Winter in Ontario is long, and by February most of us are feeling it in very real ways: limited daylight, frozen lakes that haven’t budged in weeks, and the steady accumulation of snow that changes how we move through daily life. But this stretch of winter is also when conditions are often at their best — solid ice, well-packed trails, and landscapes fully settled into the season. This is the perfect time to plan a resort getaway to get the most of winter before the spring melt begins.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Ontario’s downhill ski season is built around accessibility rather than altitude, which is exactly why it works so well for resort travel. Ski hills are close to population centres and designed for full winter days of fun. Resort-based ski destinations make it easy to ski or ride at your own pace with the option to head inside when the cold sets in. Having slopes, rentals, lessons, and après-ski all in one place turns skiing and snowboarding into a relaxed getaway that’s fun for all levels of experience.
Resorts to try
Calabogie Peaks: Just an hour from Ottawa, Calabogie Peaks offers some of Eastern Ontario’s longest ski runs, with a mix of beginner-friendly slopes and more technical terrain. Guests can ski or snowboard by day, explore nearby snowshoe trails, then return to fireside lounges and mountain views under clear winter skies.
Hidden Valley Resort: Set in the heart of Muskoka, Hidden Valley Resort offers true ski-in, ski-out convenience alongside lakeside accommodations. With groomed hills, winter trails, and cozy rooms overlooking Peninsula Lake, it’s an easy choice for travellers who want classic Ontario skiing paired with a relaxed resort atmosphere.
Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
Late winter is usually prime season for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in Ontario.
Trail networks are fully packed and snow coverage is reliable enough to support longer routes through forests and along frozen lakes. Many resorts maintain their own groomed Nordic trail systems, offering everything from gentle loops to longer, more challenging terrain. Snowshoeing adds flexibility — no grooming required, just quiet trails and wide-open spaces — making it one of the easiest ways to experience Ontario’s winter landscapes directly from your accommodations.
Resorts to try
Deerhurst Resort: Located in Muskoka, Deerhurst Resort offers access to an extensive network of groomed cross-country ski and snowshoe trails that wind through forests and along the Muskoka River. Trails are suitable for a range of skill levels, making it easy to plan a full winter day outdoors before returning to the resort’s dining, spa, or indoor pools.
Cedar Grove Lodge: Near Huntsville, Cedar Grove Lodge is known for its peaceful setting and well-maintained Nordic trail system. Guests can step directly onto groomed cross-country ski trails or head out on snowshoes to explore quieter backcountry routes, all within easy reach of warm, comfortable lodge accommodations.
Ice Fishing
Ice fishing is a winter tradition deeply rooted in Ontario’s lake country. In Feburay, ice thickness is well established, access points are clearly maintained, and fish activity remains strong across many regions.
Resort-based ice fishing removes much of the guesswork. Some properties provide direct lake access, pre-drilled holes, or connections to local outfitters who supply huts, gear, and guidance. Whether you’re an experienced angler or trying it for the first time, having meals, hot showers, and fireside lounges close at hand makes the experience approachable and rewarding.
Resorts to try
Buttermilk Falls Resort: Located near Algonquin Park on a quiet stretch of water, Buttermilk Falls Resort offers a classic Ontario ice fishing setting. Guests can fish directly on the frozen lake or arrange local support, then return to cozy lakeside cabins and lodge amenities. The surrounding wilderness adds to the sense of calm that draws anglers to ice fishing in the first place.
Elmhirst’s Resort: On the shores of Rice Lake, Elmhirst’s Resort is well known for its winter fishing opportunities. Rice Lake’s reputation for perch, walleye, and panfish makes it a popular ice fishing destination, and the resort’s easy lake access allows guests to spend time on the ice without straying far from warmth and comfort. Ice fishing fits naturally alongside the resort’s other winter activities, making it easy to build a full winter stay around time on the lake.
Skating, Hockey, and Curling
Skating is one of Ontario’s most enduring winter traditions. Late winter offers some of the most reliable conditions: frozen lakes are well established, outdoor rinks are fully maintained, and skating trails are smooth and ready for long loops.
Many resorts feature outdoor rinks or cleared lake surfaces just steps from guest rooms, while others offer access to nearby skating trails that wind through forests or along frozen waterways. Curling facilities, where available, add a distinctly Canadian element to a winter stay.
Resorts to try:
JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa: Set along Lake Rosseau, this resort offers access to outdoor skating experiences paired with a full-service spa and dining options. Guests can skate during the day and return to fireside lounges, wellness facilities, and lakeside views in the evening.
Fern Resort: Fern Resort is known for its strong winter programming, including outdoor skating and organised hockey games on Lake Couchiching. Skating is woven into the daily schedule here, making it easy for guests to join in casually or make it part of a full winter itinerary. The all-inclusive format means meals, activities, and warm-up time are all taken care of.