Things to Do in Ontario in Winter: Skiing, Snowshoeing, Skating, Snowmobiling and More
Sault Ste. Marie is one of the best places to enjoy winter activities in Ontario, with plenty of outdoor adventures for every type of traveler. The city has one of the highest-vertical downhill ski hills in the province, more than 150 km of cross-country skiing, well-marked snowshoe trails, woodland skating paths, a new snowmobile day loop, groomed fat-biking routes, and even iconic ice caves that form along Lake Superior. If you’re searching for things to do in Ontario in winter, Sault Ste. Marie offers a full mix of activities in a natural setting.
Getting here is simple, and you can find detailed travel options on our guide to getting to Sault Ste. Marie. The city is served by daily flights from Toronto, Sudbury, and Thunder Bay through the Sault Ste. Marie Airport, where rental cars are also available. You can also arrive by driving the Trans-Canada Highway, which is well maintained throughout the winter season.
Video: Insider Info for Winter Activities in Ontario
Looking for insider tips on our downhill skiing, cross-country skiing or fat biking? Hear from locals who ride, ski, and explore these trails all winter long.
Ski One Of The Highest Verticals in Ontario
With its big vertical and rugged terrain, Searchmont Resort offers some of the best downhill skiing in Ontario, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking for winter activities in Ontario. New snowmaking equipment allows for a planned November opening – one of the earliest in the region.
Boasting 703 feet of vertical, 26 runs, 100 acres of rolling mountain, a terrain park, four lifts, and a full snow school, Searchmont is a fully equipped resort with a restaurant, bar, shop, ski and snowboard rentals, and accommodations. Escape the crowds and long lift lines at southern Ontario ski hills and enjoy a true winter adventure in Sault Ste. Marie.
For those seeking off-the-beaten-track experiences, Bellevue Valley Lodge offers incredible backcountry skiing, one of the most unique things to do in Ontario in winter.
Cross-Country Ski over 150km of Groomed Trails
Sault Ste. Marie offers some of the best cross-country skiing in Ontario and North America, making it a top destination for winter activities in Ontario. Stokely Creek Lodge features 100 km of trails groomed for both classic and skate skiing, spread across 12,000 acres of the stunning Algoma Highlands.
Breathtaking scenery including frozen lakes and waterfalls, endless forests, and amazing vistas like the one at the top of King Mountain, make Stokely a bucket-list destination for nordic skiers. Enjoy Scandinavian lodging and stay warm in one of the six warming huts along the way; it’s an experience that will bring you back year after year.
Just 10 minutes from downtown, Hiawatha Highlands offers more than 50 km of beautiful cross-country skiing through towering pine forests. For detailed trail maps, visit Hiawatha Highlands’ trail guide. Top tip: experience a nighttime lantern ski, held a few times each season, for a magical way to enjoy things to do in Ontario in winter.
Related: Watch More Cross-Country Skiing Inspiration
Bon Soo, Sault Ste. Marie's winter Carnival is Back in 2026!
The Bon Soo winter carnival is back for its 63rd edition! Join from February 13th to 21st, 2026 for this iconic Sault Ste. Marie event!
Check back for details on the 2026 program soon!
Fat Biking in Ontario: Groomed Trails and Winter Races
Sault Ste. Marie is on its way to becoming an epicentre for Fat Biking, one of the fastest growing winter sports, and has perfectly groomed trails at Hiawatha Highlands and Crimson Ridge.
We also have some awesome fat bike races! The Frozen Toe back for it’s second year in 2026! Full details to be released soon!
Try Ice Climbing!
Ice Climbing is a truly unique winter experience and one that you can do just outside of Sault Ste. Marie. Shaun Parent (Superior Exploration) is a highly experienced, expert ice climber who will help you have the best possible adventure. Visit his website for details on how to enjoy these beautifully frozen ice structures.
Outdoor Skating in Ontario: Rinks and Trails in Sault Ste. Marie
Sault Ste. Marie offers some of the best winter activities in Ontario, including a variety of skating rinks and trails all within a short walk or drive from downtown. Don’t miss the new downtown plaza skating rink, perfect for families and visitors looking for fun things to do in Ontario in winter.
The city also maintains five additional outdoor rinks, including the popular Clergue Trail waterfront skating path. For a full list of maintained skating locations, check out Sault Ste. Marie’s guide to outdoor skating rinks.
Snowmobiling in Ontario: Ride the Soo Highlands Loop
Sault Ste. Marie offers exciting winter activities in Ontario, including a brand-new snowmobile day loop. The Soo Highlands Loop starts in the city and winds north to Searchmont and the surrounding area. Riders can explore the natural beauty and rugged landscapes of the Algoma Highlands along this 169 km loop, making it one of the top things to do in Ontario in winter.
For detailed trail information, visit the Soo Highlands Loop snowmobiling guide. For inspiration, watch Cristy Lee’s snowmobiling adventure on the Soo Highlands Loop.
Indoor Winter Activities in Ontario: Axe Throwing and Golf Simulators
Sometimes you just need a break from the snow and cold. Well, have you ever tried axe throwing? Check out one of our newest and most fun indoor activities!
Missing golf and still need a fix? The Up and Down Lounge has state of the art golf simulators, which can be booked by the hour. You can also grab a drink and some food to be able to make an evening of this fun winter activity!
Snowshoe on the Canadian Shield
Snowshoeing is one of the best ways to enjoy winter activities in Ontario, and Sault Ste. Marie offers a network of well-marked, scenic trails throughout the city. Explore trails at Hiawatha Highlands, Crimson Ridge, and Stokely Creek Lodge for a memorable outdoor adventure.
Expert tour guides are also available to lead you along the trails, providing insights about the area’s natural beauty and cultural significance, you may even be treated to a warm cup of hot chocolate along the way. For full details on guided snowshoeing experiences, visit our Tours & Guide page to plan your trip.
Relax, Dine and Drink
After a day in the snow and ice you’ll want to refuel and recharge, and we have some great restaurants serving some fantastic food to warm you right up!
From Syrian Shawarma to spicy Indian, delicious Italian or sizzling steak, the Sault has so many great restaurants in Sault Ste. Marie.
Frequently asked questions
Sault Ste. Marie offers a wide variety of winter activities in Ontario, including downhill skiing at Searchmont Resort, cross-country skiing at Stokely Creek Lodge and Hiawatha Highlands, snowshoeing, skating, snowmobiling on the Soo Highlands Loop, fat biking, ice climbing, axe throwing, and indoor golf simulators.
One of the most popular annual events is the Bon Soo Winter Carnival, returning in February 2026. Other events include the Beaver Freezer Winter Marathon and seasonal fat biking races like the Frozen Toe.
Check out these guides for inspiration on things to do in Ontario in winter:
- Narcity: Sault Ste. Marie is Seriously a Winter Wonderland, 9 must-try winter activities
- Five Days of Winter in Algoma sample itineraries for winter adventures