Hamilton 
Family Day Weekend in Hamilton 2021: A go-to list of family activities and events taking place during the family weekend in Hamilton.
For all other events, see This Weekend in Hamilton.
Family Fishing Weekend – No license required. Residents and visitors are invited to give fishing a try on water bodies with open fishing seasons (not in national parks). Keep in mind that fishing regulations still apply. – February 13 – 15, 2021 – Details
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Hamilton Winterfest
Winterfest is a celebration of Hamilton and the beauty of the season. Catch a live stream concert, take part in the annual Frost Bites festival, listen in for author readings with Hamilton Public Library or visit the Winterfest 360 hub virtual tour with pop-up art installations and projection art. With tons of online programming to offer, Winterfest is bringing the festival home to you. Details
January 29 – February 15, 2021
Winterfest Frost Bites
Frost Bites is Hamilton’s only site-specific, winter theatre festival. The event features a diverse array of hot Canadian artists presenting performance “bites” in unconventional spaces, promising to heat up Hamilton during the coldest month of the year. Details
February 11 – 14, 2021
Online
Frequent Frost Pass $45 + HST
National Chowder Chowdown Festival
Celebrate all things sustainable seafood. Ocean Wise Seafood partners from across the country will be selling sustainable seafood chowders, inspired by some of the best culinary minds out there! Details
February 1 – 18, 2021
Various Restaurants
Varies
Winterlit
Enjoy two illuminated trails! Stroll the Illuminated Sugar Bush Trail and then make your way over to the Winterlit Trail for an experience with a little extra sparkle. Details
Until February 15, 2021
Mountsberg Conservation Area, 2259 Milburough Line, Campbellville
$11 – $15
25 Outdoor Winter Activities in Hamilton
The Quest
The Quest features a variety of online challenges focusing on mind, body, spirit and care. From a yoga practise and 5k walk, to a trivia night and brain health cooking lesson, participants will be engaged throughout The Quest. Once you complete a challenge, you will receive a virtual badge and move on to the next level. Participants can sign up individually or make an even bigger impact by joining or creating a virtual team with family and friends. Details
February 1 – 27, 2021
Online
Fundraiser
SoupFest 2021
Soupfest is the major annual fundraiser for Living Rock Youth Centre, a local non-profit in Hamilton. Details
January 29, 2021- February 15, 2021
Various Restaurants, Hamilton
Varies
Winter Fun During COVID-19
Snowshoeing, ice-climbing, winter golf, sledding, are some of the activities you can enjoy in Hamilton. Check out our list of safe outdoor activities that you can do.
Ski Round the Lake
Enjoy a challenging ski around the Christie Lake at the Round the Lake trail. The trail passes across the dam. Trail Map (PDF) The multi-use trails at Christie Lake Conservation Area are also used to enjoy snowshoeing and winter walking.
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Feed Chickadees at Hilton Falls
Hiking Hilton Falls is a great way to explore this beautiful region. The rivers, waterfalls, and the reservoir will be frozen in winter. Bring bird seeds with you to feed friendly Chickadees.
Enjoy Tobogganing
Tobogganing is hands down the favorite winter activity for many, especially the young ones. So why not grab your favourite sled and get ready to slide.
Winter Walking
Dress warm, grab a hot cup of coffee/cocoa, and head out to enjoy a walk.
Make the Most of Winter
With lots of snow outside you don’t have to go far to enjoy a fun time. Make a maple candy, build a snow fort, enjoy a scavenger hunt, have a snowball fight, and more – all activities that can be enjoyed even in your backyard.
Play Disc Golf
Disc golf is a fun outdoor activity that can be enjoyed even in winter. Christie Lake has an 18 hole championship disc golf course that is free to use with entry.
Hit the trails at RBG
Explore kilometers of trails at RBG. Enjoy stunning views, winter birds and wildlife can be seen along the trails. Amazing views of the escarpment landscape can be enjoyed from George North, Bulls Point, and Pine Point Lookouts on the north shore of Cootes Paradise, and the Sassafras Point and Princess Point lookouts on the south shore.
