Don’t let the winter blues get you this year! If you’re looking for things to do in the Durham region this season, you’re in luck. Here are 25+ fun outdoor winter activities to keep you busy in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Clarington, Brock, Scugog and Uxbridge.
Credit: Purple Woods Maple Syrup Festival
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Things to Do During Winter in Ontario
1. Visit Darlington Provincial Park
Located between Oshawa and Bowmanville, you’ll find this stunning provincial park sitting on Lake Ontario. Grab your skis or your snowshoes and start exploring the park. Or just put on your warmest boots for a lovely walk!
Address: 1600 Darlington Park Rd., Bowmanville
2. Explore Sculptures at Home Place
Located within Alex Robertson Park – 48 acres of the 134-acre Hydro Marsh in Pickering at the mouth of Duffins Creek – the Home Place features various structures and totem poles designed by Canadian artist, Dorsey James. The park is a unique place to visit during winter, and you can easily get to Frenchman’s Bay/Millenium Square for a long walk along the waterfront.
Address: 700 Sandy Beach Rd, Pickering
3. Explore Downtown Oshawa
There’s plenty to do in downtown Oshawa, even in the winter. Spend some time window shopping (buy something and support local), or just go for a walk. If it gets too cold, pop into one of your favourite cafes for coffee!
4. Walk the Waterfront Trail
The Waterfront Trail goes across Lake Ontario and traverses many cities. Take a walk along the stunning lakeshore, which is just as beautiful in the winter.
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5. Identify Animal Tracks at Altona Forest
Maintained by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), Altona Forest is a 53-hectare environmentally significant area that provides essential habitat for a wide variety of plants and animals native to Southern Ontario. Hike the many trails over winter with kids and go on a wildlife-spotting scavenger hunt.
Address: 1883 Altona Rd, Pickering (various entrances)
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6. Explore Ganarska Forest
Rent snowshoes or cross-country skis and explore Ganaraska Forest. If there is no snow, enjoy a walk in the woods.
Address: Municipality of Clarington
7. Go Horseback Riding
Is there anything more fun and romantic than a horseback ride? Visit Kuzenko Riding Stables and saddle up for a fun adventure! You’ll get to enjoy the stunning winter scenery as you go.
Address: 4507 Courtice Rd., Hampton
Kuzenko Stables
8. Ski at Brimacombe
Whether you’re a beginner skier or you’ve been skiing your whole life, Brimacombe is a great place to hit the slopes. You can take private lessons, or just ski down the trails alone. There are trails for all ages and levels, so why not take advantage of winter and get a season pass?
Address: 4098 Regional Rd. 9, Orono
9. Explore Orono Crown Lands
Located in the Municipality of Clarington, the Orono Crown Lands is a great place for a hike. You’ll have a fantastic time exploring the unique landscape of the park. Don’t forget to pack your camera to document your adventure!
Address: Ochonski Rd, Clarington
10. Go Skating in Ajax
Ajax is home to a great outdoor skating rink. Throw on your coat, lace up your skates and visit Pat Bayly Square! Here, you can practice your moves on the ice by yourself or invite a friend to tag along.
Address: 55 Bayly St. W
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11. Hike Greenwood Conservation Area
This park is a great place to spend an afternoon. Located in Ajax, you’ll have a fantastic time walking or snowshoeing along the trails. Even in the winter, this park holds up!
Address: 2290 Greenwood Rd., Ajax
12. Cycle Around Ajax
Ajax is one of the most bike-friendly communities that you’ll find. Even in winter, you’ll have a great time riding on the trails! They’re kept in tip-top shape, so don’t hesitate to start riding.
13. Check out the Heber Down Conservation Area
Located in Whitby, the Heber Down Conservation Area has 5 km worth of trails, as well as an off-leash dog area. You can head there for a hike or some snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Marvel at the Lake Iroquois shoreline as you explore this beautiful conservation area!
Address: 500 Lyndebrook Rd., Whitby
14. Hike Lynde Shores Conservation Area
Exploring the city is fun, but sometimes it’s nice to get away from all the people. Spend some time in nature at the Lynde Shores Conservation Area. Pack your snowshoes and start exploring!
Address: 1225 Victoria St W, Whitby
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15. Explore the snowy shores of Lake Simcoe
Brock’s township is situated on the east shore of Lake Simcoe. While you’re in the township, spend some time exploring the lake. It’s beautiful even in the winter!
