Ontario Winter Sports
‘The fluffy snow will blow your mind. It blankets the ground and turns trees into ghosts. It feels like you’re immersed in a snow-globe.‘
Sault Ste. Marie embraces winter and is one of Ontario’s best places for snow sports, including snowshoeing, skiing, skating and snowmobiling. Visitors looking for skating trails near me, Northern Ontario winter sports, or ideas for the best winter getaways Ontario will find plenty of options here.
Consistently snowy winters create reliable networks of groomed trails for skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking, skating, and snowmobiling. There is more than enough terrain to fill any itinerary focused on winter activities in Northern Ontario. You may also catch a rare sight: the Lake Superior Ice Caves, recognized by the New York Times as one of the top travel experiences in the world.
Sault Ste. Marie is an excellent place to go snowshoeing in Ontario. Lake-effect snowfall brings an average of 300 cm of powder each winter. Trails lead through snow-covered forests, frozen lakes and rugged Canadian Shield landscapes. Routes are well-marked, easy to reach and maintained by local volunteers. Snowshoe rentals are available at Hiawatha Highlands with access to a wide range of backcountry trails.
The city is also gaining attention as one of Ontario’s best fat-biking destinations. For skating, visitors can enjoy several local rinks and trails, including the popular Clergue Park skating trail along the St. Marys River, a standout option for anyone searching for skating trails near me with a scenic setting. Whatever your craving, choose Sault Ste. Marie for your next winter adventure.
Wintersports Inspiration
Explore Snowshoe Trails in Northern Ontario
Expert Northern Ontario snowshoe guides will take you to top Sault Ste. Marie snowshoeing destinations and share stories about local history, culture, and the environment, perfect for visitors seeking best winter getaways Ontario or planning winter activities in Northern Ontario.
Locals love Hiawatha Highlands, known for well-maintained trails, clear maps, and helpful guides. Just a 10-minute drive from downtown, it’s one of the most accessible snowshoeing destinations near the city. Snowshoe rentals are available, and you can explore well-marked trails through quiet forests, frozen ponds, and classic Canadian Shield landscapes. Learn more about the trails and rentals at the Hiawatha Highlands snowshoeing activities page.
A short drive north on the Trans-Canada Highway brings you to Stokely Creek, a top destination for Northern Ontario winter sports. Trails range from the easy 2 km Otter’s Trail along an ice-sheathed creek to a 15 km route to the summit of King Mountain with panoramic Lake Superior views. Stokely Creek is part of North America’s fourth-largest cross-country ski area and a popular choice for day trips, weekend escapes, or longer Northern Ontario ski and snowshoe vacations. Find details on trails, lodging, and backcountry access at the Stokely Creek Lodge snowshoeing and ski information page.
Skating
Sault Ste. Marie has some awesome skating trails all within a walk or drive of downtown. For a truly magical an unexpected experience check out Crimson Ridge’s stunning 1.1km lit trail winding through the forest. The City also maintains five over outdoor rinks including the popular waterfront Clergue trail.
Winter Sports Outfitters
Our bike and ski outfitters carry brands such as Saloman, Fischer, Madshus, K2, Rossignol, Swix and more. Visit their pages below for more info. Algoma Bicycle, Duke of Windsor and Vélorution.
Frequently asked questions
Sault Ste. Marie offers a variety of Northern Ontario winter sports, including snowshoeing, skiing, fat biking, ice skating, and snowmobiling. Explore ski trails at Searchmont Ski Resort, or rent snowshoes at Hiawatha Highlands for backcountry adventures. For snowmobiling, check out Sault Ste. Marie snowmobile trails.
Top destinations include Hiawatha Highlands and Stokely Creek Lodge, offering well-maintained trails, rental options, and scenic routes through forests, frozen lakes, and Canadian Shield terrain. These locations are perfect for anyone looking for winter activities in Northern Ontario.
Absolutely. Sault Ste. Marie is a top option for Toronto residents looking for best winter getaways Ontario. Plan a weekend to enjoy skiing at Searchmont, snowshoeing at Hiawatha Highlands, or fat biking around town (more on biking trails). For inspiration, read 5 Reasons Sault Ste. Marie Is Your Next Must-Visit Winter Destination.