Enjoy a Picnic
A picnic in winter may sound unusual, but believe me, this is a really fun way to enjoy winter. So dress warm, pack hot food and drink, and head to your favourite picnic spot.
Tee Off
Not many people think of golf in winter. Practice or perfect your skills at Chedoke – Martin Course.
Lookout at Buffalo Crag
For some of the best views of the escarpment try the Buffalo Crag Lookout Point. Trail Map (PDF)
Go on a Ride
Fat biking is a wonderful way to keep warm in winter. Try the trails at the Dundas Valley Conservation Area.
You might like: Top Bicycle Tours to Explore Ontario
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Go on an Expedition
Explore the Niagara Escarpment along the Escarpment Expedition trail. This 22.4 km ride will take you past stunning waterfalls (frozen), woodlands, and reward you with picturesque views.
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Appreciate Public Art
There are many art installations, murals, and graffiti located throughout the city.
View Frozen Waterfalls
Hamilton is well-known for its waterfalls. Picturesque views of frozen waterfalls can be enjoyed in winter. Devil’s Punchbowl, Tews Falls, Tiffany Falls are the more popular ones.
You might like: 25 Waterfalls to Visit Near Toronto
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Go Snowshoeing
Strap on a pair of snowshoes and explore the many trails within the city. Not only is this a great exercise, but also a great way to stop and appreciate the season. The fields at King’s Forest and Chedoke Golf Course can be used for snowshoeing.
Reserve your spot to enjoy a snowshoeing experience at Kelso from January 9 – 22.
Go Skiing
There are many groomed trails to enjoy in Hamilton including:
- King’s Forest Golf Course
- Chedoke Golf Course
- Other Multi-use trails in Hamilton
- Ski trails at Conservation Halton
Experience Nature Walks
Experience and get to know nature! There are plenty of opportunities for you to explore and enjoy nature in Hamilton.
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Take Winter Pictures
Pack your camera and test out your photography skills.
Hunt for Geocaches
Explore the many geocaches located throughout the city. If you though geocaching is challenging, try geocaching in winter! This family-friendly activity uses a mobile app or a GPS device. Check out the trails where you can enjoy Geocaching Trails.
Visit Confederation Beach Park
Confederation Beach Park is a beautiful place to visit all year long, especially during the winter season when it turns into a winter wonderland.
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Bird Watching
Hike through the city parks looking for winter birds. The Bayfront trail and the Dofasco Trails are two bird hotspots in Hamilton. Use this guide to check out the birds in the Hamilton Area.
Winter Fun at Valens Lake
Ice-fishing, winter hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing are few activities to enjoy at Valens Lake Conservation Area. Valens Lake has a number of campsites that are available for winter camping ( camping closed during lockdown).
Go Ice Skating
- Hamilton Waterfront Outdoor Rink
- The pond at Fifty Point
You might like: 25 Coolest Outdoor Ice Skating Trails in Ontario
Walk the Red Hill Valley Trail
The Red Hill Valley Trail is a 10 km trail that runs along the Red Hill Creek with picturesque views of the escarpment. The trail connects the Waterfront trail in Confederation Park to the Bruce Trail.
Start from the parking lot at Pritchart and old Mud Street (Red Hill Trail south Parking lot) or the parking lot at Albion Falls on Mountain Brow Boulevard.
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Walk with an Alpaca
Triple C Farm is offering Alpaca Walks. Book your visit.
Zoom on a Snowmobile
There are plenty of great trails near Ontario to spend the day snowmobiling.
Go Ice Fishing
Ice fishing is a popular activity in many Ontario Provincial Parks. Why not head to the nearest park? Ice fishing is also available at Fifty Point at the marina and at Valens Lake.
