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Summary

11 Free Things To Do In Ontario This Winter If You've Already Blown Your Budget

Having fun doesn't have to cost a thing. ☃️

Staff Writer

All the holiday events and gifts can quickly become expensive. But just because you've already blown your budget doesn't mean you can't have fun. Here are 11 free things to do in Ontario this winter.

Once the snow hits the ground, there are so many things to see or do where you won't need to open your wallet. From holiday events filled with twinkling lights to classic winter fun like tobogganing, we have budget-friendly activities you'll want to try.

Simcoe Christmas Panorama

Price: Free

When: December 4, 2021, to January 2, 2022

Address: 50 Bonnie Dr., Simcoe, ON

Why You Need To Go: You'll have so much fun seeing the 300,000 colourful lights, festive displays and shopping at the market.

Website

Uxbridge Optimist Fantasy Of Lights

Price: Free (donations accepted)

When: December 4, 2021, to January 2, 2022

Address: Elgin Park Drive, Uxbridge, ON

Why You Need To Go: You can stay warm in your car and drive through a tunnel of lights on this 1.5-kilometre route.

Website

Felker's Falls

Price: Free

Address: Ackland Street, Stoney Creek, ON

Why You Need To Go: At Felker's Falls Conservation Area, you can enjoy the crisp air and hike to a 22-metre-high frozen waterfall.

Website

Burlington Holiday Market

Price: Free admission

When: December 9-12, 2021

Address: Burlington, ON

Why You Need To Go: The European-style market covered in twinkling lights is sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

Website

Visit Almonte

Price: Free

Address: Almonte, ON

Why You Need To Go: You can feel like the star of a Hallmark movie while exploring this postcard-worthy town.

Website

Holiday Magic At Blue Mountain Village

Price: Free

When: November 19, 2021, to January 2, 2022

Address: 156 Jozo Weider Blvd., The Blue Mountains, ON

Why You Need To Go: At Blue Mountain Village, you'll be able to follow a 1-kilometre trail of twinkling lights and see Santa in a horse-drawn carriage.

Website

Lights On Stratford

Price: Free

When: December 17, 2021, to January 28, 2022

Address: Stratford, ON

Why You Need To Go: At this immersive event, you'll be able to interact with glowing installations like a giant Sky Castle that will change colours as you move around it.

Website

St. Jacobs Sparkles

Price: Free

When: November 12-28, 2021

Address: St. Jacobs, ON

Why You Need To Go: St. Jacobs turns into a sparkling Christmas town in the winter, with the stores and streets covered in lights. You can get your photo taken with Santa, listen to live music and get a delicious cup of hot chocolate.

Website

Burlington Festival Of Lights

Price: Free

When: Friday, November 26 to Saturday, January 8

Address: Spencer Smith Park, 1400 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington, ON

Why You Need To Go: The Burlington Festival Of Lights would be the perfect date night, as the two of you can stroll through the park and see all the illuminated displays together.

Website

Winter Festival Of Lights

Price: Free

When: November 13, 2021, to February 21, 2022

Address: Niagara Falls, ON

Why You Need To Go: It is the largest free outdoor lights festival in Canada and will have 3 million dazzling lights.

Website

Green’s Creek Toboggan Hill

Price: Free

Address: Bearbrook Road, Ottawa, ON

Why You Need To Go: You can feel like a kid again and have fun sliding down this giant toboggan hill.

Website

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

  • Stephanie White was an Ottawa-based Associate Editor for Narcity Canada. She has been writing mouthwatering food and wanderlust-inspiring articles for Canadians since 2012. She has a B.A. and B.Ed. from Ottawa University. When she isn't writing, you can find her travelling the globe and trying new restaurants. Stephanie has previously been published on Insider, Flight Network, Apartment Therapy, Faces Magazine, Daily Hive, Dished and The Spruce.

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