Top 10 Things to Do During Winter in Guelph
1. GO FOR A HIKE!
It's free and it will get your heart pumping to keep you warm in the frosty air! Hiking is a sport that can be enjoyed alone or with friends, and Guelph has many trials to offer! Take your winter boots or snowshoes and head north to the trails around Guelph Lake, explore the Arboretum at the University of Guelph, or follow the Royal Recreational Trail through Guelph.
2. TOBOGGANING
Fun for adults and kids alike, tobogganing is a favourtie family pastime. Grab your sleds and head to one of Guelph's tobogganing "hot spots": Westwood Public School, or Mo Hill (off Municipal Str).
3. GUELPH STORM GAME
Show your spirit at a Guelph Storm game! Watch our OHL team play at the Sleeman Centre in downtown Guelph. Visit the team's website for a listing of the season's schedule. www.guelphstorm.com
4. HOT CHOCOLATE & APPLE CIDER
When it's cold outside, nothing feels better than a hot beverage to warm you from the inside out! Head downtown to one of the cafés for a winter warm-up. Feeling indulgent? Try the hot chocolate available at B-Chocolate, made with real Belgian chocolate. Feel like dessert too? Smyposium Café on Stone Rd offers a variety of scrumptious sweets sure to satisfy your craving.
5. SKATING
Whether you are just learning this sport, or can perform a triple loop, skating is a fun festive activity for the entire family. Weather permitting, up to 31 outdoor ice rinks are created at local parks within the city, including one downtown infront of city hall. There are also multiple rinks located at local arenas and recreation centres.
6. GET FESTIVE!
A buzz of the festive spirit spreads through Guelph during the holiday season! Discover the many merry events, festivals, and exhibits taking place. Parks sparkle with lights, music fills the air, and horse-drawn sleighs march through the streets.
7. DISCOVER WINTER WILDLIFE
It may be frosty outside, but the wildlife during the winter is still abundant! Visit the Arboretum at the Unviersity of Guelph to discover the birds, animals, trees and shrubs that call this winter wonderland home. Take a self-guided tour, or participate in one of the Arboretum Centre's nature workshops.
8. CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
Also referred to as Nordic skiing, cross country skiing is a great way to embrace the outdoors during winter. This low-impact sport is fairly easy to learn, and can be enjoyed by the entire family. There are many hiking trails around Guelph that double as cross country ski trails. You can also check out the Guelph Nordic Ski Club. Hosted by the Ignatius Jesuit Centre, the club is located on Highway #6 just 1 km north of the Woolwich Str and Woodlawn Rd intersection.
9. ENJOY COMFORT FOOD
Coming indoors to enjoy a hot, comforting meal makes the cold winter days worthwhile. Guelph boasts a wide variety of restaurants sure to please every palette. Visit downtown to experience the tastes of independent restaurants such as the Woolwich Arrow or Latino's Restaurant. Having a home-cooked meal? Bring home a bottle of wine from Cox Creek Cellars to enjoy by the fireplace.
10. DOWNHILL SKIING, SNOWBOARDING & TUBING
A short 30 minute drive from Guelph, Chicopee Ski Club in Kitchener is a fun place to enjoy the snow with friends or family. You can take a lesson to learn how to ski or snowboard, or to improve your skills. The whole family can enjoy snow tubing at Chicopee! Equipment rentals are available.
Information Courtesy of Tourism Services, City of Guelph