Winter Day Trips from Toronto

Trips leave from Yorkdale TTC passenger pickup. We use this spot because it's close to the major highways out of the city. You can search "Yorkdale TTC passenger pickup" on Google Maps to find the exact location. Once you book, we'll send you notifications with a map and instructions.

Each winter trip has its own departure time, which you can see when you choose a date on the trip page. We'll also send reminders with your departure time.

Please don't be late, or you risk missing your trip. If there are TTC disruptions, we may wait up to 15 minutes past the departure time, and we'll try to call anyone who left a phone number to check when they'll arrive. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, you may have missed your trip. There are no refunds for missed trips.

Take our Blue Mountain shuttle. It runs on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and you choose when you go up and when you come back. For a weekend away, book the journey up on Friday and the journey back on Sunday.

Approximate drive times from Toronto:

• Igloo building: about 1 hour
• Blue Mountain: about 2 to 2.5 hours
• Muskoka: about 2 hours
• Algonquin Park: about 3.5 hours
• Bruce Peninsula National Park: about 4 hours

We only offer special pickups for groups, on a case-by-case basis. Extra stops add a lot of time to an already busy day, and when people were late to them in the past, it affected everyone else's experience. So we keep one pickup point for everyone: Yorkdale TTC passenger pickup.

Some trips do have a different pickup. For example, our Bruce Peninsula trips also pick up in Brampton.

When you book, we'll email you parking instructions. On weekdays, we strongly suggest taking public transit, because parking fills up fast. On weekends, if you need to drive, you can park at Wilson Station and take the subway one stop south to Yorkdale to meet the group.

Yes. All of our vehicles are heated, and our goal is to keep you warm on the road in winter. They also have air conditioning for the summer.

Winter driving is different from summer driving. Before every trip, our drivers do an inspection to make sure the tires, suspension and other parts of the vehicle are fit for the road conditions. All of our drivers have passed the tests required to drive commercially, and they allow for longer braking distances on snowy roads.

It can happen. In winter, road crews often salt the highways to improve traction, and traffic usually has to stay behind them while they work. We can't change this, and we hope you'll understand it's for everyone's safety.

We run all of our trips rain or shine. If we decide it's unsafe to drive, or that conditions make the activity unworkable, we'll cancel and let you know as soon as possible.

We'll contact you as soon as possible and give you options to choose from, for example:

• a full refund
• a different date
• a different trip

Ontario winters can get very cold. In the coldest weeks we've seen temperatures around -30°C with wind chill, and colder during a polar vortex. That's why we always suggest dressing for the weather: wear layers and cover any exposed skin.

If you feel too cold on a trip, tell our staff right away. We often carry extra clothing, moving to shelter is a quick first step, and our team is trained on cold-weather exposure.

We work with local operators who have been on the ice for many years. There are guidelines for how thick the ice must be before it's safe for people, vehicles and even helicopters. The ice thickness is measured by drilling a hole and using a special tool.

All of our guides have first aid training, and some have Advanced Wilderness First Aid. We aim to offer training to all of our staff every year. Every vehicle carries a first aid kit, and our guides are encouraged to carry one on hikes. In the unlikely event that a staff member is unconscious, there's usually a first aid kit in their bag.

Most of our trips include somewhere warm, whether that's a shelter, the vehicle, or a building like the Algonquin Visitor Centre. Our job is to help you enjoy the outdoors, so we keep an eye on everyone and make suggestions when we think they'll help.

Wear layers you can easily add or remove. A hat or toque is essential, and so are gloves. Our staff swear by a buff (neck warmer).

Footwear matters too. Running shoes aren't suitable in deep snow, and wet feet quickly become a problem, so wear winter boots and warm socks. We're big fans of merino and sheep's wool for warmth, but they aren't required to enjoy the outdoors.

Snow pants are a must for skiing. On our other trips you can often wear regular pants, but bring a spare pair in case they get wet.

Winter gear can be expensive, especially if you won't use it much. But the elements shouldn't be taken lightly. If budget is a barrier, try second-hand shops and thrift stores, where you can find gear for a fraction of the price. There are also great places that rent gear. We sometimes carry extra gear too, so just ask us before your trip.

No. We pack snowshoes, crampons and some extra warm gear. If you have your own and prefer to use them, you're welcome to bring them.

They're welcome but not required. On a really cold day, they can bring a little bit of joy.

Yes. We encourage you to bring a backpack with food, extra clothes and maybe a poncho. You can leave it in the vehicle so you don't have to carry it all day.

On a full vehicle, you may need to put your backpack in the cargo area rather than keep it by your seat. If there are any luggage limits for your trip, we'll let you know beforehand.

We always suggest bringing some cash, because some vendors only accept cash. For example, Weber's on Highway 11 only accepts cash and Canadian debit cards, which isn't much help to international visitors. Cash is also handy if you'd like to tip your driver-guide.

Food isn't included on winter trips, but two trips bring cookware and make some basic food: Ice Fishing and Igloo Building. All of our trips stop somewhere you can buy food.

If you have dietary restrictions, bring your own food, since we can't guarantee what's available where we stop. Extra snacks are always useful when you're outside burning calories.

