Winter is fast approaching, folks! As much as we don't wantto admit that this is true, unfortunately, it is. In just a few short weeks the streets will be blanketed in fresh snow, the chilly air will be nipping at our faces every time we leave the house, and we won't be able to go outside without at least three layers of clothing on at all times.
While these may sound like horrible things to some people who can't stand winter, this time of year actually brings a lot of great things as well! Winter means twinkling Christmas lights strung up on every street, drinking hot cocoa to warm up by the fireplace, and walking through the first fluffy snowfall of the year!
If you're getting thoroughly excited for wintertime now, we've got the perfect list for you. All these places, activities, and adventures need to be on your bucket list this winter season!
Relax at the Scandinave Spa
Take a trip to Blue Mountain and you'll find the ultimate relaxation getaway waiting for you! The Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain offers some of the best hydrotherapy in the province with hot and cold baths known for their benefits. Soothe your muscles and let go of all your stresses in a true winter wonderland.
Visit the magical Toronto Christmas Market
If you haven't had the chance to visit one of the best Christmas markets in the entire country, you've got to add it to your bucket list this season! There's a giant tree, tons of twinkly lights, delicious hot cocoa and treats, and cute gifts to buy. Of course, there are tons of photo ops to take part in as well.
Go for a midnight tube at the Chicopee Tube Park
If you want to get a good adrenaline rush this winter, head over to the Chicopee Tube Park. You can pay for two hours, three hours, a full day of fun, or even buy a seasons pass if you want to go more than once! They even offer late night tubing starting in January where you can tube after dark.
Go for a skate on the Arrowhead Skate Trail
Hidden in the stunning Arrowhead Provincial Park is a magical winter activity waiting for you! There's a 1.3 km trail made of smooth ice that will offer the perfect adventure. Strap on a pair of skates through a snow-covered forest! They also offer special events every night called the "Fire & Ice" skate nights where they line the trail with lanterns to make for a super romantic evening.
Explore the Winter Festival of Lights at Niagara Falls
Every year Niagara Falls transforms its streets into a magical winter festival of lights! As many as 1.5 million people visit this event every year because it's just that amazing. The installations consist of over 2 million twinkly lights and there will also be tons of great events taking place in the Niagara Falls area during the festival!
Attend the Harry Potter Yule Ball in Toronto
This winter season Toronto is hosting a very special event that you don't want to miss out on. All you Harry Potter fans are going to be overjoyed because there's going to be an actual recreation of the Yule Ball that was thrown in the Goblet Of Fire movie! There will be a feast, a costume contest, dancing, and so much more!
Take a road trip to the magical Christmas village of lights
Every year the Upper Canada Village transforms into a magical Christmas village full of twinkly lights during their Alight At Night event! It's one of the largest outdoor light festivals in the province and it will run this year from November 30th until January 5th. There will be romantic horse-drawn carriage rides, trips on the toy train, and a 1km trail with gorgeous lights to wander through with your cup of hot cocoa.
Go winter zip-lining over Elora Gorge
Sure, when you think of zip lining you immediately think of a sunny, warm day in the summertime. But that doesn't have to be the case at Elora Gorge. With Adventure Seeker Tours you can zip line through a magical winter wonderland over a 200-foot gorge! This area becomes a serious magical winter spot as soon as the snow hits the trees so why not experience the beauty for yourself.
Go on a dog sledding adventure in Haliburton
Dog sledding is such a Canadian thing to do in the wintertime but most of us probably haven't even tried it before! If you want to experience a true Canadian winter adventure, head up to Winterdance Dogsled Tours in Haliburton. Mush through a beautiful winter wonderland in the forests of the Haliburton Highlands.
Visit Ontario's largest holiday street market
The largest holiday street market in Ontario will be taking place this winter from December 1st-8th in Milton! There will be tons of local vendors lined up along the sidewalks, food trucks serving up some delicious eats, holiday drinks to indulge in, and so much more! The market is completely free to attend and you'll only have to pay for what you want to purchase while you're there.
