The snow is falling and adventure is calling!
South Eastern Ontario heats up in the winter with unique opportunities to keep making memories all year through. There’s no hibernating here – it’s a thrill to spend a few days making the most of the season and the snow!
If You’re Coming From Toronto…
Looking for a winter playground? Begin at Batawa Ski Hill in the Bay of Quinte – snow enthusiasts of all ages can enjoy skiing and snowboarding. Spend time on the hills, or take a lesson to get started. It even has a full range of ski and snowboard gear to use and no experience is needed to get out on the slopes. Bring with you a great attitude, a willingness to learn, and to be adventure-ready!
Continue in the active groove and drive out to Sager Conservation Area for a winter hike. After a short hike, visitors are met with a 30-foot lookout tower that involves some serious stairs – but the view of the wilderness is worth every step.
Next, drive to Frontenac County and complete your day of hills and hiking by winter walking to a serene cabin in the woods. The cozy Penner Cabin at Cabinscapes a quiet and rejuvenating time surrounded by winter woods.
Start the day taking the ferry over to Amherst Island and experience the magic of birding in winter! Lennox and Addington’s Amherst Island is known for being one of the top spots to birdwatch in the wintertime due to a large number of hawks, owls and waterfowl that live on this island. Keep an eye out for Red-Tailed Hawk, Snowy Owl and Northern Harrier.
Scoot over to Prince Edward County to discover snowshoeing! Even though the white sand is buried under white snow the beaches of the Sandbanks Provincial Park are a special kind of beauty. Think snow and ice shimmering in the sun for miles, kind of beautiful. The park has 10 km of trails that are perfect for cross country skiing or snowshoeing. There’s also the Millennium Trail which is on an old rail line so it’s an easy option for beginners. Warm-up after your time outside at one of PEC’s award-winning wineries or craft breweries! You’ve earned that pint.
If You’re Coming From Ottawa…
Start the trip in Kingston to experience skating on a historical market square! As the thermometer drops the rink appears on Kingston’s Springer Market Square and people lace up skates and hit the downtown rink behind City Hall. Not only is it a gorgeous location, but it’s near to some great restaurants perfect for specialty hot chocolate or adult bevies and apps afterwards.
End the day at one of Kingston‘s peaceful hotels or bed and breakfasts, while warming up in a fireplace suite or sauna, sipping a locally-crafted pint from the area.
Wake up with the sun and head east! A short drive to Gananoque will put a remarkable spin on an outdoor adventure trip. Take a flight with 1000 Islands Helicopter Tours to see the stunning winter landscape and St. Lawrence from high above. A personal pilot will point out all the best sights. Witness the stillness and romance of Boldt Castle when it’s dusted with snow!
Go to Brockville where you can grab a coffee downtown and then hustle onto the historic Brock Trail or venture out of town to Mac Johnson Wildlife Area. Explore the wetland, field and forest, try out cross country skiing through 11 km of wilderness or take a break and throw on some skates at the skating rink pond and bonfire pit. For avid snowmobilers, try Limerick Forest – the trail network offers 30 km of snowmobile trail and biking, cross country skiing and bird watching in winter! The City of Brockville also operates outdoor rinks and a big community sledding hill at Memorial Park. Harness the kid in yourself and take tobogganing for a spin!
Travel next to Cornwall and SDG Counties to experience the quintessential winter getaway location! Revel in a winter wonderland and cross country ski or snowshoe at the Summerstown Trails. Perhaps most unique is skating on a woodland trail through the woods at Countryside Adventures. Skate through the 3 km stretch of forest trail and then warm up at the bonfire. Finish your day by filling your bellies up with mouthwatering “moose ears”.
Have fun adventuring outdoors across South Eastern Ontario as the snow flies! You may end up with a major crush on winter.
