Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you should not be making the most of every second of your snowy days. You can enjoy a variety of day trips in Ontario in winter. Here are a few ideas for you:
Winter Destinations in Ontario You Should Visit
If you are looking for a unique Ontario winter experience, you are in the right place! From outdoor trails, winter wonderland-like scenery, Christmas markets, ice rinks, and warm liquor, there are plenty of incredible Ontario winter attractions to enjoy. So, before heading out the door and exploring the beautiful places in the province, make sure to keep yourself warm. Bundle up with a base layer, a wool or fleece as your insulating layer, and a heavy-duty layer to protect you from the freezing wind and snow. Wear mittens, toques, scarves to protect your fingers, cheeks, ears, and other vulnerable areas from the cold.
Here are some amazing winter day trips in Ontario that will bring magic to the season:
- Blue Mountain Village
The Blue Mountain Village transforms into a magical winter wonderland town filled with festive shops, illuminated trails, and more!
Built in 1941, this popular winter destination has a distinctive history located in Ontario. It was originally built as a ski resort, but the owner turned it into a full-fledged resort offering fun-filled events and adventures starting November. The Blue Mountain Village offers various outdoor activities including:
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- Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster
- Mountaintop Skating
- Fat Bike Rentals
- Snowshoeing
- Hike ‘N Tube
- Plunge Aquatic Centre
- Prince Edward County
If you want to travel to Ontario in winter, make sure to include Prince Edward County in your must-visit places. It is a perfect place to explore, especially for first-timers, as there are many spectacular activities to enjoy during your trip. You can find beautiful parks, enjoy delectable foods, and explore plenty of trails.
A wine lover? Prince Edward County is a place to visit in Ontario in winter. Although it is newer to the scene, you can find a few dozen wineries in the County. This place also boasts of Instagram-worthy spots, like the June Motel and the Drake Devonshire Inn, making it a popular getaway destination for millennials.
- Upper Canada Village’s Alight at Night
Wear your best winter outfit for an evening stroll through this picture-perfect postcard setting. As far as experiences go, the Upper Canada Village is a family favourite. It has almost a million lights that adorn the trees, fences, and heritage buildings of Upper Canada Village. It offers visitors a magical and breathtaking backdrop for its annual celebration of Alight at Night festival. It offers a wagon ride to get around and enjoy the lights around the village.
- Niagara Falls
Who says you cannot enjoy Niagara Falls in winter? Located on the Canada-US border, this iconic natural landmark attracts people from around the world.
During winter, the falls transform into a frozen paradise with huge icicles hanging from the cliff, floating chunks of ice, and splendid cascades dropping down from 50 metres.
You can also enjoy the Winter Festival of Lights starting in mid-November until the end of February. This year, the free outdoor light festival in Canada has gotten even bigger and features massive 3D animals, festive displays and more than 3 million lights to get visitors into a festive mood.
- Bruce Peninsula National Park
Witness the incredible transformation of the Bruce Peninsula National Park into an icy wonderland with gigantic frozen sculptures. Every winter, the turquoise waters of Georgian Bay rise to create dramatic cliffs that will surely take your breath away. Black bears roam the area while rare reptiles take refuge in rocky areas and diverse wetlands. You can also find centuries-old cedar trees spiralling from the cliff edge and a slew of ferns and orchids thriving in a mosaic of habitats.
- Torrance Barrens
For someone who wants to have a unique winter experience, this one is a must-visit place. Torrance Barrens Dark-Sky Preserve is the perfect place to witness the amazing display of the Northern Lights. Its 4,700 acres of Crown Land is uninterrupted by any type of light pollution, allowing you a glimpse at the incredibly brilliant, impressive views. Witness the Milky Way and the Andromeda Galaxy with your naked eyes. You can also bring a telescope to view the different planets in the Solar System and the rings of Saturn.
- Casa Loma
Built during the turn of the 20th century, this gothic revival-style mansion is one of the top tourist attractions in Ontario during the winter season. In addition to its impressive architecture, it boasts of its majestic estate gardens, making it a popular destination for photoshoots, private events, and television filming.
Casa Loma is also the place to go for people who want to rediscover and experience a magical Christmas. Every winter, Casa Loma and its gardens turn into a grand winter wonderland with everything covered in a blanket of snow and dazzling and colourful decorations and light display.
You can also explore its beautiful castle and admire century-old exhibits.
- Rideau Canal
The Rideau Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This monumental engineering feat, stretching for 200 kilometres from Kingston to Ottawa. During winter, the canal transforms into the largest skating rink in the world. The ice rink opens in January to early March and is free for everyone who wants to experience an amazing skating experience. Rideau Canal’s 7.8 kilometres long skating rink is lined with various quintessential landmarks that played important roles in shaping the history of the country. In addition to its access ramps and heated change rooms, the rink also has concession stands, skate rentals, and fire pits.
- Botanical Gardens
Discover the Winter Wonders display at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington. This gorgeous outdoor oasis offers the perfect day trips where you can explore and admire beautiful and striking pathways, awesome displays, and plenty of on-site eats. They offer a seasonal winter menu packed with delicious candy, cookies, and other treats.
For comfort, convenience and safety when travelling during the pandemic, hire a charter service in Toronto so you do not need to worry about driving around Ontario. Parkinson Coach Lines offers personalized services for single or multi-day trips not only in Ontario but throughout North America. Give us a call today at (905) 451-4776 to learn about our private bus tours in Toronto.
