective.
• It’s is also one of the best times to learn how to bird watch. There are fewer birds to identify and they are easier to spot. All you need is a set of binoculars, a pair of snowshoes, and warm clothing.