Though we may be feeling winter's chill, it's easy to stay busy in the Niagara region with a variety of seasonal outdoor activities. Read ahead for our list of six outdoor activities the whole family will enjoy this winter.
Outdoor Skating in the Niagara Region
The Niagara Region has an abundance of outdoor skating rinks, open between December and March. Pack up the kids and skates in the car and head over to one of the below locations for public skating:
- Hilary Bald Outdoor Rink in Beamsville, Ontario
- The Frieze Box in Grimsby, Ontario
- The Rink in the Gardens at The Pillar and Post in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
- Chippawa Park in Welland, Ontario
Looking to relax off the ice while the kids skate to their hearts’ content? Head over to Wayne Gretzky Estates in Niagara-on-the-Lake to sit back with a cocktail on their heated Whisky Bar patio; admission is $10 +HST per person.
Take a winter stroll at Heartland Forest
Getting your daily steps in is the perfect activity to cure the seasonal blues. Consider taking the kids on a winter wonderland walk at Heartland Forest in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Situated on over 200 acres, Heartland Forest features 4 km of trails that take you through grasslands, wetlands, and the largest stand of Carolinian Forest in the Niagara Peninsula.
The wide paths at Heartland Forest allow parents to push a stroller through the woods without difficulty. People who use mobility devices can also park close to the entrance of the forest and lose themselves in nature without worrying about encountering roots, rocks, curbs, and steps.
Want to find more fun nature spots for winter hikes with the kids? Discover Niagara's top walking trails in the Winter Activity Guide.
Snowshoeing in the Niagara Region
Winter hikes don’t need to stop just because there’s a lot of snow on the ground. Snowshoeing is a relatively easy activity that just about anyone, including kids, can learn.
You can snowshoe just about anywhere there’s snow, but here are our top picks for snowshoeing spots in Niagara:
- Ball’s Falls Conservation Area in Jordan, Ontario
- Beamer Memorial Conservation Area in Grimsby, Ontario
- Chippawa Creek Conservation Area in Wainfleet, Ontario
Pick up snowshoes for you and the littles at Altitude Sports. When shopping online, CAA Members EARN 4% back in CAA Dollars.
Ice fishing in the Niagara Region
Ever taken the kids fishing? How about ice fishing?
As the smallest of the Great Lakes, Lake Erie often freezes over in the winter, making it the ideal destination for ice fishing. It is also recognized as one of the best spots for perch in Ontario. Other fish you may find in this lake include walleye, bass, trout, and salmon.
Before heading out to Port Colborne, check out these safety tips for ice fishing with kids. You can order all the necessary safety gear and ice fishing accessories online at SAIL. CAA Members EARN up to 5% back in CAA Dollars when shopping through the CAA eStore.
Tobogganing in the Niagara Region
For many families, a big snowfall means taking the kids to their local “big hill” for a fun-filled day of sledding. Here are our picks for some of the best hills to take the family tobogganing in Niagara this season:
- Marlene Stewart Streit Park in Fonthill, Ontario
- Southward Community Park in Grimsby, Ontario
- Welland Canal Lock 7 hill in Thorold, Ontario
Before you go, order new sleds and gear online from Walmart and EARN 2% back in CAA Dollars.
101 Nights of Twinkling Lights
This year’s Winter Festival of Lights in Niagara Falls, Ontario has been extended until February 21st! With over three million lights on display along the Niagara Parkway, Dufferin Islands, and across Niagara Falls, there are endless photo opportunities for you and your family. Enjoy unique sights including giant moose, Inukshuks, polar bears, and more—all for free.
Bundle up the whole family before heading outdoors. Shop the CAA eStore to EARN 8% back in CAA Dollars at Columbia Sportswear Canada and 10% back at Decathlon.
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