Outdoor experiences for families to thrill-seekers
While the Town may be known for its summer recreation on the shores of Lake Simcoe, it may be even better known for its winter activities on and off the ice. Lake Simcoe, Georgina’s natural gem, does not disappoint in the winter. It is considered by many as the ice fishing capital of North America and is a recreational playground for thrill-seekers and families alike.
The local trail system and picturesque views at Sibbald Point Provincial Park round out the many ways to explore and enjoy winter recreation in Georgina. This blog breaks down the activities and experiences the Town is known for and how you can experience them.
Outdoor fun for families
Now that the cold weather has arrived, many of us have started hibernating indoors. Getting outdoors with your family is not only good for your health, but it provides a chance to bond with your family and create lasting memories. So, get out there and enjoy everything a Georgina winter has to offer close to home. Warm up after you’re done with a hot chocolate, soup or hearty meal from one of the area's many family-friendly restaurants.
Skating
Skating is arguably the most popular Canadian winter activity. Georgina is home to two free outdoor skating rinks operated by the Town: the ROC Rink (26479 Civic Centre Rd.), which is weather-dependent, and the Pefferlaw Ice Pad (38 Pete’s Lane, Pefferlaw). Visit georgina.ca/skating for operating information.
Georgina’s resorts also offer outdoor recreational skating. Free with an overnight stay or a nominal fee, you can enjoy skating outdoors on the shores of Lake Simcoe at the Briars Resort or Ramada in Jackson’s Point.
Downhill skiing, tobogganing, snowboarding and tubing
The ROC is your one-stop shop for winter recreation. Play all day ($25 for two hours) to do all things “snow” in the heart of Georgina. The ROC is open on select weekdays and weekends from December through March (weather dependent). Daily two-hour online tickets can be purchased in advance online at georginaroc.ca.
When your toes get a little chilly, and you’re ready for a snack, you can visit the Chalet for some fries, hamburgers or hotdogs. Depending on the day, you may also enjoy a cozy outdoor fire experience to warm up just outside the Chalet, with full views of the hill and the outdoor public skating rink.
Snowshoeing, hiking and cross-country skiing
A trip to Sibbald Point Provincial Park in the winter is filled with wintry views and a landscape that never disappoints. It's the best playground for winter walks, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing close to home. The main park road and parking lot are open for winter visitors. Before you set out, visit the park’s website for activity operation details.
There are also a number of trails throughout Georgina’s landscape to enjoy that include signed routes, paved shoulders and off-road trails. Visit georgina.ca/trails for maps and trail resources.
Snowshoe Trail
Come alone, bring a friend or the whole family to enjoy the great outdoors with a self-guided snowshoeing trail through one of Georgina’s most popular trail systems - the ROC. No gear? That’s okay, we’ve got you covered. Visit georginaroc.ca to pre-register and reserve equipment!
It’s not just any trail. This trail will be set to music and illuminated. Finish your experience off with some skiing, snow tubing, tobogganing or skating on the ROC property for a well-rounded winter experience. The trail will operate from Wednesday to Sunday, starting in January until the end of the season.
The Briars Resort in Jackson’s Point also offers snowshoeing on their historic lakefront property. Guests and day-trippers can enjoy the resort's trail along with other winter recreational activities.
Downtown shopping
Georgina’s four downtowns in Keswick, Jackson’s Point, Pefferlaw and Sutton have many unique shops and restaurants to explore and enjoy. You’ll find life-size lit structures in each downtown area during the holiday season, perfect for your next Instagram selfie. Coupled with winter-themed lights, a stroll downtown makes your shopping adventure worth braving a little cold weather.
Foodies can experience the Taste of Georgina in late February when select restaurants prepare Prix-fix menus at set prices. With a number of participating restaurants throughout the Town, you’re sure to find lots of diverse meals and locations to enjoy.
Ice fishing
Those who are avid ice fishers, like many Georgina residents, are familiar with where and how to enjoy this winter activity. If you have never tried it before and want to get your feet wet – not literally if you wear the right shoes – then you may want to give it a try. Georgina’s ice hut operators supply transportation, a hut and all the gear you need.
One-day fishing licenses can be purchased online or in-person at Canadian Tire in Keswick or the Mobil Service Station in Sutton for $12.21 (2022 rate).
Activities for adventure seekers
If you’re the thrill-seeking type, snowmobiling on land or snowkiting can feed your need for speed and adventure. Groomed trails, frozen ice and only a short drive from the city make Georgina the ideal location to partake in winter thrill-seeking activity.
Snowmobiling
During the summer, boat sales sky-rocketed as vacationers pivoted their annual plans, opting for a boating lifestyle on the water. As we continue to explore and rediscover our local landscapes, snowmobiling is expected to be a popular winter activity this year.
Georgina is a top sledding destination in Ontario as it is the southern gateway to the province’s snowmobile trail system and has many access points to Lake Simcoe. It has more than 50 km of trail with a good mixture covering bush, field and rail lines.
To access the trails, you will need to purchase an annual permit ($180-$270) or a multi-day pass ($45 per day) at ofsc.on.ca. For updates on trail conditions and to connect with local riders, follow Georgina Trail Riders Snowmobile Club on Facebook.
Snowkiting
Ice fishing isn’t the only activity taking place from the frozen shores of Georgina. Bright-coloured kites can often be seen swirling among the breathtaking white backdrop of ice and snow. Cook’s Bay in Keswick is one of the best locations for snowkiting as it’s a close drive to Toronto, and it freezes early in the season, staying frozen all winter long. iKite Canada and Canadian Kite Surfing Society offer snowkiting lessons to all skill levels. This out-of-the-norm winter activity is perfect for thrill seekers.
There is so much to see and do in Georgina this winter. Don’t just come for the day. You can stay too. Georgina has several accommodation options to fit any budget and need.
For more tourism information, including upcoming events, visit georgina.ca/tourism.
Tourism businesses and operators that would like copies of the Town's tourism guide can contact the Economic Development and Tourism office at ed@georgina.ca.