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

Spectres of the Past: A Ghost Town Field Trip

Follow this trail of abandoned communities on a road trip through the history of Northeastern Ontario

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.

The Vanishing Waterfall

Visit the "new" New Post Falls in Northeastern Ontario

Northern Lights in Northeastern Ontario

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

Ontario's Secret Lagoon

Discover paradise just outside of Sudbury

Complete Guide to Moosonee & Moose Factory Island

12 essential experiences for visitors.

3 Easy Weekend Trips from Brampton

Lighthouses, waterfalls, epic hikes, and the world's biggest nickel await on these easy road trips from Brampton to Ontario's north. Plan your summer vacation today!

Eat Like It's Easter!

Check out these establishments for Easter specials & events.

A Guide to Mushroom Hunting

How, when and where to go, and what to look for

Observe the Galaxy Like Never Before

Take in the inky night sky, just outside of the city!

An Insider's Guide to Manitoulin Island

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

Cochrane: Wonderfully Unexpected

One of Canada's top 50 small towns!

Looking for a unique train-in Vacation? We've got you covered.

Check out this list of all the train-in experiences in Northeastern Ontario.

Increase Your Odds

Visitors to the region often wonder, how do I see the Northern Lights?

How to Properly Hold and Handle Fish

Techniques & Tools

Stonehenge of the North

Huge boulders aligned with the setting sun on solstice pose more questions than answers.

Sugar Shacks

Northern Ontario's Sweet Spring Ritual

Bring Your Fam!

7 Family-friendly places to explore in The Seven

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!

Crossing The Northern divide

You don’t need a passport to hop this border!