Best Winter Hiking Trails In Quebec And Ontario

Picturesque Trails That Will Help You Win Instagram

Canada is home to a wide range of landscapes, including mountains, forests, and national parks, which offer ample opportunities for winter hiking and other outdoor activities.

Ontario and Quebec are home to many national parks and other protected areas that offer excellent opportunities for winter hiking. Sometimes it can be difficult to find a way to enjoy the cold Canadian winters but winter hiking is the perfect option.

Enjoyed by many Canadians, this activity is fantastic whether you're an experienced hiker or simply looking for a new way to enjoy the great outdoors in the colder months. I mean come on, who wouldn't love to walk, or should we say hike, through a winter wonderland?!

If you're an avid Instagram user looking for some breathtaking winter landscapes to capture on camera, then Quebec and Ontario have some great options for you. These provinces offer a range of winter hiking trails that are perfect for taking Instagram-worthy pictures, or quality TikTok posts.

Now that you've decided to go, you might wonder what trails you have to pick from. Read on for our top picks of winter hiking trails in Ontario and Quebec!

Where Can I Hike In The Winter In Ontario 

Ontario the second largest province in Canada, meaning there is no short of beautiful sights to see. Winter hiking is a great way to enjoy the beauty of the natural world, get some exercise, and spend time with friends and family.

It's also a great way to experience the winter landscape in a different way, as the snow and ice can create a unique and stunning backdrop for your hike. Remember to snap those Instagram pics! We've listed our top picks for winter hiking in Ontario so you can have best experience possible.

Bruce Peninsula National Park

The Bruce Peninsula National Park, located on the Bruce Peninsula in Ontario, offers a range of trails that are perfect for winter hiking. This park is home to a variety of landscapes, including forests, cliffs, and lakes, which provide a stunning backdrop for a winter hike.

Some popular trails for winter hiking in the Bruce Peninsula National Park include the Georgian Bay Coast Trail, which offers stunning views of the Georgian Bay and the surrounding landscape, and the Halfway Log Dump Trail, which takes you through a variety of habitats, including forests, wetlands, and cliffs.

The park also has a number of back-country trails for more experienced hikers. When winter hiking in the Bruce Peninsula National Park, it's important to come prepared with the proper clothing and equipment, such as warm layers, waterproof boots, and traction devices for your boots.

The park can be prone to extreme weather conditions, so it's also a good idea to check the weather forecast and be prepared for any changes in temperature or conditions.

Rockway Falls

Next up we've got Rockway Falls! This location is a popular destination for winter hiking in Ontario, located in the Niagara Region near the city of St. Catharines. The falls are part of the Rockway Conservation Area, which offers a range of trails for hikers to explore.

One of the main attractions of winter hiking at Rockway Falls is the opportunity to see the falls in their frozen state, as the water cascades over the cliffs and forms a series of icy sculptures. The falls are particularly beautiful when the sun is shining, as the light reflects off the ice and creates a stunning visual display. Talk about picturesque views!

The Rockway Conservation Area also offers a number of other trails that are perfect for winter hiking, including the Escarpment Trail, which offers panoramic views of the Niagara region, and the Beaver Dam Trail, which takes you through a variety of habitats, including forests, wetlands, and meadows.

The falls and the surrounding conservation area are a must-visit destination for any winter hiker.

The Robertson Cliffs

Speaking of must-visit destinations, you've got to make time for the Robertson Cliffs. Located in the Niagara Escarpment in Ontario, it's a destination made for winter hiking.

The cliffs offer a range of trails for hikers to explore, ranging from easy to more challenging. After all, your boots were made for walking, and here that's just what you'll do, except you're going up hill!

Robertson Cliffs area also offers a number of other trails that are perfect for winter hiking, including the Bruce Trail, which runs for over 890 kilometers along the Niagara Escarpment. There's also the Escarpment Trail, which offers extraordinary views of the Niagara region.

Hiking at Robertson Cliffs during the winter can be a truly magical experience. The trails are usually less crowded, allowing for a more peaceful and serene hike. The crisp, cold air and the blanket of snow can make for some stunning views.

Arrowhead Provincial Park Stubbs Falls

You'll find Arrowhead Provincial Park nestled in Ontario's Muskoka region. The park is home to a variety of trails that are perfect for exploring the region's rugged beauty in the winter months, including the Stubbs Falls Trail.

The Stubbs Falls Trail is a moderate difficulty trail that takes you through a variety of landscapes, including forests, wetlands, and rocky cliffs. The trail culminates at the beautiful Stubbs Falls, where winter transforms the falls into a stunning display of icy sculptures, particularly when the sun is shining and its light reflects off the frozen water.

Where Can I Hike In The Winter In Quebec

Quebec is the largest province in Canada and just like Ontario, it boasts many locations where you can go winter hiking. The sights within the province are exceptionally stunning in the winter time making for a great activity.

Winter hiking in Quebec also offers the opportunity to capture unique shots of ice formations, snow-covered trails, and other winter-specific features. By coming prepared with your camera or phone and seeking out these Instagram-worthy locations and subjects, you can capture some truly memorable photos on your winter hike.

