Lake Simcoe: Ice fishing experience

If you’re curious about ice fishing but unsure where to start, this guided tour on Lake Simcoe might be just what you’re looking for. While I haven’t personally taken this trip, I’ve researched what makes it special, and it seems to offer a fantastic mix of beginner-friendly instruction, genuine outdoor adventure, and cozy comforts.

What I really appreciate about this experience are two things: first, the heated huts provide a warm refuge from the cold—crucial in Ontario’s winter! Second, the BBQ on the ice turns what could be a chilly day into a memorable feast amid stunning winter scenery.

A potential consideration is the need for a fishing license, which isn’t included but is straightforward to purchase online. This tour is perfect for those who want an authentic, guided winter activity without the hassle of DIY planning. It’s especially suited for travelers looking for a fun, family-friendly outdoor outing or anyone eager to try ice fishing in a safe, well-organized setting.

Key Points

• All-inclusive gear and instruction make it easy for beginners to enjoy ice fishing.
• Heated huts ensure comfort even in -20°C weather.
• Transportation via snowmobile and skidoo adds an extra layer of adventure.
• BBQ on the frozen lake delivers a unique culinary experience.
• Small group setting keeps the experience personal and engaging.
• Easy pickup point at Yorkdale TTC provides convenient access from Toronto.

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An In-Depth Look at the Ice Fishing Adventure

Starting Point: Easy Access from Toronto

The tour begins at the Yorkdale TTC passenger pick-up, a spot that’s both convenient and familiar for Toronto travelers. Because it’s accessible by public transit, you won’t need a car to join. The tour company emphasizes punctuality—drivers are rarely late—and they send helpful instructions with images, ensuring you find your meeting point without stress.

The Journey North

Once everyone’s on board, the first drive is about 30 minutes to a local food market, which adds a nice touch. Here, you’ll pick up supplies for the BBQ and get a chance to immerse in the local vibe. During the ride, curated content plays, setting you up with some fishing tips and interesting facts about Lake Simcoe, making the trip both fun and informative.

Into the Snow: Snowmobile Ride

Next, a quick 15-minute drive takes you onto the ice on a skidoo—a highlight for many. This short but exhilarating ride gets you directly onto the frozen lake, where the real adventure begins. Many reviews mention the thrill of this part, adding a dash of excitement before settling in for the fishing.

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The Heart of the Experience: Guided Ice Fishing

Once on the lake, you’ll be driven in heated huts—either an eight-person or a six-person setup. These huts are well-insulated and heated, so even if it’s -20°C, you can comfortably wear a T-shirt and still stay warm. The environment fosters both social interaction and relaxation.

The guide provides rods, lines, bait, underwater cameras, and hooks, making it straightforward for beginners and satisfying for seasoned anglers. The underwater cameras allow you to see the fish in action, adding an educational element and raising your chances of a catch. Many guests note that the provided equipment is top-notch and easy to handle.

What Will You Catch?

Most visitors come away with Yellow Perch, which are plentiful and fun to catch. Occasionally, you might reel in a herring, smelt, or even a lake trout—though these are less common. The guide keeps catch limits in mind, and if your fish are within guidelines, you can take them home, making this experience not just about the fun but also the reward.

Food and Comfort on the Ice

The pièce de résistance is the BBQ—cooked on a gas-powered stove in the middle of the frozen lake. You’ll enjoy hot drinks, cooked on-site, and a meal where you can truly appreciate the peaceful silence and icy beauty around you. Many reviews highlight how this makes the experience special, transforming a cold day into a memorable feast.

End of the Day: Return to Toronto

After about 6 hours on the ice, the tour wraps up with a 1-hour return trip to Yorkdale. The company emphasizes punctuality and ease of getting back, allowing you to continue your Toronto adventures afterward.

What the Tour Offers in Practical Terms

Transportation & Group Size:
The tour keeps groups small—limited to 14 participants—which ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere. The transportation is comfortable, with a mix of van rides and snowmobile trips, adding variety to the day.

Duration & Flexibility:
Spanning approximately 9.5 hours, the experience is long enough to feel immersive without becoming exhausting. You can reserve your spot with the flexibility of paying later, and you can cancel up to 24 hours beforehand for a full refund.

