Huntsville, Ontario is a winter gem but don’t take my word for it, you gotta experience it for yourself. The town is nestled in the heart of the Muskokas and while it’s a popular destination in the summer, the colder months bring out the area’s true beauty.

Ragged Falls is one of those winter landscapes you’re going to want to check out. It’s so stunning that it was actually the subject of two famous paintings by Group of Seven artist A.J. Casson.

With a snowy trail surrounded by towering pine trees leading up to it, this cold-weather adventure will make you feel like you’re in a sparkling snow globe.

Exploring Ragged Falls in Huntsville, Ontario

Ragged Falls is located just outside the core of Huntsville, Ontario.

While most get to the falls through Oxtongue River-Ragged Falls Provincial Park in the summer, during winter it can be accessed via roadside parking just outside the park entrance. The Ontario Park isn’t open after October, but the falls can still be accessed.

According to Muskoka’s tourism website, visitors can “snowshoe or hike the short trail to the falls for a view that captures Muskoka’s wild, rugged beauty at its best.”

The falls are described as a “photographer’s paradise in winter” as icicles and snow decorate the surrounding area and pine trees.

Because of the powerful flow of water coming down the Oxtongue River, ice sculptures begin to form along the banks as the weather gets colder.

Soon, the falls freeze over as well, creating the ultimate vision of sparkling ice and snow. Don’t forget to snap photos!

Other things to do during winter in Huntsville, Ontario

If snow hikes aren’t your thing, then maybe a relaxing ride in a horse-drawn sleigh is.

Back of Beyond Equine Centre runs daytime winter sleigh rides from December until February 2025.

“Pile under blankets aboard one of the classy red sleighs and take off into a magical winter wonderland along our private woodland trails,” shares Back of Beyond Equine Centre.

Each sleigh ride takes about 35 minutes and costs $175 plus tax which includes the first two people per ride.

A fee of $30 is added for each additional person with kids three years old and under able to ride for free.

While it isn’t open for the season just yet, Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area is the place to be in Huntsville, especially if you’re an avid skier or snowboarder.

The ski hill opens on Dec. 20 for the 2024-2025 season with lift passes ranging from $34 to $67 per adult, depending on the time of day.

Does it get any better than winter landscapes, skiing down a snowy mountain and sleigh rides? I think not.

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Taylor Lucas

Associate Editor – Taylor is a Toronto-based journalist with a passion for storytelling. Whether chasing a story, writing, or editing, she brings a creative spin to the media world and has a blast doing it. Taylor brings years of journalism experience in sports, local/national news, and entertainment. In her spare time, you can typically find Taylor trying out a new restaurant or cocktail bar, cooking, golfing or binge-watching true crime documentaries.

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