Now that you've planned your next Instagram post, we've got some favourite locations for winter hiking in Quebec for you!

Jacques-Cartier National Park

Located in Quebec's Gaspé region, Jacques-Cartier National Park is a popular spot for winter hiking.

The trails in the park offer something for hikers of all skill levels, from easy, flat paths to more challenging, steep routes. Notable trails include the Chute aux Iroquois Trail, which leads to beautiful frozen waterfalls, and the Escarpment Trail, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Hiking at Jacques-Cartier National Park allows you to appreciate the beauty of the outdoors and connect with nature. It's also a great way to get some exercise and fresh air. Even better, the park is home to a diverse array of plants and wildlife, so you may have the chance to spy some interesting species while you're out on the trails.

More experienced hikers can also take on the park's back-country trails. Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience Jacques-Cartier National Park's breathtaking frozen waterfalls and diverse landscapes during the winter season.

Sentier des Caps

Another great option for your winter hiking expedition is the Sentier des Caps! Found in  Quebec's Gaspé region, this destination offers a range of landscapes including forests, cliffs, and wetlands for hikers of all levels to explore.

The trail's beautiful views are transformed into a winter wonderland by the snow and ice, creating a picturesque setting for your hike. On top of the views, the trail features well-marked and well-maintained trails, as well as rest areas and shelters along the way.

It is also home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, deer, and birds, which can make for great photographic subjects. You've got to experience the beauty of Sentier des Caps during the winter season.

Montmorency Falls

If you're looking to go to more than one spot for a hike, checkout Montmorency Falls, located in Quebec's Capitale-Nationale region. If you're someone who loves to appreciate the natural beauty of winter, then this trail is for you!

Everyone is always on about the falls, which are a particularly striking scene in the winter months. If you were looking for a unique and Instagram-worthy subject for your hike, well you just found it!

Montmorency Falls also offers a number of other trails that are perfect for winter hiking, including the Summit Trail, which offers serene views of the surrounding landscape. If you're not tired out, visit the Chute Montmorency Trail, which takes you to the base of the falls.

Grands-Jardins National Park

Last, but certainly not least, is Grands-Jardins National Park. You can find this park located in Quebec's Charlevoix region. The park, which is home to a variety of landscapes, including forests, wetlands, and cliffs, offers a range of trails that are perfect for winter hiking.

Grands-Jardins National Park is an especially beautiful place to go winter hiking, as the snow and ice transform the landscape into a winter wonderland. The views are particularly breathtaking when the sun is shining and its light reflects off the snow and ice. Take in the stunning visual display while getting some exercise and enjoying the great outdoors.

Some trails you can take at this destination include:

1. Les Chic-Chocs: Moderate level, 7-kilometer loop trail

2. Le Sentier des Caps: Moderate level, 9.5-kilometer loop trail

3. Le Sentier des Crêtes: Moderate level, 6.5-kilometer loop trail

What To Pack For Your Winter Hikes

Now that you've got some options for winter hiking destinations, you've got make sure pack for the hike!

If you're gone for a while, incorporating a hammock into winter hiking can be a fun and comfortable way to enjoy the outdoors during the colder months. While it may not be possible to set up a hammock in all winter hiking locations, if you find a safe spot to set up, relaxing in a hammock is a great way to take a break and enjoy the sights.

When preparing for a winter hike, it's important to come prepared with the proper clothing and equipment to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Some essential items to pack for your winter hike include: 

• Base layers: It's important to stay warm and dry during your winter hike, so it's a good idea to wear a base layer of moisture-wicking fabric to help keep your skin dry and comfortable.

• Hiking boots: Proper footwear is essential for any hike, and it's especially important in the winter to protect your feet from the cold and wet conditions. Look for waterproof boots with good traction to keep your feet dry and help you maintain your footing on slippery trails.

• Durable Hammock: Choose a location with suitable trees and set up a insulated hammock. Look for a spot with a pair of sturdy trees that are close enough together to support your hammock. Avoid setting up your hammock under heavy snow or ice, as this can put unnecessary strain on the trees and the hammock.

• Snacks: It's always a good idea to bring snacks on any hike to help keep your energy levels up, and it's especially important in the winter when you may be burning more calories to stay warm. Pack a variety of energy-boosting snacks, such as nuts, energy bars, and dried fruit, to keep you fueled during your hike.

On top of these essentials, it's also a good idea to pack other items such as warm layers, a waterproof jacket, hat, gloves, and traction devices for your boots.

The Takeaway

Winter hiking in Quebec and Ontario is a fantastic way to appreciate the beauty of nature and get some exercise. These provinces offer a variety of landscapes including forests, mountains, and national parks to explore.

Respect the natural environment and follow proper safety precautions, and you'll have a memorable winter hiking adventure in Quebec and Ontario. Also, whatever hammock you buy, make sure it's high-quality. You'll get maximum comfort and durability on your winter hike. Check out Hammock Universe for hammock options perfect for your winter hiking needs!