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

Complete Guide to Moosonee & Moose Factory Island

12 essential experiences for visitors.

Welcome to Moosonee

"Oh my god, it’s salt water. We’re in the ocean!’” 

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

A Guide to Mushroom Hunting

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

Moosonee Guide: Exploring The Northern Shores of Ontario

James Bay offer travellers a chance to explore the ocean, spot marine wildlife, and camp under the stars.

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.

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.

Cochrane: Wonderfully Unexpected

One of Canada's top 50 small towns!

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

The rare and beautiful White Moose

Foleyet's Mysterious White Moose Population

A Moosonee guide to fishing on the Moose River

A local fishing guide knows every nook and cranny of the upper Moose River

Mattawa's Sid Turcotte Park

A flood can't keep this campground down.

An Insider's Guide to Manitoulin Island

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

Increase Your Odds

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

Autumn's Violent Struggle of Life and Death

The Salmon Run at Bridal Veil Falls

Small-Town Charm, Big-Time Acts

Stars and Thunder welcomes major music performers to Timmins

The Lake Nipissing Loop

From french bakeries to trading posts, museums to winter hiking—add this epic weekend road trip to your bucket list

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!

An Insider's Guide to Ontario's Manitou Islands

Mystery, history and gorgeous scenery await