Be it winter surfing, downhill skiing or festivals, our province remains ripe with exciting winter activities. The first long weekend of the year is upon us and what better way to celebrate the season of snow and Family Day than with a family-focused long weekend away, exploring and enjoying the wonderful winter escapes Ontario has to offer.
Winter glamping at Alabaster Acres
Just north of the city is a tranquil forest retreat waiting for you and your family this Family Day long weekend. It is truly a hidden gem. Alabaster Acres is a working farm owned and run by ex-Torontonians that were in search of some peace, serenity and a sky full of stars. Guests are hosted in large, luxurious glamping tents with heated king beds, a private firepit, and an inviting overstuffed armchair – the perfect setting for watching the sunset. Imagine lounging in a hot bath while the snow falls softly around you, before eating a farm fresh meal, and sharing a bottle of red wine (and marshmallows) around a roaring fire.
During the day, families are invited to take part in Pygmy Goat Playtime and yes, it is as adorable as it sounds. A small group of pygmy goats are excited to jump, cuddle and play with farm guests. Here you can learn some fun goat facts, feed the little rascals and of course, take a few selfies with this loveable bunch.
Guests can also experience a Farm Fresh Adventure, private interactive moments with the animals on the farm. Groups will learn about farm life while they hand feed alpacas, pet ducks, spend time with chickens, snuggle bunnies and yes – play with those cute goats!
What makes an Alabaster Acres getaway so unique is their ability to both pamper guests while simultaneously making them feel like one of the family. They are genuine, warm and will go out of their way to ensure that you and your family have an experience that you will never forget. There are even more wonderful winter activities in the works on Alabaster Acres so watch this space.
Tubing adventure at Chicopee Tube Park
If you’ve never been a skier, Chicopee Tube Park in Kitchener is the perfect way to hit the slopes this Family Day for some non-ski downhill fun. Located about an hour from Toronto, Chicopee Tube Park has the inner tubes, the snow and the warm lodge needed to create the ultimate outdoor experience. Passes are sold in 90-minute increments to ensure that the hill is never too crowded. Six 900 ft. tubing runs, on the 250 ft. high hill, mean that you will never have to wait too long for a ride. A carpet conveyor belt carries seated riders up the hill to enjoy another snowy adrenaline rush.
If you’re looking for some ‘après tube’ refreshments, the on-site Pine Valley Chalet has both an indoor and outdoor restaurant that overlooks the hill. The lodge itself is 9,500 square feet with 2,500 square feet of sweeping outdoor decking. These restaurants offer a BBQ menu, snacks, hot drinks and a fully licensed bar. There is even a Chic-o-Peek webcam with live footage of snow conditions and riders flying down all six runs. At Chicopee Tube Park, your whole family can enjoy some safe, simple yet thrilling, outdoor winter fun.
Winterfest at Hello Winter ’22 in Barrie
Named one of the Top 100 festivals in Ontario, Barrie’s Winterfest is an annual celebration that includes food, art, music and more. This year, the city is opting for more COVID-friendly outdoor-only festivities throughout February and March.
From Feb. 18 until March 20, anyone is invited to enter the community ice sculpture challenge, and artists are invited to submit their projection-based art installations for display in downtown Barrie. Simultaneously, Chimes, an interactive art installation, will fill Meridian Place with a symphony of sound and light that results from the movement of the chimes – whether by wind or human interaction. Parks around the city will be holding Nature in Winter Pop Ups, and on Sundays, visitors can take a tour of the Barrie City centre with Barrie’s Town Crier, walk the delicious Hot Cocoa Trail or watch the Mariposa Skating Showcase.
In addition to all this action, on Family Day, Barrie’s Community Sports Complex will feature several exciting and classic Winterfest activities such as a polar bear dip, axe throwing, tubing, horse-drawn wagon rides, thrilling lumberjack shows, snow sliding and a challenging ice maze.