Yes, and you can eat in the vehicle. We just ask that you're mindful of the people around you, for example by checking whether anyone nearby has an allergy to what you're eating, such as peanuts.

On our camping trips, which mostly run in summer and fall, we accommodate all dietary needs. On winter trips, we depend on the places we visit. We often stop at grocery stores with a wide selection, but if you have specific dietary needs, please come prepared.

Yes, most people need a fishing licence. The main exceptions are Canadian residents under 18 or aged 65 and over, Indigenous people and members of a First Nation, and everyone on Ontario's Family Fishing Weekend in February, when no licence is needed. Rules are different for visitors from outside Canada, so check the Ontario fishing licence page before your trip.

We can't get a licence for you, because you have to register with the Ontario government yourself. You'll find the link to Ontario fishing licences on the Ice Fishing trip page. There's a fee, which varies depending on your status in Canada.

No experience is needed for our trips to Lake Simcoe. Our ice fishing trip is perfect for beginners, because perch aren't hard to catch. If you're after bigger fish, a different trip might suit you better. If you want a fun day out in a safe environment, this is the trip for you.

Yes, up to the daily limit on your fishing licence: 50 perch with a sport licence, and fewer with a conservation licence. We joke about this, because there's no way you'll catch that many! If you do catch fish, we encourage you to release the smaller ones to help keep fish stocks healthy.

It varies from week to week, but as a rule of thumb it takes 6 to 8 hours. A smaller igloo goes faster, and more people get more done. Snow conditions, wind and wetness also make a difference.

No. There's a whole group building together. Building one on your own would take real energy, since you'd be on your feet for over 6 hours. On our trip, the aim is to have fun, and there are other things to do too: we provide snowshoes, a fire and some snow tubes.

No. Lift tickets and ski rentals aren't included. You can book them directly on the Blue Mountain website.

Yes. You can take the shuttle one way and stay overnight. Some people only join us for the ride from Blue Mountain back to Toronto. One way or return, it's up to you.

Skates aren't included, but you can rent them at the Arrowhead Visitor Centre for a fee, subject to availability. You can also bring your own skates and save some money.

It usually opens in January, depending on the weather.

Your ticket includes a wristband for entry to the main festivities. The town closes off Bracebridge's main street, which fills up with vendors, street performers and entertainment.

We pick trails in Algonquin and Bruce Peninsula that aren't difficult. Heavy snowfall can make any trail harder, much like walking in the city after a big snowstorm takes a little longer. The beauty of hiking in the snow is that there's no rush, so slow down and enjoy where you are.

No. Climbing down into the Grotto isn't advised at any time of year, and signs at the site say so. In winter it's even more dangerous because of slippery rocks and ice.

Yes, all of our trips are beginner-friendly. Each trip page shows an activity rating so you know what to expect. If you have a basic level of fitness, you'll be fine on any of our trips. If you're unsure, reach out and we'll give you our honest advice.

Absolutely. More often than not, most of our guests are solo travellers. Once you're on a trip, you're not alone: our staff are chosen for their warm and welcoming personalities.

Joining a trip with a group of strangers is a bit like the first day of school, and everyone is in the same boat. In all our years of running trips, we can honestly say the vast majority of guests have been friendly, kind and courteous.

Kids are welcome on our winter trips. Please check the age recommendation on each trip page. We love having kids along, but we'll always point out when a trip might not be suitable.

Yes! The owner of Northbound Tours was a newcomer himself, and his best advice is to get outside and enjoy it. If you spend the whole winter inside watching Netflix, you won't really experience Canada. There's nothing quite like coming home to a warm house after a great day outdoors.

Absolutely. The worst that can happen is we send you a quote. A private trip makes the most sense above a certain group size, but reach out and we'll suggest options for your group, team event or birthday.

With a private charter, we can pick you up wherever you like. Some companies are very rigid about timings, but we see a private booking as supporting you: if you ask us to jump, we'll ask how high.

We recommend booking early. We often hear from people who are interested in a trip but don't book, then contact us two days before when it's sold out. We can't make our vehicles bigger! Last-minute spots are sometimes available, but often not. Booking early also lets us see whether we need to add more capacity.

Every trip includes tax, transportation, Northbound Tours staff and good times, and each trip page lists anything else that's included or not. There are no hidden fees. We're registered with TICO, Ontario's travel industry regulator, which asks operators to use all-in pricing, so we don't add sales tax at checkout.

Tips aren't included or expected. They're entirely up to you, and we're simply grateful when we receive them.

We don't offer student pricing, because our trips are already competitively priced, and we encourage you to compare. If you're a newcomer and eligible for Canoo, we partner with them. We do offer group pricing, so get in touch to discuss your group.

Yes, any of our trips can be bought as a gift, and with so many trips to choose from it makes a great present. We've seen gifts redeemed for everything from ice fishing to camping and canoeing.

All sales are final, so please only book if you're sure you'll attend. We have costs whether or not a trip sells out, and every booked seat is one someone else can't buy.

As part of our TICO registration, we offer cancellation insurance for $20 per person, per trip. With it, you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure, no questions asked. Otherwise, all of our trips go ahead rain or shine and can't be cancelled.

We don't normally allow date changes. In some situations we may be able to make it work, so contact us to ask.