Cold wind, slushy streets, and falling snow aren’t everyone’s ‘cup of tea’. We don’t want you to get the winter blues this season, so we have gathered a list of 10 activities to get you out of the house and enjoying yourself this chilly season.
1. Brockville Arts Centre
For those who enjoy the festive season, we have found the perfect way to celebrate the spirit of the holidays. Enjoy the Four Season Dance Academy’s Winter Showcase on December 20th. The talent will leave you feeling full to the brim with awe and amazement, and the beautiful and recently renovated centre itself will whisk you away from the moment you step inside! The winter season promises musical performances by The Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Experience and Abbamania Canada. Plus, the host of Family Feud Canada and star of award-winning sitcom, Gerry Dee! December sees everything from the legendary The Nutcracker performance to live British Christmas comedy to holiday live music hitting the historic stage at one of the region’s premiere theatres. The new year welcomes multi-award winning folk-pop singer, songwriter and actress, Jann Arden to the Brockville Arts Centre. See you there!
2. Get on the Ice
What is more festive than the effortlessly gliding over ice (or the much less elegant falling on your butt)? You can grab your skates and show off your skating talent at Brockville’s very own Rotary Park Rink. Enjoy some fancy figure skating, a full-on hockey game or sit on the sidelines and watch the skaters dance (or fall) all over the ice. The best part of it all is that it’s free!
The Brockville Memorial Centre and Centennial Youth Arena is home to figure skaters and hockey players during the winter – come out to watch aspiring local players in action! The Memorial Centre also hosts public skating for both families and adults throughout the winter. See the full schedule here. The Brockville Braves Junior A hockey team has a rabid community following with the arena a hub of support during home games at the Brockville Memorial Centre. Be there to cheer them on!
3. Aquatarium
Make your way over to Brockville’s very own Aquatarium, the one and only massive aquarium and discovery centre in South Eastern Ontario. There are interactive exhibits and activities for both adults and children! Try out the challenging ropes course, view displays of ships used on the St. Lawrence River, see local fish, and meet some friendly otters!
Community Days in the Aquatarium with the Brockville Farmer’s market. Enjoy free admission to the Aquatarium for three Saturdays in December (Dec 7, 14 & 21) while visiting the market stalls.
4. Local Hiking Trails
Sometimes the most unique experiences are when you do something unexpected. We recommend trying one of these incredible hiking trails in Brockville during the winter months to create some special memories:
With six kilometres of trails to explore, follow the stunning Brockville waterfront through Canada’s oldest railway tunnel and Blockhouse Island, then continue through picturesque parks as you explore what might be the most beautiful winter tundra.
Located slightly north of Brockville, Mac Johnson Wildlife Area offers a plethora of natural views for you to enjoy. This is a one stop nature shop in winter! The “Back Pond” is a popular skating spot here and a wonderful trail network offers lots of opportunity for walking, skiing and snowshoeing and simply enjoying winter! Trails can be accessed from Centennial Road or from Debruge Road, Tin Cap. A really special aspect of winter at Mac Johnson is their Trumpeter Swans, who are frequent visitors and favourite guests. Look here for a map of the trails.
5. Triangle Cross Country Ski Club
Strap on your skis and grab some snacks when you set out for a cross-country skiing adventure at the Triangle Cross Country Ski Club. With trails surrounded by forest created for all levels of skiers, you can rest assured that you will have a blast! Don’t own the right equipment? Not to worry – rentals and lessons are also available through local experts!
If cross-country skiing is not your thing, check out some other options such as ‘fat biking’ (a special type of bike that allows you to ride on snow), or snowshoe through the stunning trail surrounded by the awe-inspiring views of local lakes and creeks.
6. Historic Downtown Brockville
Find all these attractions and more by taking a walk down Brockville’s Historic Downtown. Drink in the unique history of the City of the 1000 Islands and revel in the rustic atmosphere created by the beautiful architecture of downtown. Make your day complete by visiting one of the numerous local shops, restaurants, and the 1000 Islands Brewery all within walking distance of each other.
7. The Brockville Museum
Discover the social and industrial history of Ontario’s first incorporated town! The Brockville Museum provides themed and interpretive displays which tell the stories of the people and places which have shaped the community for more than 200 years. Take your tour a step further and participate in a Talk & Tea event, which delved deeper into local history. If you’re curious from home, dive into their digital exhibits profiling House Histories, Brockville Pets, historical snapshot of Shopping in Brockville, the Cholera epidemic in 1832, and much more.
8. Sunnidell Virtual Golf
Courses closed for the season? No problem! Book a tee time for a unique virtual golf experience and stay swinging all winter! Bring your golf clubs and pick one of the 42 world renowned courses to challenge players of every skill level. Or, choose to sharpen those skills with the driving range option. A game of 18-holes takes about an hour to play – and it will leave you vowing to return.
9. Skedaddle Escape Rooms
Rum Runners’ Reserve, Alpha Lima Foxtrot and a bomb at a local shoe store? These intriguing themes could only mean one thing: escape rooms! At Skedaddle Escape Rooms visitors solve clues and puzzles in the allotted time in a real-life, live game. Great for groups or team building! Gather up your friends and play detective to see you have what it takes to escape!
10. City of Brockville Recreation
From the Brock Trail to outdoor skating and from two arenas to a fun tobogganing hill, the City of Brockville Recreation has something active for everyone this winter! Year-round recreational activities abound in Brockville; take in a hockey game or have fun playing a round of disc golf! Winter is what you make it – instead of moaning about the weather, play in it.
