Fun Outdoor Winter Activities to Do in Brantford
Winter is in full swing, but that’s no reason to stay cooped up inside for the next four months. Nope, it’s time to start planning things to do outside with the family this season. Living in Brantford or Brant County means that there are lots of fun and interesting outdoor activities to participate in just outside our doorsteps. Check out a few of our favourite outdoor winter activities in Brantford, so you and your family can experience the best of this wonderful season.
Outdoor Skating Rinks in Brantford & Brant County
Taking your kids to the skating rink is a cherished past time of many Canadians. Good thing our lovely neighbourhood has quite a few rinks to choose from. These rinks are built and maintained by our generous community volunteers.
St. George Ice Rink – located in Sunny Hill Park at 87 Sunnydale Drive. Featuring a multi-use rink with boards.
Paris Ice Rinks – located in Optimist Park at 3 Catherine street & Syl Apps Community Centre – Two Rivers Stadium at 4 Elm Street.
Mt. Pleasant Park Ice Rink – located in Mt. Pleasant Park at 555 Burtch Road. Two rinks are available – one for pleasure skating and a hockey rink complete with boards.
Iroquois Park Rink – located at 35 Iroquois Street.
Brier Park Rink – located at 45 Winding Way.
Harmony Square Downtown – located at 89 Dalhousie street for lively outdoor leisure skating.
All outdoor rinks are weather and volunteer permitting. For a more detailed list of local outdoor ice rinks, CLICK HERE, or phone the Parks & Recreation hotline: (519)756-1500
Be Dazzled by the Brantford Lights at Glenhyrst (Dec 01, 2017 – Jan 01, 2018)
From December 01, 2017 to January 01, 2018 – take the family to enjoy the thousands of bright and colourful lights on display throughout the large 16-acre park by the Glynhyrst Art Gallery. The park is home to some spectacular light displays and will put anyone in the holiday mood.
Harmony Square Frosty Fest (Feb 19-20, 2018)
One of our favourites events during the winter season, Frosty Fest runs annually during the Family Day Weekend on February 19th &20th. Harmony Square is home to one of the best winter carnivals in the province. Downtown Brantford is the place to be!
Celebrate New Years Eve in Brantford (Times Square style) (Dec 31, 2017)
The Times Square in Harmony Square celebration is a great way to ring in the new year with live music, ice skating, Beaver tails, fun photo booth and face painting for the kids. The festivities begin at 8:30pm on December 31st. A fireworks display marks the end of the countdown and this year a “The Ball Drop @ Midnight” joins the party.
The Chili Willy Cook Off & Family Skate (Feb 26, 2018)
Just as most of us are beginning to get tired of winter it’s time for the 10th Annual Chili Willy Cook Off hosted in Harmony Square. Give your taste buds something to get excited about as you taste some of the most delicious chili from local businesses and your fellow community members. Join the family skate from 10am to 10pm but don’t miss the chili cookoff from 11am to 2pm on February 26th, 2018.
World Nutella Day (Feb 05, 2018)
Satisfy your sweet tooth February 5th, 2018 at Harmony Square and the Saunderson Centre as Brantford celebrates all that is Nutella. Sounds like a quirky but fun event for the whole family. Events include a free ice skating party, meet and greet with Paw Patrol’s Skye & Chase as well as the members of the Chipmunks. There will also be a free movie and a relay race with the Chipmunks for contest winners. Share in the fun and share your passion (or recipes) for Nutella at this yummiest of festivals this winter.
Head to the Hills for Tobogganing Fun
Nothing spells winter fun like taking the kids tobogganing. It’s an exhilarating rush that provides lots of needed exercise for everyone. There are many areas around town but the best we’ve found are:
Brant West – Farringdon Park, just south off the multi purpose court area – located at 51 Belholme Cres.
In the Paris Area – Bemrose Park on the north side of the hill – located at 86 Whitlaw Way.
St. George Area – King William east pathway in the park located at 52 King William Street.
Ross McDonald School – offers a nice hill with a convenient location – 350 Brant Ave.
Arrowdale Golf Course – provides some of the best tobogganing in the city – located at 282 Stanley Street.
Northridge Golf Course – convenient parking off of Balmoral Drive and a nice hill for the kids – located at 320 Balmoral Drive.
Hit the Trails for Nordic Activities
Synonymous with winter, cross country skiing, Nordic poling and snowshoeing are great activities for all ages in Brant County. With our abundance of natural trails, there is lots of space to get out and get moving this winter.
Lions Way in Burford offers a nice trail from Maple Ave to the Lions Park.
Paris to Cambridge Trail also offers excellent terrain for winter sports.
TH & B Trail from Shellard Lane to Jenkins Road.
SC Johnson Trail ranging from Paris to Brantford is always a highlight.
LE & N Trail from Burtch Road North to Brantford.
Click Here for additional trails in our area!
For the nearest downhill skiing or snowboarding head to the Chicopee Ski Resort in Kitchener. It’s the closest location to catch the thrill of downhill this winter.
Snowmobiling in Brant County
One of the fastest winter activities in the area is snowmobiling. Brant County (Burford and further north/west) features some of the provinces best trails to ride this season. Fun for adults and great for supervised kids, taking your snowmobile for a rip is an amazing way to spend a fun filled day in nature. For more information about trails, trail conditions, snowmobile clubs and other general information, CLICK HERE!
With all these activities and more to keep your family active this winter season, it’s just one more reason that we all love to call Brantford and Brant County home!