Winter is a great time to visit Niagara and an even better time if you live here. The Niagara Region is quite magical in the winter. Although it may be cold outside, you can always find something fun to do! There are many activities you can enjoy during the winter in Niagara. Whether you want to go skating, sledding, or shopping, there are plenty of options available for all ages and abilities. If skating isn’t your thing, there are many other things that can be enjoyed indoors in the winter months. You could try curling at one of our local curling clubs or even get cozy with a gourmet meal & warm drink at one of our many pubs & restaurants!
We have put together a list of some of our favourite activities around Niagara that we think everyone should try out.
There’s no better way to rejuvenate than a staycation.
A staycation is a mini vacation you take right in your own city. It’s a great way to treat yourself, and it gives you the chance to explore your own backyard without having to worry about travel costs and schedules. With countless hotels and Bed & Breakfasts around the region, you can enjoy a staycation that includes a hotel room and spa services all in the same place, plus so much more. Take advantage of the fun activities available to tourists all year long in our area: Two amazing casinos, the many concert venues, the fun attractions of Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls and of course, the Falls themselves.
If you are more of the outdoorsy type, why not try horseback riding through the snowy trails of the escarpment or enjoy some hiking through the woods in one of the picturesque trails the region has to offer. If you're looking for something a little more relaxing than amusement parks or museums, then we suggest visiting Niagara-on-the-Lake, a town that's known for its natural beauty and rich history and has many wineries where you can sample wines from around the world as well as delicious food from local restaurants. Indoors or outdoors, there are endless possibilities for an amazing experience.
For three weekends in January the Niagara region is transformed into a wintery wonderland, celebrating one of Canada’s most cherished products, Ontario Icewine. From the Niagara Icewine Gala to wine and culinary pairings featured in the Niagara Icewine Discovery Pass, outdoor activities along the famed Wine Route, Jordan Village’s Winter Winefest and Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Icewine Village, Icewine fans will be able to taste and experience the world’s largest Icewine celebration. Due to covid, the past two years weren’t in person celebrations so this year should be extra special!
The Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse is great place to start if you are looking for a respite from winter and some warm tropical air filled with some much-needed co2. This lovely paradise is open all year round, featuring seasonal displays and several floral shows each year. The many varieties of tropical plants and free flying exotic birds will have you feeling like you’ve just taken a holiday.
Next on your journey, head over to The Butterfly Conservatory to let your senses feast even further. This 11,000 square foot marvel is the largest of its kind in North America and houses 180 meters of meandering pathways, 100’s of tropical plants and even a rain- forest- like waterfall. We almost forgot the mention the butterflies! Experience the feeling of over 2000 vibrantly coloured butterflies flittering happily around and, on every surface, including yourself. This is a day your family will be talking about for years to come.
Nothing says winter in Canada like skating and skating outdoors is even better. There are 7 natural outdoor rinks in Niagara Falls, Four in Welland, two in Niagara on the Lake, four in St. Catharines and two in Lincoln. So, pull out those skates, make a thermos of hot chocolate, bundle up and hit the ice!
Horseback riding is a fun thing to do in every season but, it might be even better in the cold crispy air of the winter. There’s nothing like the sound of hooves crunching the snow beneath or the smell of a wooded trail in the cold months. Enjoy a romantic couple’s ride or take the whole family through the protected forest of the escarpment with Niagara Riding Stables or an exhilarating ride along the shores of Lake Erie with Horse Play Niagara.
Winter doesn’t have to be dull, there are plenty of things to see and do around the Niagara Region, so dress for the weather, get out there and have some fun!
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