It’s time for snow and chilly nights in the West GTA. But that doesn’t mean you have to stay in and hibernate. There are many fun winter activities in the West GTA, including Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga and surrounding areas. Whether you love to ski, hike, attend a special event, wander the shops or find your favourite dining experience, you will surely find fun for the whole family this winter.

Hit the Trails

Whether you like to ski downhill, cross country, snow tube, skate, or hike the trails, there are plenty of ski resorts in and around the West GTA. Milton’s Glen Eden is the perfect spot for a family day trip, with a snow school for beginners and hills for more advanced skiers.

For serious skiers, Cedar Springs Ski Club is the perfect option. The club travels to the best ski resorts in Southern Ontario and Western New York with luxury chartered buses.

Skating in The West GTA

Skate Oakville is a club run by volunteer skating parents, offering skating programs for beginners, competitive ice dancing, and figure skating.

Canlan Sports offers skating and hockey programs, camps, and leagues for youth and adults. There are also numerous outdoor skating rinks that are operated by town recreation departments. Be sure to check out the listing of rinks on the town websites.

Winter Hiking

We are lucky to have some of the country’s most stunning walking trails in our backyard. The Bruce Trail offers almost 900 km of track, stretching from Tobermory to Niagara. Part of the Niagara Escarpment, this hiking rail promises stunning views.

Hamilton is home to over 150 waterfalls, many of which are accessible all year round. Hamilton’s Albion Falls is stunning in winter, even if the water isn’t completely frozen.

Get Out in Nature

The West GTA is home to incredible conservation areas and hiking trails. Mount Nemo in Burlington is perfect for hiking or bird watching and has fantastic views once you reach the lookout. Rattlesnake Point offers a unique biozone and a plethora of wildlife. Spencer Gorge Conservation Area has stunning hiking trails with waterfalls and incredible views.

Visit the Shops

Downtown Oakville is filled with charming shops and high-end boutiques to help you find one-of-a-kind treasures. Grab a coffee from one of the local cafes, and spend a wonderful winter afternoon strolling the downtown core.

Downtown Burlington has locally owned businesses, restaurants, and a stunning waterfront. It’s the perfect place to spend a day walking along the pier, browsing the shops, and enjoying the view.

Oakville Place is an excellent spot to escape the cold and spend a day wandering the mall. You can bring the kids to visit Santa until December 24, grab a bite in the food court, and browse over 100 retailers, including The Bay, H&M and Sephora.

If you need more shops than Oakville Place offers, head to Square One in Mississauga, home to over 360 shops and services.

Stop by a Special Event

Winterlit, hosted by the Mountsberg Conservation Area, celebrates the beauty of nature in winter. You can enjoy a moonlit stroll along one of two paths decorated with sustainably sourced art installations that are beautifully lit. After your walk, you can warm up by the bonfire.

Royal Botanical Gardens offers Winter Wonders this year, with beautifully decorated pathways adorned with festive lights, interactive installations and magical displays. You can then head inside and warm up at the Botanical Train Installation and Mediterranean Garden.

The Burlington Beerfest runs from March 8-9 to help you beat the winter blues. Hosted by Holiday Inn Burlington, the festival celebrates beer and food, partnering with local restaurants and craft brewers. 

Find Your New Favourite Restaurant

The West GTA is home to one of the area’s most incredible dining options. In addition to the fun winter activities in the West GTA, there are many amazing restaurants to check out. Whether looking for high-end cuisine or something a little more casual, you will find your new favourite place to eat if you explore this winter.

• Spencer’s at the Waterfront

Perched on the shores of Lake Ontario, Spencer’s is known for exceptional cuisine and beautiful views of the lake. They are committed to locally sourced ingredients, with a menu that offers seafood, steaks, and vegetarian options.

• Rayhoon Persian Eatery

Rayhoon Persian Eatery is a unique culinary gem, boasting an elegant ambiance and a menu of Persian flavours like kebabs, stews and rice pilafs.

• Piazza Bistro

Piazza Bistro is a must when you are craving Italian food. With a warm atmosphere, handcrafted pasta, wood-fired pizza and authentic Italian flavours, Piazza is sure to cure that craving.

• Maro’s Bistro

Maro’s Bistro in Milton offers a fun fusion of flavours from around the world. With fresh ingredients married innovatively, Maro’s is an excellent choice for a Friday night.

Coffee Shop to Explore

If you’re not looking for dinner but just a delicious coffee, tea, or treat, you’ll find some incredible cafes in the West GTA.  

• Kelly’s Bake Shop

People come from far and wide to visit Kelly’s bakeshop, built by a Burlington Mother/daughter duo. Everything in the store is 100% nut, gluten, dairy and egg-free (but still 100% delicious).

• Tribeca Coffee Place

Tribeca in Oakville is like a little New York mixed into a historic downtown. With an incredible ambiance, friendly staff and yummy teats, this little café is perfect for a chilly winter afternoon.

• Black Road Motor Co.

This unique coffee shop combines the owner’s two loves – motorcycles and coffee. With a friendly vibe and sustainable specialty coffee, Black Road is a great place to pop into when you need to slow down and take a breather.

• Mama Mila’s

Mama Mila’s in Milton is a great spot when you crave homemade goodness. They offer the classics and new twists to switch things up.

From Etobicoke to Hamilton, the West GTA offers a plethora of fun events this winter. There’s no reason to stay inside and hibernate! Get out there and explore all our beautiful area has to offer with these fun winter activities in the West GTA.