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Markham fosters tons of art, culture, and old town feeling, making the Winters here quaint and scenic. Here are 15 ways to make your winter more exciting through these active, artistic, and unique events dotted around the city.
Fun Things to Do during Winter in Markham
1. Go skating at the Civic Centre
Skating has always been the most popular winter activity for all – so rent some skates and enjoy the colder months with a day out at the 25,000 square foot rink situated in front of the civic centre. Enjoy skating from December to March (weather dependent) at 101 Town Centre Blvd.north-west corner of Highway 7 and Warden. Skate rentals are available.
2. Celebrate Winter at WinterRouge
On Family Day, enjoy WinterRouge’s free, fun activities at the Bob Hunter Memorial Park (7277 14th Avenue, Markham) and make the most of the winter months.
3. Go Winter Walking at Toogood Pond Park
This 33-hectare park is an outdoor hotspot for wildlife and leisurely walks. Located near the historic Main St. Unionville, the beautiful walkways, picnic tables, and park benches are a perfect place to relax after a look around the city.
4. Catch a movie at Markham at the Movies this winter
This season, check out a screening at the Markham at the Movies collaboration with the TIFF – including an adaptation of the Indian Horse based on the novel by Canadian author Richard Wagamese, Hearts Beat Loud, and the Italian film Tulipani, to name a few.
5. Go hiking and explore the outdoors through the Rouge Valley
Credit: Parks Canada
Venture out into the Rouge Valley on the Tanglewood Trail and walk through the stunning wilderness on a 5km – 8km journey.
6. Celebrate the Chinese New Year at Lunarfest
Celebrate the Year of the Pig at Lunarfest with expressions of Asian arts and culture, built on the collaboration between Canadian and International presenters.
7. Go Snowshoeing at Markham Museum
Explore Markham Museum’s 25 acre winter wonderland in a new way this winter – with a set of snowshoes! Learn the basics of snowshoeing from our program instructors, from turning and running, to standing from a seated position. Drop-in from Tuesday to Sunday. Snowshoe rental is included in regular admission.
8. Tobogganing
You need to obey all signs posted by City of Markham and obey city by-laws. We may not be aware of newer laws and restrictions.
Delight the inner child in you with this free winter activity.
- Milliken Mills Parks, 4277 14th Avenue(West side of the park, Kennedy Road and 14th Avenue)
- Paramount Park, East side of Paramount Drive, Between Fincham Avenue south to Church Street,Markham
- Milne Dam Conservation Park (Main Street & Hwy 7 ) – east end
- Mint Leaf Park (Fincham Avenue just East of Larkin )
9. Join for Kidapalooza Family Festival
Celebrate Family Day weekend at this 3-day indoor & outdoor festival with fun for the whole family! The event will feature Kidapalooza‘s signature activity stations, interactive inflatables, mechanical rides, stage shows, meet and greet with characters, a Video Gaming RV, bike course, skateboarding lessons plus so much more!
10. Check out the Winter Exhibitions at the Varley Art Gallery
Head to the Varley Art Gallery to celebrate the opening of the Winter Exhibitions this year, which includes gallery talks and refreshments to compliment the “Weave and Moving through darkness into the clearing” exhibition.
11. Go Skiing at Uplands Ski Centre
Credit: Uplands Golf & Ski Club
With a vertical drop of some 100′ feet and slopes of varying difficulty averaging 1000′ feet in length; Uplands is the perfect environment for beginners of all ages – but especially for children.
12. Feel creative at PechaKucha Night
A collaboration between the Varley Art Gallery and the Markham Public Library, gather at PechaKucha Night to view the creative ideas and works of Markham’s talented folk.
13. Support Canada’s best athletes at the PanAm Centre
The Markham Pan Am Centre plays host to International, National, Provincial, and Regional events in a variety of sports including swimming, water polo, badminton, table tennis, volleyball, rhythmic gymnastics, and many more. Check the calendar of events and visit the centre to support our athletes.
14. Take in a Performance at Flato Markham Theatre
Take in a variety of performances at Flato Markham Theatre — from enchanting Disney classics like Beauty and the Beast performed by the Unionville Theatre Company to Agatha Christie’s classic “whodunit”, The Mousetrap by The Markham Little Theatre, and toe tapping performances by touring artists, you will never be short of entertainment this winter season.
15. Cheer on your #MarkhamHockeyHeroes
Credit: Markham Thunder
Show up in full force at Thornhill Community Centre Arena to cheer the 2018 Clarkson Cup Champions Markham Thunder as they defend the Canadian Women’s Hockey League title!
16. Enjoy the Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival
Later in the Winter season, tap into Spring with wagon rides, fun activities, and a taste of pancakes and maple syrup at several conservation areas around the area just north of Markham.