Katherine Palumbo is the storyteller behind @explore.ontario, one of Ontario’s leading travel-focused content creators. With a passion for showcasing local experiences, hidden gems, and seasonal adventures, Katherine has built a trusted community of Ontario travelers seeking inspiration close to home.
What are some of your favourite winter activities that people can enjoy across Ontario?
There’s just so much to choose from, but for me, I love a winter road trip and exploring small towns that feel like Hallmark holiday movies – like Niagara-on-the-Lake, Unionville, and Elora. Glamping in winter is also super romantic and if you’re staying in a geodesic dome, it will give off the effect of a snowglobe! My top pick for peak winter coziness is Rustic Retreat Glamping Dome in Niagara.
How do you think Ontario’s winter season sets itself apart from other destinations you’ve visited?
Ontario stands out because of how much there is to do here during winter. Our winters can be long and harsh, but as a province, we have done an excellent job at embracing winter and making the best of it. From skiing at Blue Mountain to skating through a forest at Arrowhead Provincial Park, to frozen waterfall hikes and “igloo” dining experiences, Ontario has something for everyone.
Can you name a few hidden-gem winter destinations that more Ontarians should know about?
Haliburton is one of the most underrated destinations in Ontario, and it truly shines in winter. At Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve, visitors can go snowmobiling, embark on an ice climbing adventure with guides, and view wolves inside the Wolf Centre. Also in Haliburton is Winterdance Dogsled Tours where you can enjoy a couple hours of dogsledding with a team of friendly huskies. If you’re looking for a place to stay over, Bonnie View Inn has its own private skating rink for guests.
Ontario hosts vibrant winter festivals and cultural events each year — do you have any must-attend favourites?
Lights on Stratford is incredible, and I will be attending for the 6th year in a row this December. Running from December 12th – January 18th Thursdays through Sundays, this award-winning free event boasts a number of art/music installations all over the city. It’s absolutely breathtaking to experience and is family and pet-friendly!
How important is it to you to support local businesses and tourism partners through your content?
I started Explore Ontario nearly a decade ago and have never strayed from the mission of only working with partners that are located here in Ontario. From tourism boards to overnight stays, brands, events and businesses, they are 100% Ontario founded and focused. It’s important for me to highlight and promote local businesses as we should all try to support the communities we live in as much as possible. My goal has always been to provide people with Ontario travel ideas and communicate that some of the best places in the world are located right here in our own backyards.
If someone only had one day to enjoy winter in Ontario, where would you send them?
South Georgian Bay is a spectacular region to visit in winter and makes the perfect day trip. Start your day at Scenic Caves Nature Adventures where you can rent snowshoes and trek over the 420 ft suspension bridge before exploring some caves and caverns. After, relax at the outdoor thermal spa at Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain and end your day with dinner and drinks inside Penny Motel’s cozy Aprés Snack Bar.
Do you have any tips for people planning a winter road trip across Ontario?
Two words: snow tires!
What’s one winter memory in Ontario that you’ll never forget?
Last February, I worked with a small, family run farm outside Barrie called Rainbow View Farms that offers private horse-drawn sleigh rides. During the ride, big, chunky snowflakes started to fall from the sky and it felt like a movie scene. It was magical!
How do you hope your content inspires people to see winter in Ontario differently?
My goal with Explore Ontario is options, options, options. Whether you’re someone who loves winter sports, someone experiencing mobility issues, someone travelling with young children and or/animals, travelling on a budget, or someone who simply prefers a more ‘relaxed’ approach to the season, you will find something on Explore Ontario that resonates with you.
Be sure to follow @explore.ontario on Instagram for more winter inspiration.
