Welcome to Winter in Oakville

Winter in Oakville is a magical season to take advantage of all the great family-friendly activities the town has to offer. From outdoor adventures and winter sports, to warming up indoors and local exhibits and attractions, Oakville welcomes all to enjoy the season! Keep reading for a closer look at some of the best winter activities to enjoy.

Explore the Winter Trails

Oakville’s 200+km trail system takes on a whole new charm in the winter months. With snow crunching beneath your boots as you take in the serene frozen landscape of Lion’s Valley Park, Sixteen Mile Creek Trail, and others. Plus, the snow-covered trees and frozen creeks make for the perfect winter photo opportunity. See here to explore a full list of Oakville’s trail system.

Enjoy Holiday Lights and Displays

Oakville’s downtown hubs shine bright in the winter, illuminating the streets with thousands of festive lights, transforming Bronte Village, Downtown Oakville, and Kerr Village into winter wonderlands as you shop, dine, and explore the streets. Plus, if you’re visiting before February, be sure to catch a glimpse of the Holiday Lights by the Lake display at Coronation Park! Decked out in thousands of colourful lights, this lakeside park is perfect for an evening family stroll.

Skate the Day Away

Embrace the colder weather with outdoor skating, one of winter’s most beloved activities. Oakville offers several public rinks around town, perfect for a family outing. Some of these include Coronation Park, Bloomfield Park, Trafalgar Park and Windrush Park. You can find a full list of outdoor skating rinks here.

Weather not cooperating? Not to worry, Oakville also has a number of indoor rinks with drop-in skating schedules available for residents and visitors. For a list of rinks and other offerings, see here.

Warm up with Local Cuisine

Nothing beats warming up after a chilly winter outing. Oakville’s culinary scene has plenty to offer, from cozy breakfasts and specialty coffee to elevated comfort food and fine dining from award-winning cafes and restaurants. Wherever you go, you’ll find delicious options to satisfy your winter cravings. See a full list of restaurants to start planning your winter escape.

Plus, if you’re visiting in February and March, you’re in luck! Visit Oakville’s Taste of Oakville will be returning February 17 – March 10. With restaurants from across town offering prix fixe menus and live music at select restaurants on Tuesdays. It’s the perfect culinary event for all the foodies in your life! Stay up to date on participating restaurants and their menus on the Taste of Oakville website.

Winter Adventures at Bronte Creek Provincial Park

A great place to enjoy the outdoors all year round, Bronte Creek Provincial Park shines in the winter with sports, wildlife, and other outdoor activities, making it a must-visit destination in the colder months. Some of our favourites include:

Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing:

Boasting nearly 10 km of cross-country ski trails that wind through the beautiful, snow-covered landscape. Bring your gear and take in the surroundings on a fun ski or snowshoe adventure.

Tobogganing Fun:

Families and thrill-seekers can head to the park’s popular toboggan hill to catch some winter fun sliding down. Plus, the view from the top offers a unique panorama of the surrounding nature.

Hiking:

With many shorter trails including Maiden’s Bush Trail, Trillium Trail, and others, Bronte Creek is perfect for a family winter hike on a brisk day. You may even spot some of the park’s wildlife while passing through!

Discover Oakville’s Indoor Attractions 

Between outdoor adventures, it’s nice to warm up with some indoor activities, and Oakville’s culture and arts scene make for the perfect escape. From history and art to captivating theatrical and music performances, there’s no shortage of experiences to enjoy.

Oakville Museum:

Step back in time at this beautifully preserved estate in the heart of Oakville. Wander through their latest exhibits showcasing local history and heritage, and take part in their family-friendly Winter Craft and Tours where children will create special crafts and enjoy a tour. See a full list of programs offered here.

Oakville Galleries:

Art lovers will appreciate the diverse range of contemporary exhibitions and displays at Oakville Galleries. With locations in both Gairloch Gardens and Centennial Square, they offer curated exhibits that offer engaging experiences for visitors of all ages. You can find their latest exhibitions and other programming here.

Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts: 

Offering the perfect way to end a day of winter fun, The Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts is a favourite among locals for catching a live musical performance or play. Hosting an eclectic mix of theatre, dance, and music, there’s something sure to suit every taste. Be sure to catch family favourites such as Freezing: A Holiday Pantomime, James and the Giant Peach Jr. and more! See all of their upcoming performances here.

Accommodations 

After a day of winter fun in Oakville, you’ll want a cozy place to unwind. Oakville offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every traveler’s needs, whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or an extended winter escape with the family. Visit our accommodations page for a full list of hotels and any specials they currently have on offer.

Grab your warmest coat, head outside, and discover the charm of winter in Oakville. 

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