The Ultimate Guys’ Winter Escape

We all need a break from the ordinary, especially during the winter. Why not round up your best guy friends and head for the ultimate true north escape to the wilderness of Northeastern Ontario. Whether you’re planning a bachelor’s weekend or just looking for some laid back time with friends, this region has an outdoor adventure trip for you that you’ll be talking about for ages.

Ice Fishing on Lake Nipissing

Think fishing is all about the summer sun dancing off the water that laps against your boat? Think again. True fishermen can bring home a fresh dinner of fish even in the middle of winter, and one of the most accessible spots for novice or expert is Lake Nipissing. 

There are several outfitters that offer ice fishing huts and can set your group up with all the supplies you’ll need to brave the chill, make some BIG memories, and hook some nice Lake Nipissing catches. Check out Fish Bay Marina, which offers 4 to 8 man bungalows, the larger ones including attached washrooms. Fish right from the comfort and warmth of your own bungalow, which includes TVs and DVD players. Some of the fish you can expect to see on the other end of your line include walleye, pike, muskie, bass, perch and lake whitefish.

What better way to reconnect with friends and get the stories flowing than relaxing together, fishing gear in hand?

Snowmobiling

Endless trails, fresh powder, and excursions into wilderness inaccessible any other way—Northeastern Ontario is home to prime snowmobiling conditions that draw visitors from across North America. 

Wolf Mountain: This beautiful forest of pine, spruce, birch, and maple near Sudbury is over 300 years old. Stay at the Sportsman's Lodge overlooking Lake Kukagami. There are rooms and cottages to accommodate groups of any size. It's the most visited snowmobile resort at the intersection of two of the most popular trails in the province.

Timmins: Known as a “snowmobiling mecca,” Timmins boasts 300+cm of snow each year and over 440 km of groomed trails. Given the visitors that flock here each winter, most hotels are snowmobile friendly and many link up directly with trails for easy access. For example, check out Cedar Meadows Resort and Spa for accommodations. Flying in? Reality Tours is a snowmobiling outfitter that will set you up with absolutely everything you need for a great time on the trails including the use of a snowmobile, a trail pass, guide, fuel, riding gear, accommodations and more! 

When you’re planning your snowmobiling trip, a handy research tool is OFSC’s interactive map. They have a bunch of routes laid out, including the Lumber Jack Route in the Kapuskasing region. It links to places that cater to snowmobilers along the route like Best Western Swan Castle Inn in Cochrane along the Lumberjack Route.

Strap on your skis

With all the renowned snowshoeing and snowmobiling options in Northeastern Ontario, many people overlook the charms of its ski hills. Yes, that’s right, downhill skiing. 

Near Mattawa-Bonfield, you’ll find Antoine Mountain’s chalet at the base of one of Ontario’s highest ski mountains, with a 630-foot vertical for downhill skiing and snowboarding. They offer gear rentals, a great eatery and Apres Café on site for fresh coffee to go with baked desserts. For nearby accommodation, it’s hard to get more convenient than the Mattawa Golf and Ski Resort. 

So next time the plan for a guys' weekend or bachelor party falls on you, don’t go boring. Go big and bold with an unforgettable trip of outdoors adventure in Northeastern Ontario.

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