Lake Simcoe is one of the most popular ice-fishing destinations in Ontario. Visit during the family day weekend and enjoy free fishing.
16. Explore the Grounds of Brock University
If you’re a fan of learning, you’ll want to visit Brock University. Whether you’re a prospective student or just someone who likes to explore architecture, this is a great place to go. Spend some time wandering the grounds, and pop into one of the buildings if it gets too cold!
Address: 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way
17. Visit one of Brock’s Parks
Brock is home to several local parks. Grab your skis for some cross-country skiing, or dress warmly for a walk. No matter which of the 10 public parks you choose, you’ll have a great time!
18. Go Snowmobiling in Scugog
Scugog has two snowmobiling clubs. Join the Port Perry Snowmobile Club or the Cartwright Dyno’s Snowmobile Club and start hitting the trails! You’ll have a great time exploring the Scugog area on your snowmobile.
19. Check out Durham East Cross Forest
Get back to nature by spending some time in the Durham East Cross Forest. The trails are available for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter. The forest is also dog-friendly, and your dog will love exploring!
Address: 4531 Boundary Rd, Nestleton Station
20. Explore Crow’s Pass Conservation Area
Although the trails in Crow’s Pass Conservation Area aren’t maintained in the winter, they still make for great hiking. You might also want to consider grabbing your snowshoes or cross-country skis for your adventure! Keep your eyes open for the wildlife native to the area as you go.
Address: 231 Middle March Rd., Port Perry
21. Snow Tube at Lakeridge Ski Resort
Credit: Lakeridge Ski Resort
Head down to this beautiful ski resort and spend a few hours on the slopes. It’s always fun speeding down the ski trails! Or you can go tubing or snowboarding for a few hours.
Address: 790 Chalk Lake Rd., Uxbridge
22. Walk Through Walker Woods and Glen Major Forest
It’s fun to visit urban areas, but nature has its own perks. Spend some time exploring Walker Woods and Glen Major Forest in the Uxbridge area. The woods are still beautiful in the winter and have great walking paths.
23. Go Downhill Skiing at Dagmar Ski Resort
Get your adrenaline pumping at any one of the downhill ski trails at this ski resort. With slopes of varying levels, there’s something for everyone here. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just a beginner, Dagmar Ski Resort has everything you need!
Address: 1220 Lake Ridge Rd., Uxbridge
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24. Go Winter Biking
The Durham Mountain Biking Association is your go-to for all your biking trails and advice in the Uxbridge area. Check out their website for the best trails in the area. Then, pack up your bike and get ready for a winter ride!
Discover Uxbridge
25. Check out Uxbridge’s Public Art
One of the best ways to get to know a place is by looking at the local art. Uxbridge has plenty of outdoor art installations! Hit the streets and see how many art pieces you can find!
26. Visit Downtown Port Perry
Learn a little about Scugog’s history by checking out Port Perry’s downtown. This historic area is full of cultural locations and fun things to do. There are plenty of shops to stop at, and it’s a great place for a walk! Lakefront Skate, located at 57 Water St in Port Perry, operates on select dates. Most weekends, the rink will be accompanied by vendor kiosks, adding to the festive atmosphere.
27. Go Winter Bird watching
Protecting two wetlands, Bowmanville Westside Marshes Conservation Area is a great place to enjoy birdwatching in winter. The short 1.6 km trail makes it a great place for a winter walk with young kids. If you want to enjoy a longer walk, the park provides access to the waterfront trail.
Address: 191 W Beach Rd, Bowmanville
28. Explore Oak Ridges Moraine
Long Sault Conservation Area boasts 18 km of trails of varying difficulty traversing 1,650 acres of mature forest, plantations, wetlands, and meadows of the Oak Ridges Moraine. Spend a weekend or two checking out all six trails on foot, skis or snowshoes.
Address: 9293 Woodley Rd, Bowmanville
29. Welcome Spring with a Trip to Purple Woods Conservation Area
Home to a large and actively tapped 150-year-old sugar maple forest, Purple Woods Conservation Area hosts the annual Maple Syrup Festival every March. Get tickets to the festival and discover how maple syrup production has changed from the early Indigenous Peoples’ methods to the modern methods used today. Do not forget to get yummy maple treats!
Address: 38 Coates Road East, Oshawa
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