Are you looking to satiate the inner wanderlust in you this winter season? Then Ontario is the perfect place to be. From exhilarating natural wonders to bustling cities, you can expect to have a spectacular holiday wherever your feet may take you in the province. Ontario is home to some of Canada’s famed attractions, namely Niagara Falls.
As the capital of Ontario and the biggest city in Canada, Toronto is also known for being the most exciting city in the country. It’s because the city boasts an array of attractions and sightseeing opportunities for local and international travellers.
Anytime is a perfect time to go on a holiday in Ontario. However, the province comes into its element in the wintertime. Ontario’s incredible tourist attractions reveal the essence of the Canadian spirit in the winter months, like the popular skating rinks of Rideau Canal and the Festival of Lights in Niagara Falls.
You’re in for an amazing winter holiday in Ontario. Start planning your getaway and add these must-do activities to your 2020 winter bucket list.
1. Marvel At Frozen Waterfalls
You’ve heard about the splendour of Niagara Falls, but what most tourists don’t already know is that Ontario also boasts of hundreds of waterfalls in varying shapes and sizes. In winter, these waterfalls are a wonder to behold: with leafless trees accentuating their beauty and jaw-dropping ice formations, these waterfalls are begging to be captured by photographers.
If chasing waterfalls in winter (instead of being bundled up indoors) is your thing, Ontario’s waterfalls are waiting for you to discover.
2. Go Snowshoeing Or Cross-country Skiing
If you’re looking forward to doing a less adrenaline-pumping activity in winter, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing may be perfect for you. These activities are an opportunity for you to bask in Ontario’s scenic views and even spot wildlife. There are special trails that are well-lit in the nighttime should you want to try snowshoeing or skiing in the later hours of the day. There are different trails and skiing and snowshoeing programs for any skill level as well. Tag along with your family and friends for a great bonding experience.
3. Savour Some Winter Festivities
Ontario’s winter festivals are one of the grandest times of the year where people celebrate the province’s sports, culture, recreation, and outdoors. There are many festivals that happen in Ontario during the winter months. All that’s required of you is to get outdoors and have fun.
Here are some of the festivals you need not miss out:
- Winter Festival of Lights (November to January) – Dubbed as the largest lights festival in Canada, the Winter Festival of Lights happens in Niagara Falls and was founded 35 years ago. It’s a strong crowd-drawer which annually pulls in an estimated 1.5 million visitors.
- Icewine Festival in Niagara Falls (January) – Each year, the Niagara region transforms into a winter paradise for three weekends. This festival celebrates one of Ontario’s most popular products, icewine, where visitors are treated to overflowing wine and food pairings.
- Aurora Winter Festival (November to January) – For the record, Aurora Winter Festival is the biggest winter festival in the country. This is where skating rinks, giant lights display, sculptures, food markets, and amusement rides converge to give visitors a memorable holiday.
- Feb Fest (February) – Head over to downtown Kingston to see a grand display of snow carvings and ice sculptures. There are also performances from ice skaters, hockey games, and winter-led activities that you can participate in during the event.
- Winter in the Wild Festival (February) – Want an encounter with wildlife in the winter? You can have an immersive experience in the wild at Algonquin Provincial Park, an area of forest and lakes situated a few hours from Toronto. Sign up for events like wildlife snowshoe excursion, a guided winter bird walk, ice-skating sessions, and winter camping demonstrations.
4. Try Out Dog Sledding
Your winter break in Canada wouldn’t be complete without dog sledding. A popular winter-based activity in the country, dog sledding also lets you experience Ontario’s wilderness. You can take in the picturesque views as you glide through the landscape and absorb the silence of the forests; plus, you’ll get to immerse in the wilderness, a rare and memorable experience. There are several places dotted all over Ontario where you can go dog sledding with your friends and family.
5. Skate The Iconic Rideau Canal
Did you know that Ottawa’s Rideau Canal turns into the largest skating rink in the world each winter? A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Rideau Canal runs through the centre of Ottawa (from downtown to Dows Lake), spanning a total of 4.8 miles or 7 kilometres, and becomes a giant skating rink. If you’re a skating enthusiast, grab your skates and check out Rideau Canal from January until early March. It’s free for everyone, and you can access it seven days a week, 24 hours a day. You can also rent a pair of skates if you don’t own one.
6. Follow The Northern Lights
Canada is easily one of the awesome places to witness the Northern Lights since most parts of the country are close to the aurora oval (the region near the pole where the lights are active). In winter, going in search of the aurora is the most raved about activities in Ontario.
The ideal time for aurora hunting are during the autumn and winter months (from November to March). This incredible spectacle is produced when the electrically charged particles of the sun collide with oxygen and nitrogen particles upon entering the atmosphere. To see the Northern Lights, you will need to drive outside Ontario’s towns and cities, ideally in a place without light pollution. Among the breathtaking places in Ontario to see the aurora borealis are Lake Superior, Manitoulin Island, and Moose River.
7. Go On A Gastronomic Adventure
Toronto’s dining scene saw a massive growth over the last decade, making it one of Canada’s most popular havens for foodies. Chefs in Toronto are always reinventing cuisine to make a whole new dining experience for everyone. Carve some time out of your schedule to sample out the best dishes in the city. Check out these new and best restaurants in Toronto for starters.
Ready To Check Off Some Of Your Ontario Winter Bucket List Items?
Whether you’re going on a winter break with your family, friends, or colleagues, you’ll need a bus tour provider that can transport you from your location to any point in the province. This relieves the hassle from the entire travel so you can devote your time and attention to making memories happen on the road.
If you are looking for a safe and reliable bus tour for your next vacation, call Parkinson Coach & Tours at (905) 451-4776. We’d be glad to show you around Ontario in style and safety.
Visit our contact page to find out more about our bus tours or fill out this form to request a quote.