There’s a special kind of magic to an Ontario winter. The fresh snow under your boots and the thrill of racing down a snow-covered slope bring out the kid in everyone. For both longtime residents and newcomers, exploring the best parks for tobogganing in Ontario is the perfect way to embrace the season. From gentle slopes to high-speed hills, Ontario has something for everyone. Many cities maintain official sledding hills to keep the fun safe and enjoyable.
Before heading out, check out your local city website for updates on hill conditions. The City of Toronto and City of Ottawa provide live information on open hills, snow quality, and safety notices.
Jump Ahead
Toronto
Riverdale Park East
Riverdale Park East is one of Toronto’s most famous sledding spots. The hill is situated on the eastern ridge of the Don River Valley, resulting in a 53-meter vertical drop. Its concave shape produces high speeds, especially on the central ice tracks that form after heavy use, making it ideal for teens and adults seeking a thrilling ride.
The slope is wide enough for multiple sledders, but there’s a “commitment point” about one-third of the way down where steering or braking becomes nearly impossible. For safety, riders should sit upright, kneel, or roll sideways to avoid collisions rather than trying to steer out of icy tracks.
Neighbourhood Highlight
This historic neighborhood boasts Victorian and Edwardian homes, tree-lined streets, and a strong sense of community. Streets like Simpson and Broadview showcase ornate brickwork and bay-and-gable homes. Once working-class, the area is now highly desirable for families and young professionals.
As of Q3 2025, North Riverdale homes averaged $1.89M, while South Riverdale averaged $1.52M. Detached homes in North Riverdale can exceed $5M.
Trinity Bellwoods Park
Trinity Bellwoods Park sits at the heart of West Queen West. The park’s rolling terrain follows the former path of Garrison Creek, which shapes its slopes and the low-lying “Dog Bowl.”
The Dog Bowl is the park’s most popular winter sledding spot. It’s short, steep in sections, and naturally bowl-shaped, making it fun for quick runs rather than long descents. Tobogganing is not officially designated here, but it is permitted under the City of Toronto’s “use at your own risk” policy, with warning signage instead of bans.
Due to its central location, Trinity Bellwoods fills up quickly on weekends. Early mornings after a fresh snowfall offer the safest and most enjoyable conditions.
Neighborhood Highlight
Once an industrial corridor, West Queen West is now a high-demand residential and retail district, shaped by early factory conversions that launched Toronto’s hard-loft movement.
The average home price in the Trinity Bellwoods area is approximately $1.21M, with semi-detached homes averaging around $1.53M. Despite a condo buyer’s market citywide, this area remained resilient with steady sales.
Hamilton & Burlington
Chedoke Golf Course (Hamilton)
After years of banning sledding entirely due to liability concerns, the City of Hamilton now designates and maintains select high-safety hills across the city, with Chedoke acting as the primary winter hub for West Hamilton.
Select areas of the Martin and Beddoe courses are approved for sledding, offering a range of slopes for different comfort levels. The most prominent hill near the clubhouse delivers a fast, steep ride, while gentler runs farther down the fairways.
Neighbourhood Highlight
Located at the base of the Niagara Escarpment, this area includes highly sought-after communities such as Kirkendall, Westcliffe, and Mountview. Kirkendall features Victorian and Edwardian brick homes, and proximity to Locke Street South. Detached homes remained in demand in Q3 2025, and neighbourhoods such as Westcliffe and Mountview offer larger lots and mid-century homes. This area remains attractive for buyers seeking space and proximity to nature.
Lowville Park (Burlington)
Located in the Bronte Creek valley, the park’s designated sledding hill at the southwest end is widely recognized as tall and fast. The wide meadow at the bottom provides run-out space, though the City of Burlington actively manages risk with seasonal hay bales and clear safety guidelines.
Because of its speed and elevation, Lowville is not ideal for toddlers or beginner sledders. Helmets are strongly recommended, and sledding is limited to daylight hours and snow-covered conditions only.
Neighbourhood Highlight
Lowville Park holds one of Rural Burlington’s most desirable estate-style communities. Detached homes averaged over $1.6M in late 2025, reflecting strong demand for privacy, land, and escarpment-protected views.
Ottawa
Carlington Park
Carlington Park is one of Ottawa’s most established and officially sanctioned tobogganing destinations. The hill was originally developed in the early 1960s as a small urban ski facility and remains one of the tallest man-made hills in the city, with an approximate 100-foot vertical drop.
The hill offers wide, open runs with clear sightlines and ample run-off, making it best suited for older children, teens, and adults seeking a faster ride. Night lighting and nearby parking at the J.A. Dulude Arena add to its accessibility.
Neighbourhood Highlight
Surrounding the park, the Carlington neighbourhood is an increasingly popular west-central area, valued for its affordability and proximity to the Experimental Farm and Civic Hospital. With the average home price at $658,943 in December 2025, Ottawa’s housing market is positioned for a slow, steady pace as it moves into 2026.
Sault Ste. Marie
Finn Hill (Sault Ste. Marie)
Finn Hill, located in northern Sault Ste. Marie is the city’s top destination for non-mechanized winter sledding. Its wide, gently sloping hill allows for safe sledding even with many users at once. High-intensity lights make night sledding popular with families and students.
The hill is designed to naturally slow sleds, with a large run-out area that safely absorbs speed. Operations are only allowed when the snow base reaches at least 12 inches of packed snow, ensuring a stable and secure surface for all users.
Neighbourhood Highlight
Next to Finn Hill, the P-Patch neighbourhood is one of Sault Ste. Marie’s most desirable residential areas. Its quiet, low-traffic streets create a safe environment for families, with close access to Sault College, local schools, and the public library.
Real estate remains strong, above the city average of $310,811. This premium reflects P-Patch’s lifestyle and access to Finn Hill, making it ideal for buyers seeking affordable northern living with active recreation.
Why Living Near Tobagganing Hills Matters
Proximity to tobogganing hills enhances lifestyle and community. Families gain safe, accessible recreation, while homes near managed hills often benefit from higher appeal and property value. For buyers seeking year-round outdoor opportunities, choosing a home near the best parks for tobogganing in Ontario offers more than winter fun.
Discover homes near the best parks for tobogganing in Ontario with Zoocasa. Start your search today.