You might like: 25 Ontario Provincial Parks to Visit During Winter in Ontario
Trek the Waterfront Trail
The Waterfront trail stretches along Hamilton Harbour and connects many communities, provincial parks, national parks, lakes and more. Interactive map
For a shorter route start from Princess Point at Cootes Paradise (RBG) along the Desjardins Recreational Trail to the Waterfront Trail lookout point and then continue along the shoreline to Bayfront Park.
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Hypothermic Half Marathon
February 1 – 28, 2021
Wherever you are
$35 – $50
25 of the Best Hiking Trails in Hamilton
Frosty Fun Take-Home Kits
Take Home Kits include crafts and activities that children can take and do at home. Each week will feature a new kit to take home and enjoy! Details
At Home
Free
Virtual Canadian Birkie
Join Canadian Birkie virtually. You can classic ski, skate ski, roller-ski, skijor, cycle, run, ice skate, snowshoe, or walk in a 4, 8, 13, 31 or 55 kilometre event. Details
February 12 – 21, 2021
Wherever you are
$15 to $20
25 Must Visit Nature Attractions and Parks in Hamilton
TIFF Next Wave Film Festival
TIFF Next Wave Film Festival is *literally* in your house February 12–15. Thanks to the internet, you can get down at Battle of the Scores and the Opening Night Party, join a chat with Finn Wolfhard, binge on a Movie Marathon guaranteed to be A Trip, catch virtual screenings of brand new films (free for anyone under 25), and connect with film pros for tips and inspiration in the Young Creators Co-Lab. Details
February 12 – 15, 2021
Free – $9.03
Black History Month Movies
Discover our #BlackHistoryMonth collection on the Cineplex Store. This collection was curated to elevate Black history, artists and filmmakers. Details
February 1 – 28, 2021
Online
$3.99 & up
Winterlude
From February 5 to 21, 2021, celebrate the joys of winter Winterlude style. Details
February 5 – 21, 2021
Online
Free
Wavelength Winter Festival
Wavelength Winter Festival 2021 will take the form of four weekly digital shows held on Saturday nights – all FREE and ALL AGES. Details
Saturday, February 13, 2021 | 8:00 PM
Online
Free
JFF Plus: Online Film Festival
Discover Japanese films, from the safety + comfort of home. Details
February 5 – 14, 2021
Online
Free; Register
Family Day Virtual Visits
Virtual Visits are one hour Zoom sessions featuring live instruction by a Museum Educator who will guide a series of creative, fun, hands-on activities that relate to a theme. Programs are designed for children aged 8-12, parental supervision is recommended. Siblings and family members are welcome to join in. Details
Monday, February 15, 2021 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Online
$15
Grab and Go Bags
If you’re looking to change up your reading, watching and listening routine, try the HPL Grab and Go service. Let HPL Staff pick items for you, based on the information you provide below on the form. It’s a great way to find a new favourite author, musician, film title and more. Details
Pick up at Hamilton Public Library Branches
Library card required
Other Events
- Hamilton Virtual Seedy Saturday – Enjoy free educational workshops, a massive free seed swap mail out and a one-stop shop local gardening website. Saturday, February 13, 2021
- Because Beer Craft Beer Festival -February 12, 2021 | 7:00-9:00 PM
- 25 Waterfalls to Visit Near Toronto
- Watch Amazing Theatre Performances From Across the World
- Quarantine Concerts to Watch Online This Weekend
Family Day with BPAC
With Family Day coming up, the Burlington Performing Arts Centre has you covered with three fun activities for the whole family! From colouring to photography, Burlington artists can win great prizes. Then cap off the day with Storytime with the Stars! Details
Storytime | Monday, February 15, 2021 | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Online
Free
Kids Corner Live at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario
Virtually explore Ontario’s Legislative Building. Learn how provincial parliament works, see where laws are passed for the province of Ontario, and participate in a debate, games, and much more. Details
Saturday, February 13, 2021 | 10 AM – 11 AM & 1 PM – 2 PM
Free
More Fun Things to Do
