Getting outside is good for your health. From lowering blood pressure to boosting your mood, increasing physical activity with outdoor activities in Durham Region is a safe way to enjoy the cold months this winter.

Whether you crave a scenic outdoor walk, want to test your skills on skis, or need a change of scenery from your living room, there are many ways to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors with Durham Region’s beautiful winter amenities.

Skiing, Snowboarding, Snow Tubing and Snowshoeing

Couple skiing at the top of a hill at Brimacombe

Source: Durham Tourism

Whether you love the thrill of downhill skiing, doing tricks on your snowboard in a terrain park, or crave a quiet snowshoe trek in the woods, there are great options for outdoor fun in Durham Region.

Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding

Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

Snow Tubing

Equipment Rentals, Purchase and Repairs for Outdoor Winter Sports

For equipment rentals, check out this list of local shops for equipment sales and rentals to get you geared up.

Winter Walks

Family walking on snow covered trail at Second Marsh

Source: Durham Tourism

Taking a winter walk on one of Durham Region’s many trails is a wonderful way to spend the day. For added fun, bring your own bird seed, where allowed, to feed the songbirds. Please check posted signage to ensure you’re feeding the correct species and using the appropriate kinds of feed.

Explore the outdoors and choose your own adventure with the Durham Region Trails Guide.

Cycling

For those looking to extend their cycling season, Durham Region offers some excellent groomed winter trails for fat biking (also called snow bikes). Fat bikes are known for their oversized or “fat” tires, which hold a lower tire pressure and allow the cyclist to ride on soft terrain, such as snow, sand and mud. Fat biking has become increasingly popular over the past several years, especially here. In Durham Region we have an avid biking community, along with several biking clubs and associations, including the Durham Mountain Biking Association (DMBA). DMBA has been grooming many trails in Durham Forest for several years now.

Fat Biking Trails

  • Greenwood Conservation Area (Ajax)
  • Durham Forest: two loops of winter groomed single track, one 10 kilometers accessible from the main parking lot, one 5 kilometers accessible from the parking area at Houston Road and Lakeridge Road (Uxbridge)

Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks

Man and child playing hockey on frozen lake

Source: Durham Tourism

Whether you’re looking to skate under the stars or hit around a hockey puck, there are lots of places for outdoor ice skating in Durham Region. Please remember, outdoor rinks are seasonal, weather permitting and could be closed at times. Check the rink stats before visiting. Below is a list of outdoor rinks in Durham Region.

City of Pickering

  • Rick Hull Memorial Park (591 Rosebank Road, Pickering)
  • Claremont Memorial Park (4941 Old Brock Road, Claremont)
  • Forestbrook Park (1030 Glenanna Road, Pickering)

Town of Ajax

  • Pat Bayly Square (55 Bayly Street West)
  • McLean Community Centre (95 Magill Drive)
  • Audley Recreation Centre (1955 Audley Road North)

Town of Whitby

  • Peel Park (307 Trent Street East, Whitby)
  • Brooklin Memorial Park (67 Winchester Road East, Brooklin)

City of Oshawa

  • Delpark Homes Centre (1661 Harmony Road North)

Municipality of Clarington

  • Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex (2440 Durham Regional Highway 2, Bowmanville)
  • Guildwood Park (180 Guildwood Drive, Bowmanville)
  • Rosswell Park (141 Rosswell Drive, Courtice)
  • Tooley’s Mill Park (71 Old Kingston Road, Courtice)

Township of Scugog

  • Willowtree Farm (975 Regional Road 21, Port Perry)
  • On Lake Scugog in downtown Port Perry

Township of Uxbridge

  • Elgin Pond (180 Main Street South, Uxbridge)

Ice Fishing

Woman holding fish after ice fishing on Lake Scugog

Source: Durham Tourism

No matter the season, Durham Region is home to the best fishing in the Greater Toronto Area. You will find world-renowned multi-species fishing on Lake Ontario, Lake Simcoe, Lake Scugog, Bowmanville Creek and several other connecting tributaries.

Ice Fishing Charters

Fishing Equipment Purchasing

Explore More

Looking for more outdoor adventure, local food, and other safe winter ideas?

Follow @DurhamTourism on social media.

Sign up for the monthly Durham Tourism visitor e-newsletter.

Learn more at DurhamTourism.ca.

Durham Tourism has put together a winter outdoor adventure guide to help you embrace winter!

About the Author

Bryen writes about local Durham community news, including regional events, municipality updates, entertainment, lifestyle, and the great outdoors. Email him directly if you want your business profiled or know a community member that deserves recognition - bryen@thelocalbizmagazine.com