These scenic winter driving routes in Ontario will feel like you’re in a snowglobe

Winter driving routes are the ultimate solution to the age-old problem of wanting to enjoy winter scenery without getting cold. Yep, you can still take in the gorgeous sights of the snowy season in Ontario, all from the comfort of your warm car.

Grab a friend, pack up the car and get ready to embark on a magical day along one of these winter driving routes.

1,000 Islands Parkway

1,000 Islands Parkway is a gorgeous route that boasts views of the St. Lawrence River which is especially beautiful with a layer of freshly fallen snow.

Spanning around 37 km, this drive shows off panoramic scenery between Brockville and Gananoque, off the 401.

If you want to hop out along the way, the parkway can be explored on foot and according to St. Lawrence Parks, the trails along the drive “can be used by pedestrians, skiers, snowshoers and snowmobiles when conditions allow and it is safe to do so.”

Where: Highway 401, from exit 647 to 685

Kawartha Lakes

90 minutes north of Toronto is where you’ll find Kawartha Lakes and a fantastic driving route that can explored year-round, including during Ontario’s chilly winters.

This 77 km route stretches from Fenelon Falls to Bobcaygeon and along the way, you can see frozen lakes such as Cameron Lake, Shadow Lake or Balsam Lake.

At your starting point in Fenelon Falls, bundle up and hop out at the meeting point of Cameron and Sturgeon Lake for a view of the falls within a snowy limestone gorge.

Where: ON-35 & Kawartha Lakes County Rd 8 to Fairbairn Rd, Fenelon Falls, Ontario

Niagara Parkway

This driving route runs along the Niagara River for a whopping 55 km with views of a glistening frozen abyss as far as the eyes can see.

You’ll start in Fort Erie, Ontario in the south and wind your way to Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario in the north.

Fun fact, the parkway is one of the oldest in the province, with the completion of the project in 1931.

Don’t take my word for it, according to Niagara Falls Tourism, Sir Winston Churchill took the drive in 1943 and stated it was the “prettiest Sunday afternoon drive in the world.”

Where: Niagara River Pkway, from Fort Erie, Ontario to Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

Georgian Bay

There’s a scenic drive you can take that stretches the shorelines of this beautiful bay.

Start your journey in Meaford, Ontario along Highway 26 and follow the route as it passes along the water.

The halfway point of this journey is Thornbury, Ontario, where you can make a pit stop at Thornbury Craft Co. Cider & Brew House for a refreshing beverage.

Once you’re back in your cozy car, continue along Highway 26 until you reach Collingwood. If it were me, I would hit up the Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain while you’re there,  just sayin’.

Where: Meaford, Ontario to Collingwood, Ontario along Highway 26

Arrowhead & Algonquin

These two winter-friendly Ontario Parks are 70 km apart so not only can you enjoy some spectacular snowy views, you can stop in at both parks.

Your drive will begin at Arrowhead Provincial Park where you can check out The Big Bend Lookout.

The lookout is a short walk from the parking lot on Roe Campground Road and leads to a panoramic view of Big East River and “the surrounding Muskoka terrain.” Stunnin’!

Once you’re ready to hit the road again, you’ll be treated to sights of towering trees and little lakes that are spread out across Highway 60 to Algonquin Provincial Park.

Algonquin Provincial Park has 85 km of groomed and track-set ski trails across three trail networks as well as a skating rink! Part of the parking lot in the Mew Lake Campground is what is used to make the rink and it’s available for all to enjoy.

Just note, if you’re stopping in at either park you’ll need to pay a day fee, starting at $12.25 per vehicle.

A whimsical adventure is ahead and I hope your journey along these winter driving routes is truly magical.

Recent Posts:
These festive small towns in Ontario have the most adorable Christmas markets
This Ontario Christmas experience takes you through illuminated tunnels of over 1 million lights