Top 5 Activities for an Unexpected Snow Day

📅 December 10, 2025 ✍️ Local Guide ⏱️ 3 min read

The call came in at 6:15 AM: "All schools are closed." You've got a free day! Instead of staying in bed all day (though that's nice too), here are the best ways to enjoy the winter wonderland in Halton Region.

1. Hit the Legendary Toboggan Hills

Halton is home to some of the best sledding in the GTA. Our top picks:

Bronte Creek Provincial Park (Oakville): A classic spot with a huge hill near the day-use area. Perfect for all ages.
Lowville Park (Burlington): Steep, fast, and incredibly scenic. A favorite for thrill-seekers.
Sixteen Mile Creek (Oakville): Various spots along the trails offer great impromptu sledding.

2. Skate at Unique Outdoor Rinks

If the roads are safe enough to drive, check out the Rotary Centennial Pond in Burlington or the outdoor rink at Trafalgar Park in Oakville. There's nothing like skating outdoors while snow falls gently around you.

3. Build an Igloo (or Quinzhee)

With the heavy, packing snow we often get in Southern Ontario, building a snow fort is a rite of passage. Try building a "quinzhee"—mound up a huge pile of snow, let it settle for a few hours (have hot chocolate while you wait), and then hollow it out.

                Safety Tip: Never tunnel into snowbanks near the road. Plows cannot see you! Stick to
                the backyard.
            

4. Winter Photography Hike

The Bruce Trail near Milton or Mount Nemo Conservation Area offer breathtaking views when covered in fresh snow. The contrast of white snow against the Niagara Escarpment cliffs is Instagram gold.

5. The Ultimate Hot Chocolate Tour

Once you're frozen solid, warm up at local gems. We recommend checking out the cafes in Downtown Oakville or Village Square in Burlington for the richest hot cocoa.

Enjoy your day off! And remember to check the Snow Day Predictor tonight to see if you'll be lucky enough to get two days in a row.