Bundle up and get Winter Active with the family!

A CHILD’S PERSPECTIVE

With Paris’ Stephen L

It’s the middle of January and winter is really here now! With colder temperatures and mounds of snow, there’s plenty of things to do to keep you occupied before Winter ends! I’ve complied a list of things to check out, right here in Paris, this Winter season.

Ice Skating

Ice skating is a very popular activity to do during the winter season, especially if you know how to skate. If you’d like to go ice skating during the winter season, I’d suggest you go to the Brant Sports Complex which offers a welcoming family environment with its ice rinks, making it an ideal spot for skaters of all levels. Whether you're a cool pro or just starting, the rink provides a good setting for a day of skating enjoyment.

If you like that outdoor rink, there are usually a few outdoor rinks in Paris – Optimist Park and the Syl Apps Community Centre to name a few.

The open-air atmosphere brings charm to your winter activity with snowflakes falling, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the season while gliding on the ice.

Since the weather just turned winter a few days ago, those rinks are not ready yet, but stay tuned for future announcements (if the weather co-operates!)

Tobogganing

Make sure to check the weather channel for any snow in the future forecast and grab your sleds because tobogganing is another awesome kid-friendly activity to do during the winter season, and I know just the place to do that. After school, Paris District High School opens their field to the public so that children can play on the structure. But also, they have a bunch of hills surrounding the track that are great for tobogganing downhill. They vary from tall ones near the very edge of the track that are really thrilling to go down, to the short ones near the middle of the track. I’d suggest you should start there and then make your way up higher the more you progress

Arabella and Arizona Haw enjoy a sunny morning skate January 2022 at the Syl Apps Community Centre. No official word yet if the outdoor rinks, managed by the County of Brant with maintenance help from the local firefighters, will surface this year.

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But the Paris District High School isn’t the only place you could toboggan at, you can also toboggan at Lion’s Park in downtown Paris. Lion’s Park, located in downtown Paris, is another fantastic spot for some thrilling tobogganing fun With its large slopes and snowy terrain, it provides one of the best settings in Paris for winter excitement. The park has these big hills, making it a great destination for families and thrill-seekers alike for going downhill If you’re a real pro, take your chances at Green Lane where there are some really large hills and big thrills! Another great location is the mini hill at 56 Whitlaw Way at Bemrose Park. It’s a great starter hill if you’re new to the tobogganing game! So, if you're in the mood for some frosty adventures, grab your sleds and try them all out!

Paris Trails

The trails aren’t only a great attraction in the Fall, but in the Winter as well! Get ready to bundle up because the trails around Paris are open all year long The sensory walk at Paris’ Lion’s Park looks very pretty during the Winter with the trees that are all leaves-less and have snow on them. The river is flowing on the right which makes a very peaceful flowing sound as you walk on the trail admiring the forest. Make sure to bundle up before leaving the house!

Conclusion

From skating, to tobogganing, to hiking, there are still a ton of fun activities to do during the Winter in the great town of Paris, Ontario! As I have said before, it is the middle of Winter, and Spring is approaching, so make sure to spend some quality Winter outdoor activities with your family before the season ends!

-Stephen L

The cold doesn’t deter the Brant Pedlars and Paddlers from walking the Trails around Paris. Is there too much snow? Maybe consider snowshoeing at the Grand River Conservation Authority’s Pinehurst Park just outside of Paris! Make sure you check out the Conservation Authority’s status page before packing your gear for a winter trek!

GRAND RIVER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY –OUTDOOR WINTER ACTIVITIES

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing

•Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are offered at Laurel Creek, Pinehurst Lake, and Shade's Mills when trail conditions are suitable.

•Learn more about cross-country skiing and snowshoeing including fees, rentals and how to access information about what trails are open and current conditions.

Ice fishing

•An ice fishing program is offered at Shade's Mills, Pinehurst Lake and Belwood Lake, when conditions are suitable. Conditions are monitored to ensure the ice thickness meets safety requirements. When the ice is unsafe, the program is suspended until it is safe to resume.

•Learn more about ice fishing including fees, hours and how to access information about current conditions.

Hiking and walking

•The following conservation areas are open during the winter months, even when ski trail and ice fishing conditions aren't suitable for formal winter programs: Shade's Mills, Pinehurst Lake, Laurel Creek, Belwood Lake, Guelph Lake and Rockwood. For your safety, please heed any trail condition postings.

•All other Grand River Conservation Areas remain closed for the winter season, and are generally open from May 1 to October 15.

Where to check the current status of winter activities

Is ice fishing open? How about cross-country ski trails? The status of these activities, and more, can be found on our Conservation Area and Activities Status page. Information is updated in real time as conditions change. To avoid disappointment, check the current status before arriving.