Fun Things to do this Winter
December 22, 2025
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There’s snow time like the present to get outside and enjoy winter!
Wintertime is now upon us and there has never been a better year to forego hibernating and embrace the snowy season. Fortunately, here in Cornwall and SDG Counties, there are a ton of ways to safely enjoy some physical activity and experience new adventures during the cold winter months.
Check out our list of things to do and places to see this winter in Cornwall and SDG Counties and start planning your winter to-do list. Your next wonderful winter adventure awaits!
THE LIST
The Thrill-Seeker (Activities)
1. Skating
Lace up for a classic Canadian afternoon at a local neighborhood rink, or level up your “ice game” by weaving through the frozen forest trails at Countryside Adventures! For more info on rink locations, please click here
2. Snowshoeing
Trade your sneakers for snowshoes and float across the powder. Whether you’re navigating the quiet pines of Guindon Park, or the riverfront at Lamoureux, it’s the best way to explore without the “sink.”
Snowshoeing is a fun, accessible activity that has really taken hold in the area in recent years. Enjoy some physical activity and sightseeing at the same time on one of the many groomed snowshoe trails at Summerstown Trails, Gray’s Creek Conservation Area, Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary and beyond. Lamoureux Park is another popular destination that’s worth exploring on snowshoes!
3. Tobogganing
Feel the rush of speed and the cool air on your face with this favourite Canadian winter pastime! Some great spots to start include Lamoureux Park (east of the splashpad and west of the Cornwall Community Museum), the hill at the west side of Legion Park on Race Street, Snetsinger Park, or the Long Sault Parkway. Lean back, hold on tight, and feel the rush!
4. Cross-country skiing
Slide away the winter blues and enjoy nature on one of the cross-country skiing trails at Guindon Park or Summerstown Trails.
5. Nature walks
Sometimes, all you need is the sound of crunching snow. Take a slow, mindful stroll amongst these options – Lamoureux Park, Guindon Park, Gray’s Creek, the Cornwall Canal and the Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary offer some great trails and spaces to admire nature and wildlife up close.
6. Fat biking
Who says bikes are for summer? Grab a bike with “monster truck” tires and tackle the snowy ridges at Guindon Park for an adrenaline-pumping winter ride.
7. Ice fishing
Cornwall is home to a world-class fishery, and that standing extends throughout the year – including winter! Grab some ice fishing supplies and give this popular activity a try. Drill a hole, drop a line, and wait for the magic to happen. The boat launch area behind the RCAFA Wing 424 in Lamoureux Park is a popular spot for ice fishing, as is Hoople Bay near Ingleside. Before you head out, make sure the ice is safe and you are up to speed on fishing licences, seasons and limits! Check out our Fishing page to get started.
8. Snowmobiling
Discover the backcountry through a new hobby like snowmobiling. Join the Upper Canada Snowmobile Region to unlock 3,000 km of backcountry trails. It’s the ultimate “winter road trip” through the heart of Eastern Ontario. Check out the UCSR website for more information on permits, trails and how to get started with this popular winter activity!
9. Bird watching
Enjoying nature and wildlife go hand-in-hand, and bird watching is a perfect pastime to pair with those outdoor excursions. Bring some binoculars and a healthy dose of patience and you’ll be amazed by what you see and hear! The Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary is an obvious place to start and Gray’s Creek is another popular bird watching destination.
10. Photography
Why not try to capture some of winter’s beauty while you’re out there enjoying it? From sunrises to sunsets, landmarks to nature scenes, the Cornwall area is a photographer’s dream even in winter! Some popular spots to snap some shots include the Rotary Eco Gardens in Lamoureux Park, the Cornwall Canal, the Lost Villages Museum and the Lancaster Wharf. In Cornwall, every snow-covered corner is a postcard waiting to happen.
11. Big Ben Ski Centre
Cornwall’s Big Ben Ski Centre is now open for the season! Big Ben offers one-on-one skiing and snowboarding lessons as well as affordable lift tickets. Conquer the hill right in the city! Whether you’re a total beginner taking a lesson or a pro carving the slopes, Big Ben is the heartbeat of local winter sports. Click here to visit the Big Ben Facebook page for regular updates!
The Destinations (Places to Go)
12. Lamoureux Park
Cornwall’s showcase waterfront park is a beehive of activity this winter. Along with enjoying scenic views of the St. Lawrence River and the beautiful light display at the clock tower, residents can enjoy tobogganing behind the splashpad. The recreational trail between the Civic Complex and the RCAFA Wing 424 will be salted and cleared for a safe walking experience. Snowshoeing is also encouraged! And don’t forget to check out the waterfall at the Rotary Eco-Garden – it’s a beautiful sight, even in winter! There’s ample parking at the Civic Complex and the Cornwall Community Museum to begin your adventure.
13. Guindon Park
Guindon Park is an outdoor lover’s paradise on the western edge of Cornwall. A true outdoor paradise on the western edge of town. With designated paths for skiers, bikers, and walkers, it’s a “choose your own adventure” destination. There are trails for every interest – cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking and walking. Please use designated trails – respect groomed tracks for cross-country skiing! Click here to see the trail map for Guindon Park.
14. Gray’s Creek Conservation Area
Hugging the eastern edge of Cornwall, Gray’s Creek Conservation is a perfect destination to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city – and it’s just minutes away! Gray’s Creek includes 6.4 km of meandering trails that are open year-round, allowing users to enjoy nature in all its seasonal settings. It’s a great place to snowshoe, hike or walk the dog! The roadway is closed to traffic however parking and access to the conservation area is available via the entrance on County Road 2.
15. Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary
A visit to the Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary near Morrisburg is like a visit to a winter wonderland. Walk, ski, snowshoe and experience nature on the well-maintained trails. And, of course, there’s bird watching. You’ll be so close the birds will eat out of the palm of your hand – literally!
16. Cooper Marsh
This cherished wetland is part of the larger Charlottenburgh Marsh – one of the most significant wetlands in all of Ontario. There are a number of trails to explore while basking in nature and soaking in the fresh winter air. Click here for maps and more info.
17. Summerstown Trails
Located east of Cornwall, Summerstown Trails is the perfect place to connect with nature and find some inner peace. The massive outdoor space features over 20 km of cross-country ski trails, 20 km of snowshoeing trails suitable for all levels and another 10 km of fat biking trails for both beginners and experts. Or set out on foot and explore nature in all its glory! Click here for maps and more info.
18. Charlottenburgh Park
Charlottenburgh Park is another popular winter playground you will want to visit. The site is great for hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing and there is magnificent scenery to accompany your adventure. Click here for more information.
#exploreCornwallON
Looking for other fun things to do in Cornwall? Check out the Explore section of our website for other fun-filled activities to keep you busy. Better yet, consider extending your stay with a night at one of our great accommodations!
www.CornwallTourism.com
Photos by Lee Ladouceur, Ang Waterton, Jennifer Gibeau, Sylvie O’Rourke, Richard Pilon, Amy Besner, Gina Dragone and Katie Andrews.
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