THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Outdoor Skating at Pat Bayly Square

420 Harwood Avenue South, Ajax, Ont.
ajax.ca
Nestled in the heart of downtown Ajax, Pat Bayly Square has become a popular spot for outdoor skating. Its ice surface is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at no cost, and is equipped with washrooms, a changeroom and plenty of benches lining its perimeter to lace up and skate to piped-in music. If skating works up an appetite, Maestro’s Gourmet Pizza is next door, and there are plenty of restaurants just across the street.

Skiing at
Dagmar Ski Resort

1220 Lakeridge Road,
Uxbridge, Ont.
skidagmar.com
Durham Region is chock-full of options for skiing and snowboarding, but Torontonians have voted only Dagmar Ski Resort as one of their top winter destinations. With 18 runs through stunning scenery, four chairlifts (including two quads and two triples so you can get to the top fast!), two uphill moving sidewalks, a chalet overlooking the slopes, repair and equipment shops and more, it’s no wonder that this Uxbridge-based ski resort has been named as the go-to spot in the Greater Toronto Area for alpine skiing and snowboarding.

Snowmobiling on
The Ganaraska
Snowmobile Club Trail

10585 Cold Springs Camp
Road, Campbellcroft, Ont.
ontariotrails.on.ca

If you have a snowmobile and are looking for the ultimate off-road winter experience, Ganaraska Snowmobile Club Trail is one of the most excellent, snow-packed groomed trails you’ll find in Southern Ontario. Formed by a group of snowmobile enthusiasts, the Ganaraska Snowmobile Club (GSC) comprises neighbouring clubs that look after more than 200 kilometres of snowmobiling trails from Fenelon Falls to the Northumberland Forest.

Snow Tubing
at Lakeridge Resort

790 Chalk Lake Road,
Uxbridge, Ont.
ski-lakeridge.com/tubing

Lakeridge Resort in Uxbridge offers more than just powder for skiing. Another popular feature is its snow tubing park. Combining downhill speed with the comfort of a pool float, this family-friendly winter activity packs all of the thrills without the bumps of tobogganing or the requirement for fancy gear and lessons. Admission to the park includes two hours of unlimited snow tubing, snow tube rental and lift.

Photo Credit: iStock/Maridav; iStock/1341250456; iStock/Alinakho.

WHERE TO WARM UP

The Canadian Automotive Museum

99 Simcoe Street South, Oshawa, Ont.
canadianautomotivemuseum.com
For those days when it’s just too darn cold to be outside, this former-car-dealershipturned- automobilemuseum in downtown Oshawa provides a fascinating and entertaining exploration of Canadian automobiles from the 1900s to today (plus an array of historic European, British and American cars), an entire floor devoted to the history behind automotive manufacturing in Canada, a unique gift shop and more.

Hot Chocolate at
Open Studio Art Café
Espresso Bar

617 Liverpool Road, Nautical
Village, Pickering, Ont.
openstudioartcafe.com
Nestled in the Nautical Village in Pickering, Open Studio Art Café is the perfect place to cozy up with a hot chocolate in an art gallery setting. Perhaps best known for its life drawing nights (where models pose for artists to draw), this café and espresso bar hosts many artistic workshops (like silkscarf painting), open mic nights for musicians and an abundance of high-quality art to explore while you warm up with exquisite hot chocolate varieties like milk chocolate, Nutella and dulce de leche.

The Robert McLaughlin Gallery

72 Queen Street,
Civic Centre, Oshawa, Ont.
rmg.on.ca

Art lovers will appreciate everything about the Robert McLaughlin Gallery — its storied history honouring some of the country’s most prolific artists, its mission to build community and connection through art, its gorgeous and evocative permanent collection and the incredible program of visiting exhibitions hosted across six gallery spaces. The RMG also operates as a venue available for rent for weddings, receptions, galas and other events. It’s hard to believe admission is free (but an appropriate donation is encouraged).

Indoor Amusement at NEB’s Fun World

790 Chalk Lake Road,
Uxbridge, Ont.
nebsfunworld.com
If you’re seeking thrills but being out in the cold is not your thing, NEB’s Fun World has all the right ingredients for a day of indoor fun. Located in the north end of Oshawa, NEB’s is a popular entertainment centre packed to the hilt with attractions like bowling, arcade games and a massive indoor playground, as well as a go-kart track, Virtual Reality experiences and even roller coasters!
NEB’s Fun World
NEB’s Fun World

Photo Credit: iStock/JackF; Courtesy of NEB’s Fun World

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sparkcentre.org

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With over 15 years of experience in content development, media and PR, Melissa Nowakowski drives Spark Centre’s communications, social media, and public relations strategies.

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