Indoor things to do in Hamilton and Niagara this winter
Hamilton · Niagara · Winter · Rainy day · Indoor · Family · Friends
Winter in Hamilton and Niagara doesn't have to mean staying in.
Some of the region's best days happen indoors, from a rainforest full of free-flying birds to a hangar of vintage aircraft, with one famous festival of lights worth bundling up for.
Here's how to spend the cold months.
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The Winter Festival of Lights, Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls
The one outdoor exception, and worth it: Canada's largest free outdoor light festival fills Niagara Falls with millions of lights and more than 75 displays, and the Falls themselves are lit up each evening.
It runs from mid-November into early January; check the festival site for this season's dates. Warm up afterwards on Clifton Hill.
Good for: familycouplesfree
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Journey Behind the Falls
Niagara Falls
Open year-round: head down through 130-year-old tunnels to platforms beside the Horseshoe Falls. In winter, the ice formations around the Falls are a show of their own.
Table Rock Centre, 6650 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls
Good for: familyfriends
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Bird Kingdom, Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls
The world's largest free-flying indoor aviary: a warm, three-storey rainforest with hundreds of birds flying overhead. A perfect escape from a grey day, especially with kids.
5651 River Rd, Niagara Falls
Good for: familykids
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The Butterfly Conservatory
Niagara Falls
Tropical heat and thousands of butterflies, about 180 metres of paths, all under glass. Bring your winter coat and take it off at the door.
2565 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls
Good for: familycouples
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Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, Hamilton
Hamilton
A hangar of more than 40 vintage aircraft at Hamilton's airport in Mount Hope, including one of only two Lancaster bombers in the world that can still fly. Kids can climb into some cockpits.
Good for: familykidshistory
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Hamilton Farmers' Market
Hamilton
A year-round indoor market downtown, next to Jackson Square and the Hamilton Public Library, with more than 50 vendors selling local produce, baking, international food, coffee and flowers. Go hungry.
Good for: friendscouplesfood
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Art Gallery of Hamilton
Hamilton
One of the largest public galleries in Ontario, with family programming and art-making activities for kids alongside the collection.
123 King St W, Hamilton
Good for: familycouplesrainy day
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Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology
Hamilton
Two massive 70-ton steam engines that once pumped water to the whole city, in a 150-year-old waterworks. Surprisingly fun for kids who like machines.
Good for: familykids
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A night at TD Coliseum
Hamilton
Hamilton's rebuilt 18,000-seat arena hosts concerts, family shows and games all winter. Make a night of it downtown.
101 York Blvd, Hamilton
Good for: friendsevents
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A tasting at Forty Creek Distillery, Grimsby
Grimsby
Whisky tastings in a warm visitors' centre on the QEW in Grimsby.
297 South Service Rd W, Grimsby
Good for: friendscouples (19+)
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Volta Sports & Social Club, opening soon
Grimsby
This is what Volta is built for: indoor padel and pickleball all winter, golf simulators that don't care about the weather, a 24/7 gym, pilates, yoga and spin, a sauna and jacuzzi to warm up in, a kids zone, and a café where the afternoon disappears.
In Grimsby, right off the QEW.
Padel · Pickleball · Indoor golf · 24/7 gym · Pilates · Yoga · Spin · Wellness hub · Kids zone · Lounge and café
Questions we hear a lot
What can you do indoors in Hamilton in winter?
What can you do indoors in Niagara Falls in winter?
Is the Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights free?
Where can you play sports indoors near Hamilton and Niagara in winter?
What are rainy-day things to do with kids in Hamilton and Niagara?
Follow Volta from the beginning.
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