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It's time to brave the cold weather and have some fun in the great outdoors. Here's where to enjoy top tier winter sports and activities in and around Welland. From the heart of the city to the peaks of Ellicottville, this area is home to some amazing spots to get outside and stay active.

Go skating

Welland offers a mix of local community rinks and "bucket-list" destinations just a short drive away. Within the City of Welland there are several natural ice rinks to visit.

Chippawa Park Pond 

When the Chippawa Park Pond freezes over, it transforms into a scene from a vintage postcard. It’s spacious, surrounded by mature trees, and offers a memorable skating experience for anyone who’s up for a glide.

Memorial Park and St. George Park 

For those looking for a quick skate closer to home, Memorial Park and St. George Park boast convenient neighbourhood rinks that are perfect for a pickup game of shinny or a few laps after work.

Pillar and Post (Niagara-on-the-Lake)

If you feel like a drive and a skate, you can head 25 minutes north to The Gardens at Pillar and Post. This beautiful rink is located in a Monet-inspired garden. With fire pits, twinkling lights, and an outdoor café serving hot toddies and snacks, it’s an incredibly romantic spot in the Welland area.

Go tobogganing

Welland and its neighbours have some of the best "big hills" in the region. Whether you have toddlers, young kids, or you’re a thrill-seeker, there’s a slope for you.

Chippawa Park (Welland) 

For a reliable, family-friendly hill, stay local. The slopes at Chippawa Park are gentle enough for small children but long enough to satisfy a need for speed.

Marlene Stewart Streit Park (Fonthill) 

If you take a short 10-minute drive into Pelham, Marlene Stewart Streit Park offers a fantastic hill that has been a favourite of locals for generations. It’s steep, fast, and packed with happy sledders.

The "Seaway Hill" (Thorold) 

Located on Canal Road near the Glendale bridge, Seaway Hill in Thorold is widely considered the "King of Hills" in Niagara. It is massive, wide, and offers a long run-out. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s a must-do for serious tobogganers.

Go snowshoeing and cross-country skiing

The trails around Welland are second to none:

Merritt Island (Welland) 

Merritt Island features a 4.2 km loop. It’s stunning in the winter. The trees break the wind and the view of the frozen canal is serene. It’s the perfect flat terrain for beginners or those looking for a meditative snowshoe.

Short Hills Provincial Park (Pelham/St. Catharines) 

Up for a challenge? Short Hills features a range of elevations in the area. The Palaeozoic Path and Black Walnut Trail offer challenging terrain that will definitely get your heart rate up.

Chippawa Creek Conservation Area (Wellandport) 

Just west of Welland, Chippawa Creek Conservation Area offers wide-open trails and the quiet beauty of the Welland River. It’s a great spot for cross-country skiers who want to avoid the crowds.

Go downhill skiing and snowboarding

While Welland itself is relatively flat, two world-class ski destinations are within easy reach for a day trip or a weekend getaway.

Holiday Valley (Ellicottville, NY)

Located 1.5 hours from Welland in the U.S. (don't forget your passport!), Holiday Valley is the gold standard for skiing near Niagara. With 60 trails, 13 lifts, and a charming "Après-ski" village, it feels like a mini-Vail.

Glen Eden (Milton, ON)

If you want to stay on the Canadian side of the border, Glen Eden is roughly an hour's drive away. Nestled on the Niagara Escarpment, it’s a fantastic spot for beginners and intermediate riders. Their "Discover" programs are famous for getting new skiers on their feet in a single afternoon.

MazeWood Snow Peak

For something entirely different, visit MazeWood (formerly the Niagara Falls Holiday Village) on Lundy’s Lane. It features a 250-foot-long snow tube hill with a magic carpet ride to the top. It’s perfect for those who want the thrill of the hill without the hike back up!

Welland offers a winter season of adventures. Whether you’re gliding across the pond at Chippawa Park or racing down the chutes at Holiday Valley, there is no shortage of ways to make the most of the frost.

Looking for a new place to call home in Welland in the new year? With apartments, townhouses and homes for rent across the country, we can help.