Unique ice-based experiences in Ontario

Ice paddling

While a great spot for sea kayaking in the summertime, few paddlers brave the ice waters of Lake Superior in the late winter. 

Winter paddling is dangerous without proper equipment and preparation. However, with the assistance of skilled guides, even newer paddlers can marvel at the wonders created by this massive lake. 

Such A Nice Day (S.A.N.D.) Adventures

Such A Nice Day (S.A.N.D.) Adventures lead excursions in March and April when the northern winter ends. As Lake Superior begins to break up, remnants of the ice covering massive areas linger. Safely outfitted in expedition-grade kayaks and dry suits, explore ice floes, break through thin sheet ice and view cathedrals of ice caves on the still spring waters. 

Tours take place in Thunder Bay or the nearby Rossport Islands, one of the gems of Lake Superior. Expect to be out for a half or full day, with opportunities to explore coastlines and the ever-changing ice. Experienced guides help your group navigate the ice conditions. 

Ice climbing

The steep topography and low temperatures during Northern Ontario winters make perfect ice climbing conditions.

Ice walls form where moisture seeps out of rocks or on frozen waterfalls, creating fantastic structures with different textures and shapes. More than just a good workout, ice climbers get the opportunity to engage with the landscape in a unique way.

While experience with rock climbing is certainly helpful, ice climbing techniques are very different so guides cater most of their tours for beginners. Specialized equipment like harnesses, axes and crampons are supplied by the operator, making guided tours a great introduction to the activity. 

Outdoor Skills and Thrills

Thunder Bay’s Outdoor Skills and Thrills offers guided experiences to some of the best ice climbing in Ontario at Orient Bay. 

Haliburton Forest

Haliburton Forest offers the ideal ice climbing experience for beginners. Learn to properly gear up, safely take a swing at the ice wall and start climbing on a half-day adventure. 

Muskoka Mountainworks 

Muskoka Mountainworks lead ice climbing and guided tours and workshops within the Muskoka, Haliburton, Madawaska, Bancroft and Niagara Escarpment regions.

Superior Exploration 

Superior Exploration, Ontario’s oldest ice climbing school, has developed multiple ice climbing sites between Thunder Bay and Sault Ste. Marie and offers beginner to advanced courses. Once beginner courses have been completed, night climbing adventures are available.

Ice skating on skate trails

Skating is one of Canada’s most popular ice-based sports.

Going beyond indoor rinks into the open air makes for a magical day or evening. Pair this moment with a hot drink and a warm bite to eat for an unforgettable experience. Some trails also offer skate rentals.

Skating trails have exploded in popularity and can now be found in parks and city centres.

Stake trails in Ontario Parks

Glide along ice trails this winter that wind and loop through snow-laden forests.

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park features a 300-metre-long skating trail with unique views of the Giant’s silhouette against the winter sky. 

Another great option is MacGregor Point Provincial Park, which maintains an outdoor ice skating trail through the park’s scenic landscape. The trail is lit at night for an enchanting skating experience under the stars.

Get a daily vehicle permit online in advance to secure your reservation. 

The Bentway

One of Toronto’s favourite public spaces under the Gardiner Expressway features a 220-metre, figure-eight skate trail complete with benches and warming stations. 

The Rideau Canal

The Rideau Canal is Canada’s most well-known ice skating path and a must-try experience for skating enthusiasts. Conditions are best after constantly cold temperatures, often late January through March. 

The rink only opens if the weather is cold enough, so check the National Capital Commission’s ice report before heading out. Skate and sleigh rentals are available at three pavilions along the skateway.

Ice caves

When conditions are just right, ice caves form on the rocky, exposed coasts of the Great Lakes. 

These caves are formed by waves crashing repeatedly against cliffs in sub-zero temperatures. As the waves hit the rocks, pieces gradually freeze, forming caves or cavities.

This phenomenon of ice caves is most common on Lake Superior. Some of the best and most accessible caves are found along the Trans-Canada Highway between Sault Ste. Marie and Wawa. The best time to see these caves is when winter is coldest, from February to March.

Stokely Creek Lodge 

Stokely Creek Lodge offers guided tours to spots north of Sault Ste. Marie. Getting to these caves requires awareness of ice conditions and proper planning. Local guides will help keep your group safe and find the best caves. 

Finding the caves involves snowshoeing across the ice, so always check ice conditions before heading out. The condition of the ice forming the caves also changes; exercise caution and consideration before entering the caves.

Snowshoeing to frozen waterfalls

Snowshoeing is a great workout and provides a fresh perspective on traditional hiking trails. There are great snowshoeing locations across the province; some even lead to scenic frozen cascades and waterfalls.

Snowshoeing in Ontario Parks 

The natural landscapes in Ontario Parks transform into a winter wonderland. Several parks provide the opportunity to go on a snowshoeing excursion on designated trails to view ice structures.

Explore the trails at Quetico Provincial Park to the frozen French Falls and a network of frozen lakes and rivers. Roofed accommodations make overnight stays more comfortable.

At Killarney Provincial Park, The Crack passes along Kakakise Lake, where groundwater seeps out of the rock and forms a massive ice fall. 

The Mountain Portage Trail at Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park is an easy snowshoeing loop with stunning views of the frozen falls.

Check with the park to see if the ice conditions are safe before venturing out. 

Snowkiting

Experience the euphoria of surfing and soaring across a frozen lake or snowy field. As one of the more extreme snow sports, snowkiting (or ice kiting as its also called) combines the skills of waterskiing and snowboarding with the harnessed power of Ontario’s winter wind to give you lift and speed.

iKite Canada

iKite Canada offers customized snowkiting lessons taught by an International Kiteboarding Organization (IKO) certified instructor. 

They’ll gear you up with the necessary equipment and rentals or you’re welcome to bring your own skis or snowboard. 

Canadian Kite Surfing Society

Learn to master the sport with the Canadian Kite Surfing Society. Lessons are taught by a certified instructor and are held in several locations within a two-hour drive from Toronto, including Lake Simcoe, Wasaga and Cobourg.

Stephen Elmhirst Memorial Snowkite Weekend

Elmhirst Resort hosts an annual snowkiting event on Rice Lake in honour of Steven Elmhirst, a snowkiting and outdoor adventure enthusiast.

Location: Rice Lake

Outdoor cold plunges

Immerse yourself in a frigid lake or icy tub with an outdoor cold plunge or a polar plunge. 

Cold water immersion offers numerous benefits, including muscle recovery, reduced stress and a strengthened immune system. 

Courage Polar Bear Dip 

The Courage Polar Bear Dip is an annual New Year’s Day event that draws hundreds of people to Oakville to jump into the icy waters of Lake Ontario. Since its inception in 1985, this polar bear plunge has raised over two million dollars for World Vision Canada. 

Location: Oakville

For The Love Of Ice

Experience a guided or self-guided cold tub plunge. Your certified instructor, Gillian Simpson, will help you safely plunge into cold water to heal your mind, body and spirit.

Location: Collingwood

Stay Unbounded

Dive into the frigid waters of Oak Lake during Cold Camp at Stay Unbounded. 

This private, secluded resort is ideal for relaxing in nature while pushing yourself to build a more resilient mindset.

Location: Kawarthas

Dimensions Algonquin Highlands

Set in the spectacular Algonquin Highlands, Dimensions offers customized restorative and transformational retreats. The winter wellness program includes a rejuvenating cold plunge in the pristine waters of Maple Lake. 

Location: 1218 Canopy Lane, Algonquin Highlands