Winter’s Coolest Hot Spots: Ice Fishing along the St. Lawrence and Beyond

Laurie Weir

Ice fishing is one of winter’s great Canadian traditions, and South Eastern Ontario is packed with places to drop a line. The St. Lawrence River anchors the region from Quinte to Cornwall, with sheltered bays, frozen channels and neighbouring inland lakes offering everything from perch and pike to trophy walleye.

If you’re planning a family outing or it’s your first time on the ice, these destinations deliver a mix of scenery, accessibility and cold-weather comfort. Here are some of the region’s coolest hot spots this winter, plus local cafés and restaurants where you can warm up when the day is done.

Be safe - watch the ice conditions regularly. 

The St. Lawrence River – the Region’s Winter Fishing Highway

The St. Lawrence runs through the entire region, offering dozens of safe winter fishing pockets once the ice sets in. Hot spots include Belleville and Quinte’s bays, Gananoque’s shoreline, and the wide, steady waters around Cornwall.

Learn more about the river’s eastern gateway through St. Lawrence Parks, or explore the western end near Quinte in South Eastern Ontario.

Ice Check: The Raisin Region Conservation Authority provides winter safety advisories for Cornwall, Long Sault, Ingleside and nearby St. Lawrence communities.

Bay of Quinte – Trophy Walleye Territory

If you’re at this end of the waterfront, the Bay of Quinte is legendary for winter walleye. Anglers travel here for deep water, long freeze periods and the chance to lock onto a monster catch. Popular access points include Belleville, Big Bay, Trenton and Deseronto.

Here are some fishing charter options for your Bay of Quinte trip.

If you’re looking for a place to stay where fishing access is easy, check out Merland Park in Picton. This is a long-time favourite for anglers, with easy access to Picton Bay and the Bay of Quinte’s legendary walleye. The resort has simple, comfortable cottages, a private launch and boat rentals, making it an easy base for winter and shoulder-season fishing trips.

Where to warm up:

Ice Check: Cataraqui Conservation shares winter safety updates for the Kingston–Quinte corridor, including areas west of Gananoque.

Hay Bay & Napanee – Quiet Bays for Perch and Pike

Anglers often head to Hay Bay as it is a sheltered area ideal for beginners and families. Expect steady perch and the occasional pike, along with wide, easy access from nearby Napanee.

Where to warm up:

Ice Check: Cataraqui Conservation also covers the Napanee and Loyalist area with seasonal safety notices for inland lakes and bays.

SD&G Counties - where the sunsets burn into evening bliss

Winter fishing around SDG is a bit of a hidden gem, with plenty of spots to set up on the ice. The St. Lawrence is famous for trophy pike and walleye, and anglers reel them in right through the cold months.

Hoople Creek is a well-known local spot for ice fishing on the St. Lawrence once conditions are safe. Anglers set up huts along the frozen creek to target perch, pike and walleye through the winter. 

If you’re looking for ice hut rentals and live bait options, Relic Outfitters has got options. René tells us they have day-use huts and sleeper units available. Ice fishing is their busiest time of the year. Check out the link above for contact information. 

Where to warm up:

Ice Check: The Raisin Region Conservation Authority provides winter safety advisories across Cornwall, South Stormont, South Glengarry and the Raisin River watershed.

Cornwall – Steady Action All Winter

Ice fishing in Cornwall: One great place to start is Lamoureux Park, Cornwall's downtown waterfront park. The park offers several good spots to cast out, and some kid-friendly ones to boot, including the point and the bay just east of the public boat launch at the west end.

Where to warm up:

Ice Check: The Raisin Region Conservation Authority posts seasonal water and ice-safety updates for Cornwall and the surrounding St. Lawrence shoreline.

Gananoque & the 1000 Islands – Inland Lakes with Big Potential

When the freeze sets in, the smaller inland lakes north of Gananoque offer serene winter scenery and the chance at trout, pike and perch. How about an incredible ice-fishing helicopter expedition?

Where to warm up:

South Frontenac – Quiet Lakes and Trout Water

These smaller lakes north of Kingston offer peaceful fishing and good trout potential. Look for ice conditions on Dog Lake, Loughborough Lake, and Sydenham Lake.

Where to warm up:

Ice Check: Cataraqui Conservation Authority offers winter safety information for Gananoque, the 1000 Islands region and nearby inland lakes.

Rideau Lakes – Classic Cottage-Country Ice

The Rideau corridor offers beautiful winter views and quiet fishing spots. Upper Rideau Lake near Westport, Newboro Lake and Lower Beverley Lake all offer safe pockets when conditions allow. The Rideau Canal also has some high-quality spots at the lock stations along the way.

Where to warm up:

Ice Check: Cataraqui Conservation Authority provides winter advisories for lakes and waterways throughout South Frontenac.

Safety First

How to check ice thickness

If you’re heading out and can’t find an updated local report, you can check ice thickness yourself. Lower an extended tape measure into a drilled hole to get an accurate reading.

General safety guidelines:

Conditions can change fast, especially on rivers, so always test as you go and avoid areas with flowing water, pressure cracks or slush.

South Eastern Ontario is full of places to explore once the lakes freeze. From friendly towns to wide-open river bays, the region offers plenty of room to settle in and enjoy a day on the ice.

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