Outdoor winter adventures for couples in Ontario

Haliburton Highlands to the Ottawa Valley

Guided adventures with Yours Outdoors

Yours Outdoors customizes niche cultural and outdoor experiences that celebrate Haliburton’s artistic community and breathtaking nature.

Follow animal tracks on snowshoes or learn how to build an igloo. By the end of your first experience, you’ll be booking your next one.

Stay in a tiny cabin at Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve and visit Haliburton Highlands Brewing, a nano-brewery within the Abbey Gardens complex.

Location: across Haliburton Highlands

Dog sledding with Call of the Wild

The spotless, snow-covered landscapes of Algonquin Park are a sight to behold. 

Get your heart beating and pulse pumping on an active three-to-four-day adventure of dog sledding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing across beautiful terrain.

Follow each day with some rest and relaxation at Algonquin Eco-Lodge, a cozy eco-lodge deep in the forest. Enjoy the quiet of the Algonquin wilderness as you soak in the outdoor hot tub or unwind in the wood-fired sauna.

Locations: Maynooth/Bancroft

Ski and snowboard at Mount Pakenham Ski Resort

Hit the slopes at Mount Pakenham Ski Resort, about 45 minutes west of Ottawa. 

With multiple runs for all skill levels, night skiing and rental equipment available, Mount Pakenham is among the top ski destinations in Ontario. 

Enjoy a relaxing après ski meal at Centennial Restaurant and round out your trip with an overnight stay at the upscale Brookstreet Hotel, about a half-hour drive east in Kanata.

Location: 577 Ski Hill Road, Pakenham

Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma

Go backcountry skiing at Bellevue Valley Lodge

A skiing style that combines elements of Alpine and Nordic skiing, backcountry skiing is the passion of Bellevue Valley Lodge owners Enn Poldmaa and Robin MacIntyre. Since 1984, they have maintained 809 hectares of backcountry glades northwest of Sault Ste. Marie.

Trail tours begin in January when Lake Superior begins its usual winter “snowmageddon.” Peak snowfall can be expected in late February when Bellevue Valley Lodge hosts its annual Snowflea Telefest, the only backcountry ski event in Ontario. 

The alpine-style chalet accommodation has two apartments with full facilities and a fireplace and includes access to trails and a traditional Finnish sauna. A minimum two-night stay is required to book.

Location: 326 Kirbys Road, Goulais River

Ultimate skiing and snowshoeing at Stokely Creek Lodge

It would be remiss not to include the much-loved Stokely Creek Lodge in a round-up of the best outdoor activity ideas for couples in Ontario. 

This is the ultimate snowshoeing and cross-country skiing destination, with 100 kilometres of well-groomed trails that cross valleys, creeks, and even peaks.

The all-inclusive resort covers meals and trail passes, so you won’t have to worry about anything during your stress-free vacation. Time your visit to coincide with Bon Soo, Sault Ste. Marie’s annual winter festival.

Location: 194 Pickard Road, Goulais River

Northwest Ontario

Learn to ice climb with Outdoor Skills and Thrills

You don’t have to head to the Rockies to learn to ice climb. Since the 1980s, the sport has been thriving in Northwestern Ontario, attracting climbers from around the world.

Outdoor Skills and Thrills offers half-day and full-day courses for all skill levels at various locations near Thunder Bay. You’ll learn to confidently climb a frozen sheet of ice using crampons and ice axes.

Reservations are required and can be made online. Time your visit to coincide with the Nipigon Ice Fest, an annual event that includes clinics, gear swaps and snowshoe outings.

Go ice skating on the outdoor rink at Prince Arthur’s Landing in downtown Thunder Bay, celebrate your day with dinner and drinks at Lot 66 Restaurant + Wine Bar and enjoy an overnight stay at the boutique Courthouse Hotel.

Location: in and around Thunder Bay

Cozy log cabin escape at Rose Valley Lodge & Restaurant

Set out skiing and snowshoeing on nature trails through awe-inspiring forests, meadows and ancient mountains. This hidden gem is located just southwest of Thunder Bay and is one of the best cozy romantic getaways.

Savour a delicious European-style meal by Swiss hotelier Markus Hoffmann, then stay in a rustic log cabin complete with a Jacuzzi bathtub. 

Location: 56 Rose Valley Road, South Gillies

Cross-country ski or snowshoe in Quetico Provincial Park

During the summer, Quetico Provincial Park, a two-hour drive west of Thunder Bay, is an internationally recognized wilderness paddling destination. 

But in the winter, it transforms into a snowy wonderland with ski and snowshoe trails right on the doorstep of three winterized cabins: the Log Cabin, the Ojibway Cabin and the Winter Retreat (the latter of which is only available from October to April).

Make a stop at Little Falls, a 15-metre waterfall on the Atikokan River that can be accessed from the end of Little Falls Road. 

Location: ON-11, Atikokan

Secluded cabin getaway at Beyond The Giant

With over 50 kilometres of groomed cross-country ski trails over breathtaking terrain, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is one of Ontario’s best places for winter fun. 

After an active day of skiing or snowshoeing, cozy up by the fire in a secluded log cabin at Beyond The Giant Nature Retreats. The romantic getaway package includes candles, wine and a basket of local goodies.

Location: 625 Portage Drive, Shuniah

Northeastern Ontario

Ice fishing at Sportsman’s Lodge Wilderness Resort

With almost 400 metres of waterfront and access to the back lakes of Donald, Potvin and Chuggin, you can reel in “the big one” while ice fishing at Sportsman's Lodge.

Even if you don’t catch anything, you won’t go hungry as the accommodation fee includes breakfast and dinner. Sportsman’s Lodge has extensive snowshoeing and cross-country skiing loops, including Donald Lake, where you can find 15-metre-high frozen falls.

Location: 240 Kukagami Lake Road, Wahnapitae

Snowmobiling at Elk Lake Wilderness Resort

With cottage accommodation, breakfast and a hot dinner included, the snowmobiling package at Elk Lake is designed for snowmobilers looking for the ultimate winter getaway. This resort also offers guided backcountry excursions for more experienced guests to enjoy a thrilling daytime adventure and take in the breathtaking scenery of Northern Ontario.

Take a break from sledding to enjoy snowshoeing or ice fishing and indulge in the sauna and hot tub. Visit nearby Cobalt to see relics of the area’s mining past, including streetcar tracks hidden in the forest and the Cobalt Mining Museum.

Location: 590 Highway 65, Elk Lake

Take a wildlife tour at Cedar Meadows Resort

Get up close and personal with bison, elk and deer from a tractor-drawn wagon ride in the 40-hectare wildlife park at Cedar Meadows Resort & Spa. 

Rejuvenate in the Nordic Bath, surrounded by nature, enjoy delicious on-site meals and warm up in a cozy suite or chalet with a fireplace and jacuzzi. Opt to stay in cozy accommodations within a wolf habitat with the Sleeping With The Wolves package!

For more winter activities, go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing with the Porcupine Ski Runners, one of the largest Nordic ski clubs in Canada. Alternatively, feel the thrill of downhill skiing, snowboarding or tubing at Mount Jamieson Resort.

Location: 1000 Norman Street, Timmins

Fat biking at Kivi Park

Explore over 55 kilometres of world-class trails in Kivi Park in Sudbury. Whether you’re new to fat biking or an experienced rider, this incredible park contains a wide range of biking trails for all skill levels. In addition to fat biking, the park offers Nordic skiing, ice skating and hiking.  

Share an intimate meal at Tommy’s Not Here.

Location: 4472 Long Lake Road, Greater Sudbury

Muskoka, Parry Sound and Algonquin Park

Evening sleigh ride at Back of Beyond Equine Centre

Travel through lantern-lit snowy woods on a cozy, horse-drawn sleigh with your special someone. This 35-minute romantic sleigh ride ends at a crackling campfire where you can warm your toes, drink a warm beverage and roast some marshmallows.

In town, enjoy a warm dinner date at Tall Trees Restaurant Muskoka and spend the night at Fairy Bay Lakehouse, featuring gorgeous views of Fairy Lake.

Location: 2572 Muskoka Road 10, Huntsville

Southeastern Ontario

See the stars at Sheffield Conservation Area

Part of the vast Canadian Shield, the Sheffield Conservation Area is home to a dark sky viewing area with minimal light pollution - perfect to stargaze. Immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of this outdoor setting and enjoy a romantic night with your partner under the stars.

Enjoy cross-country skiing, followed by a stay at nearby Black River Retreat a private romantic forest resort.

Location: 8032 Lennox and Addington County Road 41, Erinsville

Southwestern Ontario

Cross-country ski in Pinery Provincial Park

Pinery Provincial Park boasts some of the best cross-country skiing trails in Southwestern Ontario. Explore almost 40 kilometres of Nordic trails designed for beginners and advanced skiers alike.

For an overnight stay, book one of the year-round yurts online at Ontario Parks Reservations. A two-night minimum booking applies. 

Stop in at Refined Fool Sports Brewery in nearby Sarnia for a craft beer. In addition to the brews, they have indoor bocce ball, cornhole and other games that will lead you to believe it’s patio season in the middle of winter.

Location: 9526 Lakeshore Road, Grand Bend

Hamilton, Halton and Brant

Explore Tiffany Falls in Hamilton

The stunning Tiffany Falls often freeze over during the winter season and create a magical winter wonderland scene. 

Located west of Hamilton, along the Bruce Trail and near the historic town of Ancaster, the Falls are close to a parking lot, making this picture-perfect destination easily reachable by car.

Register for an ice climbing class with One Axe Pursuits, then scale the frozen waterfalls for a majestic view at the top.

Savour a romantic meal at the Ancaster Mill followed by a cozy stay at The Barracks Inn.

Location: Tiffany Falls, Hamilton

Grey, Bruce and Simcoe

Snowshoe the Grotto with EcoAdventures

During the summer, the Grotto in Bruce Peninsula National Park is arguably one of the area’s most popular attractions, which is exactly why a little snow and ice shouldn’t stop you from visiting during its less busy off-season.

On this four-hour tour, you’ll explore the icy caves along Georgian Bay’s shores before arriving at the main attraction: the Grotto, a stunning sea cave naturally carved from ancient limestone and filled with pristine turquoise seawater from the bay.

Tours are usually on weekends, although midweek departures can be arranged. Bring your toboggan. Rumour has it that Jackson’s Cove Hill offers an exciting ride down.

Location: 469 Cyprus Lake Road, Tobermory

York, Durham and Headwaters

Winter horseback ride at Pathways on Pleasure Valley

Take the reins with a private guided trail ride for two at Pathways on Pleasure Valley and ride tranquil trails through forested landscapes. 

After your horseback trail ride, warm up with a hot drink at The Bridge Social, an organic tea and coffee shop in the heart of Uxbridge. 

Spend the night at the Chalet Claremont Bed & Breakfast located in the scenic Oak Ridges Moraine and explore the 16-hectare property by cross-country skiing.

Location: 2499 Brock Road, Uxbridge

Go snowkiting with iKite Canada

Snowkiting involves soaring over a frozen lake or snowy field while using a kite and the winter wind to control your movements. 

iKite offers one to two hours lessons on how to snowkite. Although based in Toronto, iKite hosts most classes on frozen Lake Simcoe in the Cook’s Bay area. Remember to bring your own snow goggles, helmet and knee and elbow pads.

East along the shoreline of Lake Simcoe, The Briars Resort and Spa provides cozy accommodations with a year-round pool, fitness centre and games room.

Location: Briars Resort, 55 Hedge Road, Jacksons Point