Ontario is home to some fantastic winter activities. If you didn’t get around to it last year, maybe 2022 is the year you strap on snowshoes, check out some winter festivals, skate at Nathan Phillips Square or spend a night ice fishing. Travel writer Natalie Preddie has some amazing winter adventures you can take this year.
Winter surfing
Winter is prime time to surf the Great Lakes, with 30 km/h winds generating a lot of great swells, especially around the Beach, Lake Huron and even Fort Erie. The key to winter surfing is wearing the right gear: wetsuits are the most important piece of equipment. From November to April, surf experts demand a thick neoprene suit paired with boots and mitts.
Ice climbing
Made popular in Western Canada. Only in winter do massive cliffs and ledges within the Canadian shield create 100-foot natural ice towers and gigantic frozen waterfalls. There are many climbing companies, such as One Axe Pursuits in Elora or Liv Outside in Muskoka
Winter caving
The Scenic Caves in Blue Mountain are famous for sculptured cliffs, overhanging rock formations, distinctive chambers, tight passageways and unique natural crevasses. Caving equipment can be rented, and an experienced guide will take you safely through captivating twists and turns.
With so many other outdoor activities at the Scenic Caves, caving will only be a part of your winter journey. There are kilometres of hiking trails or take in sweeping views from the 420-foot suspension bridge. 200 species of wildlife as you snowshoe through 12 kilometres of forest or join in a family scavenger hunt.
