When Lake Ontario and its surrounding communities become frosty and your nose is rosy with chill, you might be tempted to hibernate until birds chirp the arrival of spring. But with a world of history, gardens, and adventure sports at your disposal all year round, staying at home would be a shame. Here’s a list of indoor activities near Hamilton Halton Brant that will have you scraping the ice from your windshield and setting off on a fun winter adventure!

  • 1

    Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

    When it’s too chilly to enjoy the atmosphere outside, this indoor flight-themed museum lets you celebrate vintage aircraft that once dotted the sky. More than 40 aircraft are exhibited at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Mount Hope, including the Avro CF-100. If capturing photos of your favourite planes isn’t enough, climb right into the cockpit of a fighter jet or hone your virtual piloting skills in a flight simulator. If you’re ready to bundle up and experience the real deal, buy a flight in a vintage aircraft; an experienced aviator will take you up in a Fairey Firefly, Westland Lysander, or Avro Lancaster.

  • 2

    Dundurn National Historic Site

    This Hamilton destination is a wonderful place to warm yourself during cold winter months. Reignite your fire for all things history while you tour the 40-room villa, which has been a part of local landscape since the 1830s. Former Premier of the United Canadas, Sir Allan Napier MacNab, used to live in the huge property, and these days the Italianate-style structure is a museum. Your guided tour through Dundurn Castle will reveal stories about the affluent family that once lived within its walls, as well as the people who lived downstairs and served their every beck and call. It’s almost like a tour through Downton Abbey!

  • 3

    Westfield Heritage Village

    When the temperatures outside are too frigid to embark on a trek around the 130 hectares of woodland and meadow in Westfield, you can still have a good time. About 30 historical buildings remain in this community, including Mountsberg Church and a Confederation-era home. The guides donning historically-accurate garb and authentic demonstrations will have you stepping back in time. You’ll get to know early Canadian culture like the back of your hand!

  • 4

    iFly Toronto

    You might not be up for a thrilling skydive during the dead of winter, but that doesn’t mean you can’t catch a good adrenaline rush. Step into an indoor wind tunnel at iFly. With wind speeds of 175 kph, the 45-foot tall cylinder tunnel will make you feel just like you’re experiencing an authentic plane jump. Once you tackle iFly, you’ll be on your way to becoming a seasoned skydiver and extreme sport enthusiast.

  • 5

    Royal Botanical Gardens

    The impressive grounds of the Royal Botanical Gardens span across 1,100 hectares, and serve as the largest of their kind in all of Canada. While snow cover may blanket some of your favourite gardens this winter, the RBG Centre is still open for business with indoor and outdoor displays. Inside, you can stay warm and marvel at the living wall and Mediterranean Garden. Hendrie Park, accessible through an underground tunnel, is also open during the winter months.

Go ahead and plan a day in the heart of Ontario this winter season whether its indoor and outdoor fun you are looking for!

Travel Deals View All >>

Experiences & Tours View All >>

Now thru December 31

Go-Karting

Cameron Speedway & Amusements

2633 Upper James Street, Mount Hope, ON, L0R 1W0

All prices are per driver, no splitting of laps. Taxes Extra. Seasonal and weather permitting....

Now thru December 31

Hamilton Civic Museums Virtual Tours

28 James St N, Hamilton, ON L8R 1A1

Now thru December 31

Private Paint Nights

studio k2

156 Parkdale Ave N, Hamilton, Ontario L8H 5X2

Contact the studio directly to schedule

Now thru December 31

Browndale Farm Tour

Browndale Farm and Market

740 West Dumfries Road, Paris, Ontario

Book on your own time

Now thru January 7

Winter Past Times

Battlefield House Museum & Park – National Historic Site

77 King Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8G 5E5

Dates & Times: Nov 28th, 2023 - Jan 7th, 2024, 12:00pm - 4:00pm Ticket Prices:...

Now thru December 31

Home of #99 Taste Adventure

Tasty Road Trips Food Tours

Paris, Ontario

Tour Details: This tour is a five+ hour all-inclusive self-guided tour with all food, sips,...

December 28

Paint Nite: Crisp Winter Lake

Myra's Bar & Grill (Best Western Brantford Hotel), 19 Holiday Drive, Brantford, ON

Date & Time: Dec 28th, 6:30pm Price: $45.00 + Taxes Supplies Provided

Now thru December 31

Date Night Painting Experience for 2

studio k2

156 Parkdale Ave N, Hamilton, Ontario L8H 5X2

Our experiences are offered in studio at The Cotton Factory in Hamilton, ON

Now thru December 31

Scavenger Hunts

Art Gallery of Hamilton

123 King Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8P 4S8

Email: education@artgalleryofhamilton.com

Now thru December 31

Coffee & Colours Adult Classes

The Williams Mill Creative Arts Studios

515 Main Street, Glen Williams (Halton Hills), ON, L7G 3S9

Reservation is required for Coffee & Colours. Email paulinegladstone@icloud.com to book and confirm a date...

Now thru December 16

Christmas Candlelight Celebration at Bell Homestead

Bell Homestead National Historic Site

94 Tutela Heights Road, Brantford, ON, N3T 1A1

Dates & Times: Dec 2nd, 9th, 16th, 5:00pm - 9:00pm Admission is by Donation

Now thru December 31

Introduction to Outdoor Rock Climbing

One Axe Pursuits

7200 Appleby Line, Milton, ON, L9T 2Y1

$1000 + HST, up to 4 participants Additional participants: $250 + HST per person Duration:...

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