Northeastern Ontario's Winter Bucket List Guide

We're in for a classic Canadian winter up here in the Boreal forest—here's how you can make the most of it.

There really is something special about a classic Canadian winter in a Northeastern Ontario forest. Sure, the weather is cooler, but an entirely new world comes alive with its own unique sights and sounds. From the muffled soundscape after a heavy snowfall to the sharp crunch of snow on a particularly chilly day, it's a beautiful and peaceful new world. 

As you move through the forest, keep your eyes on the ground for tracks in the snow, because you never know who you'll meet. Moose, deer, lynx, foxes, squirrels, snowshoe hares, weasels, and more all call our forests home, and it's not uncommon for them to cross your path. 

The thrill of a fat winter fish striking your line, or cooking your meal on the ice; witnessing the clearest night sky you've ever imagined or breathing in the freshest, crispest air. Working up a sweat on a cold day, or taking the chill off in front of the fire at the end of it all. These are the wonderful experiences waiting for you. So bundle up—winter doesn't mean an end to your travel plans. It's the beginning of a bright new season of things to do in the Great Outdoors—one of the things Northeastern Ontario does best. 

Cross-Country Ski & Snowshoe Trails

North Bay Nordic - North Bay - (705) 495-0332
Porcupine Ski Runners - South Porcupine - (705) 360-1444
Temiskaming Nordic - Temiskaming Shores - (705) 679-5106
Kivi Park - Greater Sudbury 

Downhill Ski Hills 

Antoine Mountain - Mattawa - (705) 744-4754
Adanac Ski Hill - Greater Sudbury - (705) 688-3968 
Laurentian Ski Hill - North Bay - (705) 494-7463
Mount Jamieson - Timmins - (705) 268-9057

Horseback riding

Von Doeler's Ranch - Mattawa - (705) 477-6655

Ice Fishing 

We've created a full resource list for those of you who have always thought about giving ice fishing a try. Check it out here

Lodges & Resorts

Find our full listing of winter lodges and resorts right here.

Outdoor Events & Winter Festivals

Winter's not a reason to hibernate, but it is the perfect reason to celebrate! From art installations on Lake Nipissing to Kirkland Lake's two-week Winter Carnival, give something new a try "up north." 

  • Ice Follies - North Bay
  • Stars & Songs - Mattawa
  • Pond Hockey Festival on the Rock - Greater Sudbury
  • Cochrane Winter Carnival - Cochrane
  • Kirkland Lake Winter Carnival - Kirkland Lake
  • Friends of Killarney Park Winter Weekend - Killarney

Snowmobiler Resources

Our region is home to 11 OFSC-promoted Snow Tours and we're prepared to shout it from the rooftops! Many winter lodges and resort operators are located directly off of the groomed trail, so finding a place to stay and call home for the night is never a challenge.

Get Your OFSC Trail Pass
5 Reasons the Best Sledding is in Northeastern Ontario
Get the Best Prices on Lodgings 
Choose from 11 OFSC-promoted Snow Tours

Winter Camping

For outdoor enthusiasts, yurt or teepee "camping" might just be the new winter experience you've been searching for. The curious can read more about winter camping in Killarney Provincial Park, or visit each provider below.  

Killarney Provincial Park - Killarney -  (705) 287-2900
Windy Lake Provincial Park - Greater Sudbury - (705) 966-2315

About Northeastern Ontario Tourism

Whether planning a fun-filled family road trip, a quick weekend expedition, or a romantic getaway, Northeastern Ontario is undeniably BIG and unbelievably close.

Recommended Articles

The Seven's Best Hikes, Biking Trails and Lakes

Scenic vistas, white pine, and waterfalls await!

7 Best Spots to Check Out in The Seven

From Killarney to Kirkland Lake, Mattawa to Manitoulin, here are all the best things to see and do in Northeastern Ontario.

Budget Bliss: Explore Northeastern Ontario Without Breaking the Bank

These budget-friendly spots in The Seven offer affordable (and sometimes free) fun for everyone.

Bring Your Fam!

7 family-friendly places to explore in The Seven.

Time to Unwind: 6 Spa Havens to Discover In The Seven

Check out these next-level ways to pamper yourself on your Northeastern Ontario getaway

5 Amazing Places to SUP in Northeastern Ontario

From Stormy Lake to Marathon Beach, there's an incredible SUP adventure waiting for you here.

5 Amazing Bike Rides to Discover

Varied terrain, quiet roads, and flowy trails—The Seven is calling.

Northern Lights in Northeastern Ontario

5 great spots in The Seven to find the Aurora Borealis.

Northeastern Ontario's Best Pride Festivals

Get ready to celebrate inclusivity, diversity, and community in these vibrant Canadian areas.

Fish for one of the World's Rarest Species of Trout

Found only in 12 remote Ontario lakes–and nowhere else in the world–the aurora trout is a special fish.

An Insider's Guide to Manitoulin Island

12 communities, sights, hikes and experiences that most first-time visitors miss!

6 Small-Town Gems to Explore in Northeastern Ontario

Award-winning distilleries, quirky theatres, boating adventures, and historic museums, Northeastern Ontario is yours to explore.

11 Best Things to Do in Kapuskasing, Ontario

Gourmet cheese, hammocks in the park, and Canadian-Szechuan cuisine await in this historic lumber town

Best Things to Do in Kirkland Lake: The Town that Gold Built

Check out a self-guided gold mine tour, a northern chateau museum, and get some beach time!

Search Northeastern Ontario