Looking for some fun activities to do during the winter in Hamilton? We’ve created a list which features a wide variety of activities you can do outside of studying. Check out our recommendations listed below:
Ice Skating at Pier 8
Grab a pair of skates and head down to Pier 8 for free ice skating! Skating is free daily from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. You can rent skates and helmets all day on weekends and between 5-10 p.m. during the week days. Skate rentals are $9/pair with safety equipment included and $4 for just the safety equipment.
Winter Waterfall Wonderland
Webster’s Falls transforms into a winter wonderland when the falls have frozen over or when there is snow on the ground. This is a great spot for photography lovers. Although the falls are just one stop on a stunning hiking trail leading up the escarpment, the falls are also easily accessible from the main parking lot where visitors can skip the hike.
Hamilton Art Gallery
The Hamilton Art Gallery is an exceptional place to visit if you are looking for more to do in the heart of the city. The gallery has a Canadian Collection which includes paintings from indigenous artists and local artists. There is a Contemporary Collection as well, offering a wide range of media such as; photography, paintings, drawings, sculptures, instillations and video. Lastly, an International Collection exists with pieces that feature historical American, African, Asian and European Art. Level 2 of the Gallery and the Jean & Ross Fischer Gallery are free of charge for entry. There is a price for special exhibitions: $13.25 per adult for general admission and a discounted price of $8.85 for students.
Tobogganing at Chedoke Golf Course
Chedoke Golf Course becomes a prime location for tobogganing during the winter season. They have designated hills where visitors can toboggan.
Flying Squirrel
Check out the Hamilton’s largest indoor trampoline park at the Flying Squirrel. Equipped with a wide variety of trampolines, a basketball area, slack rope and a little rock climbing wall, this is a fun place to visit for activity lovers. General admission starts at $20/hour and increases depending on how long you’d like to stay.
Bulldogs Game
Join the action by attending a Hamilton Bulldogs Game. Sporting events make for an excellent night out and there are so many activities throughout the game that hype the crowd.
Board Game Cafés
Board game cafes are underrated. They’re a great place for a get together with a group of friends. Gameopolis in Hamilton hosts occasional mixers where you can meet new people. Mancala Monk is another great board game café in the city worth checking out.
Escape Rooms
Escape rooms are a great way to challenge yourself intellectually. Grab a group of friends, choose your location, difficulty and situation. The Crux Escape Room, Alcatraz Escape Rooms and Escape Canada are just a few that you can find in Hamilton.
Bowling at Splitsville
Although Splitsville is a great bowling location, the establishment offers way more than just that! All locations are equipped with arcades, billiards & dartslive as well as a bar with big screen TV’s. There are a lot of ways to entertain yourself if bowling is not your thing. If it is, however, Splitsville offers discounts with reduced pricing during evenings and weekends.
Rock Climbing
If you’re looking for more ways to stay active this winter, rock climbing is highly recommended. And Gravity Climbing Gym right here in Hamilton is a great spot to check out. All levels of climbers are welcome!
Go Karting
Feel the speed and enjoy a competitive race at Hamilton Indoor Go Karts. Although it’s indoors, be sure to bring gloves as your hands will chill quite quickly with the cool temperature and speed.
By Olivia Santucci
Student Digital Content Writer