Cost & Value:
While the exact price isn’t specified here, considering the included gear, instruction, transportation, heated huts, and BBQ, this experience offers strong value. It’s especially appealing for those who want a hassle-free, guided outing with all the essentials covered.

What to Bring:
Warm clothing is a must—think layers, hats, gloves. Don’t forget your fishing license, which you can purchase online—remember, it’s required unless visiting during the Family Day long weekend.

Authenticity and Reviews

Guests consistently mention how friendly and knowledgeable the guides are, making beginners feel comfortable. The heated huts are prized for their comfort, with one reviewer noting they can “strip down to a T-shirt even in -20°C outside.” The BBQ on the ice is often praised as a unique, fun highlight—”a surprise and a delight,” as one reviewer put it.

Some reviews mention how the underwater cameras make the experience more engaging, offering a glimpse of the aquatic world beneath the ice. Others appreciate the relaxed pace and the chance to connect with nature—”the peace and quiet of the lake, combined with the thrill of catching fish, made it a perfect winter escape.”

What Are the Downsides?

The main consideration is weather dependence. While the huts are heated, outdoor winter conditions can be extreme, so suitable clothing and preparation are essential. Also, a fishing license is required, adding a small extra step, though it’s easy to purchase in advance. Children under 2 and wheelchair users are not suitable for this experience, so it’s best suited for active, able-bodied participants.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This ice fishing tour suits adventurous families, couples, or groups of friends who enjoy outdoor activities and want to experience a uniquely Canadian winter tradition. It’s ideal for those who appreciate comfort in the cold—thanks to the heated huts—and want a guided, safe experience that demystifies ice fishing.

If you’re curious about fishing but hesitant to go it alone, or if you simply want a different way to enjoy Ontario’s winter scenery, this tour provides a well-organized, memorable option.

The Sum Up

The Lake Simcoe Ice Fishing Experience offers a practical, authentic way to enjoy one of Canada’s iconic winter activities. With warm huts, expert guidance, and the chance to cook on the ice, it balances adventure with comfort. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced angler, the mix of transportation, instruction, and social atmosphere makes it a solid choice for a full day out in the snow.

Perfect for those who like a bit of novelty wrapped in a safe, organized package, this tour is a wonderful way to embrace Ontario’s cold season while staying comfortable and well-fed. The small-group setting ensures personal attention, and the overall value—considering gear, transportation, and food—makes it a memorable winter outing worth considering.

FAQ

Do I need a fishing license?
Yes, a fishing license is required to fish on Lake Simcoe. You can purchase it online at huntandfishontario.com. During the Family Day long weekend, licenses are not required.

What should I wear?
Bring warm clothing, ideally layered, including hats, gloves, and waterproof outerwear. The huts are heated, so you can wear lighter clothes inside, but outdoor gear is essential to stay comfortable on the ice.

Is the experience suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The guides provide instructions and all the necessary gear, making it easy for newcomers to enjoy fishing.

What is included in the price?
All gear—rods, lines, bait, underwater cameras, hooks—plus transportation, heated huts, and the BBQ. You will need to bring your own fishing license and warm clothes.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 9.5 hours, including transportation, outdoor activities, and the BBQ.

Can I go alone or only with a group?
Both solo travelers and groups are welcome. The tour facilitates a fun, social environment regardless of your company.

Is there a restroom on the ice?
Yes, the tour provides washrooms out on the ice, which is quite convenient in such a remote setting.

What if the weather is very cold?
The huts are heated, so cold weather isn’t a big concern. Many guests mention being comfortable even in very low temperatures.

What are the main fish I can expect to catch?
Most visitors catch Yellow Perch. Less frequently, you might catch herring, smelt, or lake trout.

Is this tour suitable for children or wheelchair users?
Children under 2 years old and wheelchair users are not suitable for this experience, mainly due to outdoor activity requirements.

This guided ice fishing adventure on Lake Simcoe is a well-thought-out, enjoyable way to experience a true Canadian winter tradition, with enough comfort and guidance to make it accessible for many. Whether you’re after a new outdoor skill or just want a unique story to tell back home, it’s worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby