8 Great Outdoorsy Winter Activities for Families in Ontario
Magical snow, hot chocolate, festivity in the air… I love winter, for the most part anyway. When the temperature dips into the negatives, my usual outdoorsy persona would rather hibernate than do outdoor activities. But given all the physical and mental health benefits of spending time outside in all seasons, my family and I are opening up to the Great Outdoors. Here are eight fun activities to do in Ontario, Canada and beyond when the weather freezes.
Tobogganing in Local Parks
Tobogganing on a sled from a small hill is the easiest and a delightful outdoor activity you can do with your family in winter. Sleds are inexpensive, and they come in many different shapes and materials. You don’t have to travel far—your city or town may have a park or local hill suitable for tobogganing. For instance, in Toronto, you can enjoy sledding in High Park or Riverdale Park East.
Although this activity is for all ages, make sure the hill is free from any dangers like trees, rocks or other things that could potentially hurt you. Pro tip: Observe the experienced tobogganers and follow their lead.
Winter Birdwatching
Birdwatching can be a busy affair in spring and summer, but it’s slower and more enjoyable in the off seasons, like winter. The lack of foliage means it’s easier to spot birds, especially the elusive ones, like owls. Car birding is an alternative if you want to stay warm. You can often find raptors on the country roads near open fields. Snow also makes an excellent backdrop for vibrant birds like cardinals and bluejays.
Winter is the ideal time to spot waterfowl in Ontario. You can spot them along the banks of Lake Ontario, Lake Erie and Lake Huron. Also, check out the ponds, creeks and marshes in your local area. If you’re planning to spend hours outdoors looking for birds, dress in layers and don’t forget gloves and a warm hat.
Snowshoeing in Provincial Parks
Snowshoeing is an affordable activity that every member of the family can enjoy. When the snow is knee-high, a snowshoe can help you navigate comfortably and enjoy the outdoors. like Algonquin or Killarney, where you can rent snowshoes and soak in the surreal forest views. Find the snowshoe trails near you at Ontario Trails Council.
Remember to slow down and let your kids lead the way. Keep an eye out for wildlife. Pack enough snacks, a thermos with hot chocolate and a fleece mat to enjoy a picnic along the way.
Skiing at a Ski Resort
Unlike the other activities, skiing is a strenuous outdoor activity that requires proper training and equipment, so it’s a good idea to book lessons at a ski resort your first time. Resorts offer more facilities with options to stay and dine, making the entire experience much more pleasant. Moreover, your whole family can get lessons to learn the basics. In Ontario, you can’t go wrong with Blue Mountain resort or Calabogie Peaks resort for your first time skiing. Alternatively, try learning skiing in your city’s community centres. Toronto’s Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre and Ottawa’s Mooney Bay Ski Centre offer lessons for adults and kids.
Skiing can be pricey with the cost of the equipment, lessons and clothing for all family members adding up quickly. But it’s one of the quintessential Canadian winter activities that is worth it.
Ice Skating on Frozen Lakes, Rivers and Waterways
If you’re new to skating, I’d recommend going to a local ice rink to understand the basics before trying it on a frozen lake. You should know the proper techniques to avoid falling and train to fall the right way to minimize injuries. To start with, try renting the ice skates from the rink, and once you learn the ropes, you can invest in skates for your family. You can buy a pair for about $100. Consider a lesson, too.
Ice skating is accessible to all ages, and it doesn’t have as steep a learning curve and isn’t as intimidating as skiing. In Toronto, you can visit the Bentway or Colonel Samuel Smith Park’s ice skating trail. For a classic Canadian experience, skate along the Rideau Canal in Ottawa.
Ice Fishing
Ice fishing involves drilling a hole in the ice and catching the fish in the waters below. If you want to try this on your own, you need special ice drills like augers. The easiest option is to find an outfitter who will provide you with all the gear and comfort. You can get a warm cabin or tent with holes drilled ready for you, along with fishing rods and bait. With kids, this can make or break the experience. They are much more likely to enjoy fishing in a warm, heated hut, rather than out in the open.
Lake Simcoe, Lake Nipissing, Lake of the Woods and Lake Superior are some of the finest places for ice fishing. The Fish On Ice Fishing Guides is a popular choice in Lake Simcoe for families.
Staying in a Winter Cabin
When the weather turns cold, our tent is usually packed and put away. We are not brave enough for winter camping. If you don’t want to brave the elements but still enjoy the outdoors, consider staying in one of the cozy heated cabins or yurts in Ontario Parks or Parks Canada.
You can also rent a comfortable cottage to snuggle under the stars with your family. Imagine watching the spellbinding northern lights under snow-covered trees. Your kids certainly won’t mind eating barbecue or s’mores in the middle of winter.
Attending a Winter Festival
You don’t need to buy fancy equipment or spend a lot to do outdoor activities—just pick a winter festival or holiday event going on in your town or city and go for a walk to lift your spirits and exercise your muscles. For instance, a few hours at a Christmas market, light festival or winter carnival are a great way to spend a cold winter day. It’s an easy, low-key (and often free or low-cost) activity for the whole family.
The Distillery Winter Village in Toronto is a must-do in December. To beat the blues after the festive season, visit the Winterlude festival in Ottawa.
In winter, it’s imperative to know your limits, the weather and ice conditions. Don’t hesitate to stop if it gets too much. But as they say, there is no bad weather, only bad clothing. So don’t fear the cold; get yourself a nice down coat, sturdy boots, a snug toque and gloves to embrace the snowy outdoors with your family.
